Katy Trail Forum

For those of you who have taken the train, what are the procedures if you are "rolling on" your bike? What part of the train do you board? How early should you arrive at the train station?

If you're making a reservation in advance, tell them you have a bike. Only a limited number of bikes can be taken on the train (I think 4). There is also a $10 charge. It's not necessary to get to the train station early like going the airport. When the train arrives the conductor will probably tell you to go to the last door of the last car. He will take your bike and you can continue to your seat.



Having said that, it is also possible to buy a ticket, with your bike, when the train arrives. If there is room for your bike then there isn't a problem. However there is a small chance they might already have 4 bikes on board.



I took Amtrak with my bike from Jeff City to Kirkwood and thought it was awesome.



Good luck with your trip.

BEWARE riding Amtrak with your bike! We followed all the instructions - purchased tickets in advance with bike tickets, etc. However, when we boarded with our bikes in Hermann for the ride back to Sedalia, our bike spots had been given away to some people who boarded before us - without reserved bike tickets. The conductor was NO help. Fifteen minutes into the trip (standing with our bikes and swaying with the train)we finally broke out our own bungee cords and had to bungee our bikes together and to the door handle of one of the bathrooms in the back of the train.



I contacted Amtrak after getting home, and all I have received is an email saying that they would be contacting me. The trip was over 2 months ago.



AMTRAK will give away your reserved bike spots to anyone boarding with bikes!

Sorry about your bad Amtrak expereince Kim. I guess I've been lucky in the past with friendly,helpful staff and on time trains.



Speaking for myself, I really woundnt care where they had me place my bike as long as I didnt have to disassemble it. Katy riders are lucky, most Amtrak routes make you cram your bike in a box.



Paulie

I've taken bikes on Amtrak a couple of times. The first time was an awesome experience and the 2nd time was a bad experience. We had reserved bike tickets but they had no place for our bikes nor did they have a way to secure them. We had to argue with the conductor (thus, holding up the train) while standing in front of all the other passengers. So my experience is 50/50 with bikes on Amtrak. It's a great deal for Katy Trail riders but be prepared for problems. Best of luck!

We had a good experience in Washington. We purchased our tickets ahead of time from

their website and were nervous--we got there early and were first in line, ready to plead

our case. The conductor didn't blink when he saw us. My advice--they don't stop the

train for long! It's a tall step and the conductor grabbed my front wheel to help me get

on board. As I stepped on, he pointed to the spot where our bikes went, and then

grabbed me by the arm as the train started moving! DItto the disassemble comment--

their website said be ready to loosen your pedals and handlebars and we weren't looking

forward to that--but it wasn't necessary. We propped them up against a couple other

bikes in the front of the car.

We swung through Treloar about 11:00 and stopped to take a break. The Bar & Grill looked

closed so we rolled up to the soda machine. The cyclist in front of us circled the parking

lot and rode away. As we pulled out our change and began to pet the black lab, two locals

in a pickup truck rolled up and walked into the restaurant. Moral of the story--always

check the door. I would have sworn they were closed and I think I our fellow cyclist headed

home without lunch!

We spent the night in Hermann this week after riding in from St. Louis. (Beware--Peers

and Treloar the last water/food stops before McKittrick--stock up!) No problem picking

up the dirt path just past the McKittrick trailhead that lead up to the highway. Nice wide

shoulder led us to the new bike lane across the bridge. We stayed at Capt Wohlt Inn,

which is just across the bridge. Nice clean room, with a fridge, jacuzzi and

complimentary brownies. They directed us to several restaurants and historical sights.

We ate twice at Trapper's Grill and loved it. Walked to the Hermanhoff winery for an

afternoon bottle of wine with cheese and sausage. Swung by the bike shop at the end of

the street for an extra water bottle. Be sure to let them know you are riding the Katy

and request an early check in (normal check in is 4). Breakfast was at 8:30--we usually

like to leave earlier but the weather was beautiful and we enjoyed having breakfast with

another couple staying at the Inn that rode in on the train. We'll be back.

do not try to ride over the bridge... i am amazed no one has died on it... one of the scariest

things i have ever done... no kidding...

You must have ridden INTO town on the south bound lanes. The bike lane(in and out of Jefferson City) is actually on the shoulder of the north (out bound) lanes of traffic and easily done.

nope..... if you dont mind cars coming at you at 70 miles an hour with nothing between you

and them but about 6 inches and air...

Why not stay in Hartsburg, you are seconds away from the trail and it is only about 10 miles from Jeff. City.

Maybe because some people want to visit Jefferson City and see the sites?

Wow. Sorry you had such a bad experience. We took the train to Jeff City, and despite not

liking to ride on the road--we had no problem riding across the bridge. In fact, as I recall

it was early on a weekend and drivers slowed and got over to the far left lane so that we

could ride in the right lane and out of the "debris" that is common on the side of the road.

I hope other's aren't discouraged--it's a good idea carry a "backup" phone number (cab,

B&B) in case I see a bridge I don't like. (A mirror also makes such bridge crossings a little

less stressful).

