Katy Trail Forum

Last fall I was riding from Weldon Springs to Marthasville and back. I got as far as Dutzow and was attacked by a dog. I rode my bike to Augusta with two large puncture wounds in my calf, bleeding extensively. I went into the River Witch Saloon and was treated horribly. I was in tears and asked if I could use the restroom to wash the blood from my wounds which were filthy from the trail. My entire shoe was filled with blood and my wounds were obvious. The bartender told me to go somewhere else further down the street. What a jerk. He was so rude to me. I rode on to Defiance where I was treated for my injury by a very kind shop owner. I will never go to this dump again. Beware!

Last fall I was riding from Weldon Springs to Marthasville and back. I got as far as Dutzow and was attacked by a dog. I rode my bike to Augusta with two large puncture wounds in my calf, bleeding extensively. I went into the River Witch Saloon and was treated horribly. I was in tears and asked if I could use the restroom to wash the blood from my wounds which were filthy from the trail. My entire shoe was filled with blood and my wounds were obvious. The bartender told me to go somewhere else further down the street. What a jerk. He was so rude to me. I rode on to Defiance where I was treated for my injury by a very kind shop owner. I will never go to this dump again. Beware!

Them dogs from Deon's bar in Pilot grove are on the lose again. We need to get a posse up and take care of those critters. Have to bolt the door on the bar first to keep the locals in. Can't let those dudes out in main street public.

Them dogs from Deon's bar in Pilot grove are on the lose again. We need to get a posse up and take care of those critters. Have to bolt the door on the bar first to keep the locals in. Can't let those dudes out in main street public.

I recently made a cross-state trip across Missouri, beginning in St. Charles and ending just over the Kansas border. Many thanks to Doug Rendleman of the Rendleman B & B. He provided me with a helmet mirror for the "Highway Leg" of my journey. Thanks, Doug. I enjoyed visiting with the other KATY bikers and hikers along the way. Total trip time was 3.5 days and ~300 miles. Highlights included eating at Dotty's in Hartsburg, the Rendleman Home, perfect weather and shacking up at Boonville's Hotel Fredrick. Also many thanks to this website and its Comment Forum users for all the advice I received prior to my trip. The KATY is our jewel...

Congrats Jeremy! As Missouri is not well know for nice wide riding shoulders....or being road bike friendly....I'd be curious to know your route off the Katy. Did you blog it on crazyguyonabike.com?

Glad the mirror helped! You were fun and another bright spot of life. Kind of wanted that to continue! Wear it well and stop back by!

What is address for Maxine's?

What is address for Maxine's?

Maxine's is located near the east end of the trail at 902 Cedar Dr. The Chamber of Commerce has a complete listing of sleeping rooms to rent.

Maxine's is located near the east end of the trail at 902 Cedar Dr. The Chamber of Commerce has a complete listing of sleeping rooms to rent.

This response is submitted with the concurrence of numerous small businesses in and around Sedalia.



Please be aware that Maxine's Rooms for Rent is not licensed, inspected or insured. She also does not pay the required city, county or state lodging taxes that legitimate hotels and B&B's do. So called sleeping rooms were intended to create more rooms during special events, such as State Fair, after the local lodging establishments were full. However, they were never intended to be allowed to open their doors on a full-time basis to compete against local licensed businesses. The city code enforcement office says that they do not have the time to investigate places such as Maxine's until someone files a complaint. We hope it doesn't reach that point.



You may call the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and they will no longer recommend Maxine's as a lodging establishment, except during special events when all other hotels and B&B's are full. Sedalia businesses would welcome her and other private residences as competition once they meet the same requirements to obtain an operating license that we must. However, they will find it impossible to continue charging the same low rates.



Finally, we all put customer care and satisfaction number one. However, people operating sleeping rooms provide no immediate protection if something unfortunate does happen to their customers. Those with business insurance have quick coverage for your person and/or equipment if something were to happen while in our care. We appreciate your business.

This response is submitted with the concurrence of numerous small businesses in and around Sedalia.



