Katy Trail Forum

We had dinner at Abigails and couldn't have been more pleased. We didn't have reservations, yet they were able to get us in--I would reccomend the reservation since its pretty small. The service was excellent, the wine list was impressive and the desserts were to die for! What a great treat after a long day of pedalling! Don't miss this one!

We had dinner at Abigails and couldn't have been more pleased. We didn't have reservations, yet they were able to get us in--I would reccomend the reservation since its pretty small. The service was excellent, the wine list was impressive and the desserts were to die for! What a great treat after a long day of pedalling! Don't miss this one!

I completely agree! Abigail's is nearly reason enough to make the 2-hour drive from KC. Locally-owned and excellent food.

I completely agree! Abigail's is nearly reason enough to make the 2-hour drive from KC. Locally-owned and excellent food.

I concur. I had a rasberry-vinnegrette salad one day that was to die for. And the desserts.....

I concur. I had a rasberry-vinnegrette salad one day that was to die for. And the desserts.....

A neighbor to the trail asked us to pass the word on for all cyclists to write to Missouri's Dept of Natural Resources and ask for a water line at this stop. He thinks that is what it will take; input from the public. Let's do it!

Agree. Wasn't there something posted before about the church at Clifton City providing water on request??

From what I understand, the church right next to the trailhead used to provide a cooler with water bottles - but it was stolen awhile back.



Water is definitely needed at this trailhead!

Will do. Does anyone have the address and appropriate person to address the request? Of course, I still maintain that ALL trailheads should have water.



On another note: Pat, what part of Ft Worth do you live in? I lived their for around 10 years and went to high school and college there and married a local girl.



Tilting at wildmills,



GC

We stayed in the Angel room in mid-May and enjoyed every minute. The place is serene and you can't help but relax and savor the moment. Amanda works hard to come up with new recipes and think of every possible need. Truly a great Bed and Breakfast Inn!

Doll House B&B - I recommend planning your Katy Trail experience around your reservation at the Doll House. Amanda keeps a very neat and clean place, bathrooms clean and modern with lots of hot water, a bit of whimsey in the room decoration. You can relax in the spacious living room or outside on the covered porch. Don't leave without having her give you the history. A very well run B&B.

Trailside Restaurant - They have other things on the menu, but why would you not want their superior fried chicken!

I'll be happy to expound on my whole Katy Trail ride, email me at jerryd@acyclistpublishing.com

True! That cafe puts out great food with several sides to choose from. The prices are right as well.

The people at the USA Inn were thoughtful to provide us a room on the back side of the inn, away from people who would be starting their cars in the morning. It was good value for the money--and very quiet!

The people at the USA Inn were thoughtful to provide us a room on the back side of the inn, away from people who would be starting their cars in the morning. It was good value for the money--and very quiet!

We stayed here in mid-May. The owner graciously picked us up at the trail stop across the bridge. Washington is a nice small town and restaurants are within walking distance from the Brick Inn. I'd stop there again.

We stayed here in mid-May. The owner graciously picked us up at the trail stop across the bridge. Washington is a nice small town and restaurants are within walking distance from the Brick Inn. I'd stop there again.

We ate lunch at the Peers Store. The young woman made us a sandwich that was almost too big to eat. The picnic table outside was covered with a camouflage net that made for a pleasant place to eat. They're good people and it's a good place to stock up on snacks.

We ate lunch at the Peers Store. The young woman made us a sandwich that was almost too big to eat. The picnic table outside was covered with a camouflage net that made for a pleasant place to eat. They're good people and it's a good place to stock up on snacks.

We arrived in Boonville during the graduation weekend for the Univ. of Missouri and the only place that had a room was the Homestead Motel. It is an older motel, but we were pleasantly surprised. It's good value for the cost which was only $32 for two people!

We arrived in Boonville during the graduation weekend for the Univ. of Missouri and the only place that had a room was the Homestead Motel. It is an older motel, but we were pleasantly surprised. It's good value for the cost which was only $32 for two people!