Wow, wow, wow! I expected it to be nice, but my expectations were blown away. For less than I recently spent to stay at a Holiday Inn Express, I got quadruple the fun! Everything was just fantastic. The constant service made us feel, well, special. What sweet people!!! The food was top notch, right down to the coffee in the elegant silver and glass carafe, and well... I don't want to spoil any surprises for anyone, but everything was just wonderful. I certainly plan to return. Thanks guys!

Wow, wow, wow! I expected it to be nice, but my expectations were blown away. For less than I recently spent to stay at a Holiday Inn Express, I got quadruple the fun! Everything was just fantastic. The constant service made us feel, well, special. What sweet people!!! The food was top notch, right down to the coffee in the elegant silver and glass carafe, and well... I don't want to spoil any surprises for anyone, but everything was just wonderful. I certainly plan to return. Thanks guys!

Thanks so much! It was great to get to know you. we look forward to your return visit!

Thanks so much! It was great to get to know you. we look forward to your return visit!

best grilled cheese on the trail....

best grilled cheese on the trail....

Also they have the best Cheeseburger you'll find any where!!!

Also they have the best Cheeseburger you'll find any where!!!

went the other night and not fancy but the food was great and the service perfect. everything was clean and cooked to order. all three grandchildren ate free and their food was as good as ours. nothings close to us except this place so i guess we lucked out. must go and try for your self. also prices are unbelievable. debi

went the other night and not fancy but the food was great and the service perfect. everything was clean and cooked to order. all three grandchildren ate free and their food was as good as ours. nothings close to us except this place so i guess we lucked out. must go and try for your self. also prices are unbelievable. debi

I would like to know if someone could post the business hours for the deli because it seems like they are always closed when I go by it.

I would like to know if someone could post the business hours for the deli because it seems like they are always closed when I go by it.

It says that they open everyday at 7am but I know that it is not true because I was there 3 weekday mornings in a row during July and it wasn't open any of those times.

It says that they open everyday at 7am but I know that it is not true because I was there 3 weekday mornings in a row during July and it wasn't open any of those times.

Unfortunately, the Mississippi Fish Shack closed in early 2008.

Unfortunately, the Mississippi Fish Shack closed in early 2008.

Is this the one that is moving to Columbia?

Is this the one that is moving to Columbia?

I'm pretty sure it is, but I'm not positive. Look out for it--especially if you like fried catfish!

I'm pretty sure it is, but I'm not positive. Look out for it--especially if you like fried catfish!

Any idea how to reach Kim to talk to her re: the new Columbia store

Any idea how to reach Kim to talk to her re: the new Columbia store

is is located on the corner of 10th and broadway in columbia the old building where village wine and cheese was located

is is located on the corner of 10th and broadway in columbia the old building where village wine and cheese was located

what a fun place.... breakfast was unreal good..

what a fun place.... breakfast was unreal good..

good food i recommend the twice baked potato...

good food i recommend the twice baked potato...

good bar food... nice guy...

good bar food... nice guy...

great place... super nice people... a must

great place... super nice people... a must

It's true! This full-service but casual restaurant has a few micro- and craft macro-brews on tap, and many choices including vegetarian options for an excellent cycling lunch. Service was attentive and friendly. They are very convenient to the Boonville trailhead.

It's true! This full-service but casual restaurant has a few micro- and craft macro-brews on tap, and many choices including vegetarian options for an excellent cycling lunch. Service was attentive and friendly. They are very convenient to the Boonville trailhead.

food looked good... we waited for 15 minutes and didnt even get a water so we left... they

were to busy or something...

food looked good... we waited for 15 minutes and didnt even get a water so we left... they

were to busy or something...

great place to stay... lynn was awesome and couldnt be more helpful...

great place to stay... lynn was awesome and couldnt be more helpful...

great place.... huge sandwichs for cheap.... also vegetarian friendly

great place.... huge sandwichs for cheap.... also vegetarian friendly

ate a gueber burger... i highly recommend it... great place..

ate a gueber burger... i highly recommend it... great place..

cecil is a cool guy if you get a chance stop in... he has tons of vintage schwinn stuff..

cecil is a cool guy if you get a chance stop in... he has tons of vintage schwinn stuff..

we had a great time there A+

we had a great time there A+

I will never be back and will let everyone know why. It was the most horrible dining experience I have had in a very long time. The service here is awful. The owner doesn't care if he has repeat customers or not. Of course they tack on the 17% gratuity because they know they probably wont get much of a tip if they dont. They dont split tickets, they drop food, they don't return to the table after delivering the food. They really should step back and examine how they treat customers.

I will never be back and will let everyone know why. It was the most horrible dining experience I have had in a very long time. The service here is awful. The owner doesn't care if he has repeat customers or not. Of course they tack on the 17% gratuity because they know they probably wont get much of a tip if they dont. They dont split tickets, they drop food, they don't return to the table after delivering the food. They really should step back and examine how they treat customers.

i did not eat there but i stayed there and it was awesome.... lynn the person working was

awesome i give the hotel a 10

i did not eat there but i stayed there and it was awesome.... lynn the person working was

awesome i give the hotel a 10

I forgot to give my little "review" in the last post.