Please be aware that Maxine's Rooms for Rent is not licensed, inspected or insured. She also does not pay the required city, county or state lodging taxes that legitimate hotels and B&B's do. So called sleeping rooms were intended to create more rooms during special events, such as State Fair, after the local lodging establishments were full. However, they were never intended to be allowed to open their doors on a full-time basis to compete against local licensed businesses. The city code enforcement office says that they do not have the time to investigate places such as Maxine's until someone files a complaint. We hope it doesn't reach that point.



You may call the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and they will no longer recommend Maxine's as a lodging establishment, except during special events when all other hotels and B&B's are full. Sedalia businesses would welcome her and other private residences as competition once they meet the same requirements to obtain an operating license that we must. However, they will find it impossible to continue charging the same low rates.



Finally, we all put customer care and satisfaction number one. However, people operating sleeping rooms provide no immediate protection if something unfortunate does happen to their customers. Those with business insurance have quick coverage for your person and/or equipment if something were to happen while in our care. We appreciate your business.

Great service! Rodney is a very interesting guy and has biked all over North America. So very interesting to listen to and very knowledgable. He even looked my bike over for problems before he dropped me off. Such a great guy.

Great service! Rodney is a very interesting guy and has biked all over North America. So very interesting to listen to and very knowledgable. He even looked my bike over for problems before he dropped me off. Such a great guy.

I'm planning my first ride on the Katy Trail this tuesday from St. Charles to Hermann. Trying to find out if the trail has any flooding within these two points? Has anyone done any riding this weekend that you could fill me in? Thanks

I just rode the whole trail from Clinton to St. Charles (finished last night) and didn't have any

flooded parts of the trail. The water is definitely high as can be seen when crossing any

bridge, but the trail is high enough that it was fine. Hope this helps! Erick

I did see qite a bit of flooding over trail this am just west of Rocheport from 179 to 180 mile marker. I haven't checked weather but would not be surprised if it does not close today in that area.

We were just biking the Katy this morning and were nearly run down by a dump truck and some construction vehicles (not state park vehicles) between Weldon Spring depot and Greens Bottom depot. I thought that motor vehicles were not allowed on the trail! Just a warning - be sure your guard is up - they were moving at a pretty good clip.

Must have been Yankee drivers

What's a yankee driver?

His name " cseeds" so it must have been a Yankee trying to run him over. Too subtle I guess.

If motorized vehicles were not allowed on the trail than maintenance would be a bear.



Imagine a pedal powered dumpbike carrying 6 tons of gravel down the trail.



Also the labor costs involved in the paying the 24 people required to pedal such a

contraption would be immense.

Fred and Barney seemed to manage. They worked at the Slate Quarry for years.

This is more of a question than a comment ... what is the deal with dogs on the trail? Can I

go for a bike ride and have my dog run leash-free beside me on any section(s) of the trail?

I've seen comments about people who don't leash their dogs, but it's never clear to me when

you need to and when you don't. I even have this problem in Columbia because there are

designated leash-free zones and then they add comments like "except on established walking

trails" ... I don't know what's included and what's not.

I think you would more likely encounter a problem going 5 miles over the speed limit. As long as you are away from the heavy populated urban trail areas.. Go for it. Only a squirrel or two many be affected.

from the Katy Trail State Park website:



Can I take my dog to the state parks?



Pets must be kept on leashes at all times. Pets, other than service dogs used by persons with disabilities, are not allowed in any state park or historic site building including cabins and motels. You may take your dog on most of the hiking trails except at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, where you may not take your dog on the trail and down to the shut-ins.

I read on a comment here that the fee was 7 dollars to camp during non-fair times at the

fairgrounds.



I called them and the person on the phone said it was $18.00 which seems stupidly high.

I am arriving by bike so I will not be parking a car.



What is the real price and since I'm riding to get to SW cheaply and not for fun I am

wondering what the % chance is that I can camp at night without a fee at all? For example,

if I arrive after dark can I get away with it?

Now Robert..are things that bad that you can't spend a few bucks to lay your head down at night? What if you need to air up a tire and all they have are those 50 cent pump machines at Caseys? Can you afford air? If you're so inclined though, I'd say go for it Robert. You might also want to try wandering around a restaurant buffet or a local grocery store and see if you can get by with eating free too. I found a dollar on the ground north of Pilot Grove one time.....keep your eyes open. And, let us know how stealth you are on the trip.