If you purchase something from the depot, the kind lady there will mail it to your home address for a $1 handling fee. We were so glad to mail back excess weight while at the same time get tee shirts for the grandchildren. We got rid of nine pounds of weight from our bikes!

If you purchase something from the depot, the kind lady there will mail it to your home address for a $1 handling fee. We were so glad to mail back excess weight while at the same time get tee shirts for the grandchildren. We got rid of nine pounds of weight from our bikes!

We came in out of the rain and were graciously offered the (empty) covered patio to put our bikes and muddy rain gear. Lunch was extended while we waited for the shower to pass, but the burgers were good, the beer cold, the waitress a lot of fun. Even a few of the patrons engaged in conversation as the lightning flashed. Glad we picked this establishment.

A short version of the whole ride is posted under Ride/Run/Hike Reports, for a long version or answer to specific questions email jerryd@acyclistpublishing.com

We came in out of the rain and were graciously offered the (empty) covered patio to put our bikes and muddy rain gear. Lunch was extended while we waited for the shower to pass, but the burgers were good, the beer cold, the waitress a lot of fun. Even a few of the patrons engaged in conversation as the lightning flashed. Glad we picked this establishment.

A short version of the whole ride is posted under Ride/Run/Hike Reports, for a long version or answer to specific questions email jerryd@acyclistpublishing.com

The four of us especially appreciated the friendly and helpful attitude of the staff. They were more than just smiling heads. Our rooms were clean, spacious and updated, apparently incorporating two rooms into one, comfortable beds and bedding. Great shower. We opted to store the bikes in the secure basement to give us more room. The self-serve continental breakfast was fine with us. The rates were more reasonable than we expected. A short version of the whole trip is posted on this website.

The four of us especially appreciated the friendly and helpful attitude of the staff. They were more than just smiling heads. Our rooms were clean, spacious and updated, apparently incorporating two rooms into one, comfortable beds and bedding. Great shower. We opted to store the bikes in the secure basement to give us more room. The self-serve continental breakfast was fine with us. The rates were more reasonable than we expected. A short version of the whole trip is posted on this website.

Cath met us four riders with a friendly greeting and a plate of cookies. We had a quick tour of the two very clean and neat rooms then sat outside on the small porch to unwind before availing ourselves of the hot shower. The fourth shower still had plenty of hot water. Slept like log in the comfortable bed and enjoyed the stillness outside. Would not hesitate to stay again or recommend it to others. The short version of the complete trip is posted on this site, contact me at jerryd@acyclistpublishing for a longer version or if I can help you with a specific question.

We stayed the week of May 11 08. My wife and I enjoyed our stay. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. It was nice to be out in the country and to have a firepit to enjoy. However, they are not near the trail. You will need to call for a pick up, and there is no real place to find dinner unless you call a gas station a dinning establishment.

We stayed the week of May 11 08. My wife and I enjoyed our stay. The accommodations were clean and comfortable. It was nice to be out in the country and to have a firepit to enjoy. However, they are not near the trail. You will need to call for a pick up, and there is no real place to find dinner unless you call a gas station a dinning establishment.

We stayed here several years ago, and the owners, by previous arrangement, supplied us with dinner from a local restaurant. Also, they gave us directions for riding to the cabooses, and it wasn't that hard to do.

We stayed here several years ago, and the owners, by previous arrangement, supplied us with dinner from a local restaurant. Also, they gave us directions for riding to the cabooses, and it wasn't that hard to do.

Hello

I am planning to ride the KATY for the first time in the next few weeks. While I've read information on the website I would appreciate any personal tips you could provide. I will park in Clinton and first question I have is it safe to park and leave your car at Trail Head for a couple days? Any place else you could suggest parking? I've just been riding for about a year so still pretty new. I have a Trek 7.7 Hybrid with Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase, 700x28c tires. Are those tires too thin for Katy surface? Anyother tips would appreciated. Thanks

Park across the street at the Clinton Community center. Let them know you are leaving your car for a few days and they will watch it for you. The 700 by 28's work great on the trail. You should have no problems.