Schoolhouse BB for our Friday nite stay was an awesome place. I highly recommend to anyone. VERY comfy bed!!(of course after a 50 mile ride a stetcher would probabley be comfortable!) Great breakfast and plenty of coffee!! We stayed in the "schoolmaster" room. It was nice for what we had planned. Peeked into the "Dick and Jane" room..now that looked even better!! maybe try that next time.

Stayed at the Hotel Frederick on Saturday nite. Had that cool old timey turn of the century "feel", then you go to your modernized room.

Very nice rooms. Complaint... you can hear everything above, beside etc. A locked door in our room went to the adjoining rooms bathroom. we could hear someone taking care of business the next morning. At 6:30 am we could hear a woman in her high heels clickety clacking above us like she was pacing the floor (guess it couldve been a guy??). The cafe was so busy on saturday nite and because of an apparent lack of servers the service kinda sucked. But the food was good when it finally came. We were staying there anyway and were in no hurry to go anywhere but up to our room, so no biggy this time.

Overall Hotel Frederick was too pricey for such a noisy room.

Schoolhouse highly recommend it!!

I too have stayed at The Frederick and could not have been more surprised that there was actually a complaint about this beautiful property. The rooms are modern, but that is what I wanted. Great beds, wonderful linens, flat screen T.V.'S., and a great staff! As far as the price, it seemed a bargain for what you get! To each his own. P.S. Probably the best staff I have dealt with

I got the address and maped it with google maps it is 8-10 miles from the trail.



6401 West Highway 40, Columbia, MO 65202

Site --- http://www.travelpost.com/hotels/Midway_Budget_Inn/h74283

I got the address and maped it with google maps it is 8-10 miles from the trail.



6401 West Highway 40, Columbia, MO 65202

Site --- http://www.travelpost.com/hotels/Midway_Budget_Inn/h74283

I called this number listed above and the address is way off on the Katy site. The person at the Budget Inn said the trail is about a 20 min DRIVE from the room. Looks like a tent in the heat for us on this trip. Anyone stayed at this place?????



Now it could be the person on the phone did not know what she was talking about.

I called this number listed above and the address is way off on the Katy site. The person at the Budget Inn said the trail is about a 20 min DRIVE from the room. Looks like a tent in the heat for us on this trip. Anyone stayed at this place?????



Now it could be the person on the phone did not know what she was talking about.

I live in Columbia and the Midway Budget Inn is indeed a long ways from Rochport. It simply would not be practical to stay there while biking. However, I am sure there are some good B&Bs in Rochport.

I live in Columbia and the Midway Budget Inn is indeed a long ways from Rochport. It simply would not be practical to stay there while biking. However, I am sure there are some good B&Bs in Rochport.

My favorite B&B on the trail. I've ridden the whole trail and stayed in Das Haus Nadler 5 or 6 times on various rides in the last 10 years. Very clean & well kept. You won't find a friendlier place to stay.

My favorite B&B on the trail. I've ridden the whole trail and stayed in Das Haus Nadler 5 or 6 times on various rides in the last 10 years. Very clean & well kept. You won't find a friendlier place to stay.

We're planning on riding the trail in Sept. Is there any place to eat in Augusta after 5pm on a week night?

Their are 5 eating establishments listed in "The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook", by Brett Dufur (2007 edition). I found this guide very valuable when I rode the trail in 2003, planning another ride in September this year. Listed under "Eats" are:

Cafe Belia Restaurant-5501 Locust

Augusta Grocery-5634 High Street

Centennial Farms-199 Jackson St.

Augusta Brewing Co-5521 Water St.

Johann's General Store-Corner of Jackson and Walnut

Obviously I know nothing about these establishments, just reporting what's listed in the guide book.

the casino has a free shuttle into town from all the motels along I-70. so access into town is not a problem it runs every hour

the casino has a free shuttle into town from all the motels along I-70. so access into town is not a problem it runs every hour

And they'll haul your bikes if you staying along I-70 and wanting to visit the casino enroute to the trail???

And they'll haul your bikes if you staying along I-70 and wanting to visit the casino enroute to the trail???

Yes, they will haul you AND your bike, for free. The I-70 hotels were very accommodating to Casino guests before the Casino had its own hotel. Now, the Isle of Capri is repaying the favor--and it's good PR, too.



The Isle of Capri is very Katy-friendly. They offer a free bike locker for those who want to explore--even if you're not staying at the hotel.



No, I don't work for them! Just trying to get this good information out there so people can use it.

Yes, they will haul you AND your bike, for free. The I-70 hotels were very accommodating to Casino guests before the Casino had its own hotel. Now, the Isle of Capri is repaying the favor--and it's good PR, too.



The Isle of Capri is very Katy-friendly. They offer a free bike locker for those who want to explore--even if you're not staying at the hotel.



No, I don't work for them! Just trying to get this good information out there so people can use it.