This is the information that I found on another website...This sounds more reasonable to me. I have no problem paying 6 bucks for a shower.



The inner campground has full hook-ups and the fee is $12 per night for RV and $6 per night for tent. Security officers collect fees during their patrol. All sites are first-come, first-served.



Can anyone verify this? I suppose the young woman was wrong on the phone?

Its $10.00



The first night I camped by the swine barn because I could not find the official camping

area. That worked out great and in fact two other Katy riders who also could not find the

camping area set up their tent right by mine.



So that was free because but on the way back through I found the camping area and

within 5 minutes a nice gentlemen came by and got my $10.00.

10$ is alot put up tent I think.What going rate for shower these days?

This was my first ride. Thanks to everyone for their hospitality. The DNR and Parks staff were very organized and worked very hard support the ride. Kudos to them. The volunteers at the sag stops were a very welcome site... It was grueling but self gratifying. See you next year.

I agree...awesome ride. The DNR and Parks dept had a lot to deal with due to the flooding and 2 separate detours and just the logistics and planning of the entire ride.

They did a great job everyday. It was nice to see "old" and new faces on the ride and meet riders from as far away as the United Kingdom. The food was great as always(breakfast in Rhineland my favorite).

Hats off to all the staff and volunteers. Can't wait till next years ride.

I agree 100% a great time with a super group of people. It was nice to see folks from last year and meet a bunch of new friends. The staff once again did an excellent job and as for the food, all that riding and I didn't lose a pound.... hope to see you all next year when it's downhill and the wind is to our backs! Jim from KS

Ditto, thoroughly enjoyed my 2nd year on the annual ride, and am thankful DNR did such an impressive job that my husband (who rode for the 1st time this year) wants to make it an annual event. Fellow riders, you were amazing, too. Loved getting to know so many of you. Clearly, the Katy Trail Ride is the best equivalent to "summer camp for adults" around! I only wish they had the dates and itinerary for next year's ride already. I'm ready to start thinking about next year's ride!

What a JIM DANDY of a time! I loved the ride. The DNR staff was amazing. There was a lady named Kendra that was especially nice. She put up with me and my friends all week long. Every time I saw her she offered me a piece of "Big Red". I had 86 flat tires during the week and she was there to fix 81 of them. When I found out she was a KC Royals fan, I really thought she was swell. She really seems to be one groovy chick! Go Kendra!

I have to agree with all the comments.....Great ride and unbelievable support! The meals were great....but I would like to see at least scrambled eggs every morning. Looking forward to riding down hill next year.



Don

This was my first ride and I agree with everyone else. It was a great time. I've worked with alot of children's camps over the years, it was very nice to be on the "other" side and be the "kid." It takes alot of work to pull something like this off and to do such a great job! Thank you DNR staff and volunteers!!

I would like to see the Katy trail extended down to Appleton City, Missouri. I understand the MKT depot fully restored in town is one of the oldest in the state. I have hiked the entire route up to Clinton and very beautiful scenery. What would have to be done to extend down to us. We have a lot of sites and history to offer, specifically with the restored depot, MKT caboose, oldest library in the state and a beautiful historical district and museum. Please someone let me know what it takes to get it down to us. I think Nevada, MO would be onboard for it continuing the trail to them as well.

I don't have any pull other than just the voice of another 'common' citizen. That would be GREAT however, I know there's been talk of a trail connecting to bolivar somwhere, somehow which would then connect the Frisco Highline Trail that connects Springfield to Bolivar and THEN what a trail we'd have ! WOW.



thanks!!

Maybe you all need to hook up with the Rails to Trails Conservancy. They are in the business of helping with rails to trails conversions.



http://www.railtrails.org/index.html

That would be great. I use the Katy trail for transportation to visit family in SW Missouri.



I currently ride the trails from Columbia to Clinton and then have to head south down 13

highway. The trail would be much more pleasant to say the least.

How far is the ride via the Katy Trail from St. Charles to Columbia?



Thanks

From looking at the mileage charts, looks like it would be about 130 to McBaine, another 0.3-4 to Hindman Junction where the MKT spur then takes you into Columbia for another 8.9 miles. Looks like about 139.3 total.