I don't think you'll have any trouble parking in Clinton.

Keep in mind the 2008 Katy Trail Ride is June 16-20. This year the group is traveling from St. Charles to Clinton so if you go then you will be meeting 300+ bicycles and support personnel. Having said that I think you'll really enjoy the Katy Trail. June is a great time to ride!

Thank you for your suggestions, I appreciate. Buddy from Olathe.

I rode the Katy from Clinton to St. Charles in early May. Fantastic trip, but I had four flats! I was using tubes with slime in them, and they just didn't hold up vs. the crushed limestone shards. Finally bought some thorn-resistant tubes at a little bike shop in Hermann, and had no more problems. The guy at the bike store said if you use thorn-resistant tubes, you'll be OK and it doesn't matter what kind of tires you have. He said he's never had a flat. They're heavier tubes, but well worth the little bit of extra weight.

Hey 1st timer-My brother and I rode from Clinton to Boonville our first time. Constant peddling, wich is good exercise. We wanted a recreational ride, and wish we had gone from Sedalia to Clinton. 2nd time out, we went from Rocheport to Hartsburg. Now that was a nice ride. 300 ft bluffs on one side, the mighty MO on the other. I am of the opinion there isnt a bad place to start on the MKT. Do get a pocket map pamphlet though, so you can kinda keep track of where you are. Enjoy.

Yes...park at the community center 1.5 blocks from the trailhead; leave your info at the front desk. The trail is hard and smooth most of the time. If it's warm, consider carrying extra water on its eastern half. It's lush and scenic there, but many trailheads don't have running water, although other establishments nearby do. Maybe a small camera, too? Enjoy it.

Great lunch stop

Great lunch stop

Stopped the week of May 20 08. This was on of the real delights of our ride. Very clean rooms with a large deck and hot tub. The breakfast was one of the best on our trip. The only draw back is the shared baths. I still would recommend a stay.

Stopped the week of May 20 08. This was on of the real delights of our ride. Very clean rooms with a large deck and hot tub. The breakfast was one of the best on our trip. The only draw back is the shared baths. I still would recommend a stay.

What's the best route if one wanted to cross the bridge from north to south en route from the trailhead to the train station?

I don't know if it is the best, but I'll describe my experience. I took the spur trail from the N. Jefferson Trailhead until it became obvious that it would dead end at a freeway embankment. So I backtracked a short distance and then turned left onto a small road, and then after about 1/4 mile took the first left. After another 1/4 mile I came to an overpass and freeway entrance just before the bridge. Here you have 2 choices.



1. Turn right onto the bridge and ride in the right most of 3 southbound lanes until taking the exit just after the bridge. Turning left takes you to the capital. I believe Amtrak is just below the capital. I took this option; and except for the traffic noise after the quiet of the Katy Trail, it was not too bad.



2. Continue on the overpass until reaching the exit ramp on the other side of the freeway. Turn right onto the exit ramp and ride against traffic until you come to a bike lane on the northbound side of the bridge. On the otherside of the bridge exit against traffic on the entrance ramp. Turn left towards the capital at the end of the entrance ramp.



The problem is that there is a bike lane on only the northbound side of the bridge; and there is no good way to get on and off it in the south bound direction. I can't remember exactly; but I believe there were shoulders on the entrance and exit ramps that made riding against traffic not quite as bad as it sounds. Rumor has it that the highway department forgot to put a bike land on the south side.

I used the phone at the City Pavilion on the Katy Spur to call a taxi. The taxi came with a bike rack and took us directly to the Amtrak station for I think $10 to $15. Much better than taking your life into your hands on the bridge. I helped to have the taxi phone number in advance.