To all those quick to complain; Yes you have a right to complain. However, once you exercise that right you have an obligation to sing praises. If you do complain; be fair, be honest and speak well of the good as much as the bad because it is there too. If you can only find fault in your life, your opinion is of no value.

Hhmmm.....someone been complain'n too much for ya Les???

Don't you know it! The complaints all seem to come from a few people that diss all kinds of businesses along the trail but find nothing to compliment; while the positive comments cover a variety of subjects. I've been to most of the places commented on and I always seem to think "Didn't this guy look around at all?"

A rep from the Missouri State Archives in Jeff City recently told me that they are planning a

bike path UNDER the bridge to hook up with the Katy. I haven't seen this anywhere else, so

keep your eyes peeled for more info!

Yes, the local newspaper (www.newstribune.com) reported on the possible designs on May 18,2008. Hanging the pedrestrian/cyclist attachment under the roadway option has many benefits. However, it would need Coast Guard approval for river traffic clearance heights. So will that be the final design? Flip a coin, its a 50/50 chance.

I am writing in regards to flooding along the Katy Trail. My wife and I are planning on biking the Katy next Wednesday through Friday. With the rise of the Missouri, is their the potential of flooding from Jefferson City to St. Charles next week?

Yes there is a possibility for further flooding on the Katy Trail with the continued rain. My friends and I are planning on riding the trail 6/28 to 7/1. Here is the URL to track the river levels in Missouri:http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mo/nwis/current?type=flow&group_key=basin_cd&s. When the level in Boonville gets to be 24 - 25 ft then the trail between Hwy 40 and Rocheport (MM179 - 181.5)usually gets covered. There is an easy detour to bypass this using Hwy 40 and 240. It is still marked on the roadway from the Ride West that the DNR sponsored last week.

Okay, so the guy at the Best Value Inn is not the friendliest in the world. He came to pick me up in his big sedan, allowed me to place my bike in the shed. He's not much of a conversationalist, but the hotel was clean, the pickup and drop off were efficient. Its possible he is not as interested in your bike ride as you are. Live and let live. I'd stay there again.

Another Plano katy trail fan here. Will be riding from Clinton to st. Charles May 12. e-mail... cove148@yahoo.com

Correct - This guy doesn't really care to talk to you, or anyone else for that matter. If you are particular about the appearance of you bike dont use the shuttle service because your bike will probably get a couple of scratches with the trailor set up they have. If you dont use the shuttle its about 4-5 miles mostly uphill to ride to the hotel. Hotel was clean and multiple eating establishments are within walking distance although you you will have to cross a major intersection to get to them.

Awesome place to stay on the trail! At the Rendleman You WILL get plenty of excellent food, a great accomodating host and interesting conversation. Doug is an avid cyclist himself and maybe thats why he knows just what riders need after a long day on the trail. I willplan future rides to insure this is one of the stops!

Awesome place to stay on the trail! At the Rendleman You WILL get plenty of excellent food, a great accomodating host and interesting conversation. Doug is an avid cyclist himself and maybe thats why he knows just what riders need after a long day on the trail. I willplan future rides to insure this is one of the stops!

since these comments have been added, this has turned into a hooka bar. top notch under the new ownership if you ask me, we used to go there every night after work

since these comments have been added, this has turned into a hooka bar. top notch under the new ownership if you ask me, we used to go there every night after work

My son and I camped-out our last night of our hiking trip here at the Rendleman Home B&B, March 25th 2008. Doug Rendleman was the best host. He provides nice facilities (the shower house is great), camping in the woods behind his barn, bon fire with good conversation and pleasant refreshment, and shuddle service back to our car the next day.



Note: The best french toast I have ever had or will have was provided by Doug. Worth going just for the breakfast. We will be visiting again. Thanks Doug!

Agree, we had a great stop. He cooked dinner and breakfast both for us. Was great

I stayed at the Rendleman B & B a few years ago and found it to be a great experience. As I

was traveling on the cheap, it was difficult to find places to camp -- he let me camp in his

backyard, the outdoor shower was very welcome, and it was a delightful experience. Sharon

I camped at the Rendleman B&B over Memorial Day and had a great time. Doug is an interesting guy. Lots of knowledge about the Katy Trail.