We just crossed the bridge last week. Although it's a bit unnerving to have cars whizzing next to you at high speed, nonetheless there's a generous bike lane. Bikes going both directions share the lane, but we were the only cyclists. Crossing this bridge was a non-event, not to worry.

We used the cab service again last week. The phone number is 573-636-7101 and the cost was $10. They will pick you up at either the trail head or City Pavilion.



The City Pavilion, a short distance south on the Katy Trail Spur, has running water and flush toilets!!!

I was charged an extra $10 by checker cab for the bike rack usage. Not a big deal but it was still a surprise. Ask first.

We also once had the experience that we had arranged for one cab to carry 4 people and 4 bikes, and they sent 2, saying their big vehicle was unavailable. Again, not that big a deal, but we weren't expecting to pay for 2 cab fares.

My wife and I (we are both old guys) just did it. I had arrived with an aerial photo showing how to get there, really helpful. We went on the bike trail, against traffic. Traffic moves fast and close, but the bike trail is about 6 feet wide so it is not really dangerous. Our only problem was that the bike trail part was littered with all sorts of stuff, some really big, but lots of it just rocks that you really don't want to hit under the circumstances. Combined with a strong headwind and light rain it made the trip over a challenge. The next morning with the wind still from the South we didn't even need to pedal across, the bridge was shorter and the debris not so bad (or so it seemed).

My wife and I just road from Sedalia to Kirkwood Amtrak last week, with an included stop over in Jefferson City. Like some others, we road against traffic over the bridge. The shoulder is quite wide and relatively safe -- certainly safer than riding in downtown rush hour traffic in Seattle, which we do often -- but it STILL is fundamentally unsafe to ride against traffic on a road. Our innkeeper said he had asked the State why they hadn't added a shoulder on both sides and was told "We couldn't," with no explanation why. The new Hermann bridge is great. The best I've ever been on for cycling. (We were able to attend the dedication ceremony while we were there.)

Although many people do it or have done it, myself included, the intent of the bike lane is for north bound bike traffic. And, by Missouri state law it is unlawfull to ride against the traffic flow.



There is currently an effort being made in the Jefferson City community to secure the money to build a bike/pedestrian lane for the southbound traffic.

We walked our bikes across the bridge last week, and can report that while it's doable, it's also extremely stressful and unenjoyable. It added a lot of unnecessary anxiety after a beautiful, peaceful day of cycling.



So we called a taxi the next morning to get back to the trail, rather than start our day off in such an unpleasant way. Definitely a good move on our part, although we had to wait 90 minutes for them to put the bike rack on the taxi (we were the first cyclists they had this year). They recommend giving them a heads up if you intend to use them, as they only have one vehicle with a bike rack.



By the way, thanks to Paul Marlin for the directions he provided in this forum. We printed them before our trip, and used them to easily navigate the maze of ramps and passes to get to the bridge. But there's no way we'd ever attempt his option #1. It was unpleasant enough being on the northbound side of the bridge, even with the bike lane.

Over Memorial Day weekend I crossed the bridge going south, in the south bound lanes. It was not fun. Besides risking getting hit by a car, the wall is so low I could fall off my bike over it into the river. I wasn't aware there was a should lane on the northbound lanes or I would have looked for it.

If you are interested in reading about future plans,check out www.newstribune.com (the local newspaper) and do a search with (pedestrian bridge). Meanwhile phase I, the Lewis & Clark Trailhead Plaza will be dedicated on Wednesday, June 4. Come on down around 5:30 or 6 PM.

Phase II is "Taking the Katy to the Capitol." It too is coming, but the devil is in the details.

I always stay in Hartsburg, just 10 mile from Jeff, just to avoid the bridge. Can get a room right on the trail. The 10 miles are easy to make up, compared to messing with the bridge both in the evening and morning. Probably less than 6 miles difference if you count the distance from the Jeff trail head into town and back.