Katy Trail Forum

Planning on riding 7/9/21 from Sedalia to Boonville, 7/10/21 Boonville to Jeff City, 7/11/21 Jeff City to Hermann. Does anyone have any CAUTIONS I should be aware of...particularly concerned with Boonville to Rocheport section.

Sitting in Rocheport now. Trail from Boonville to Rocheport is basically closed. Rode from Boonville to 6 miles out of Rocheport. Bridge is out. No way in to Rocheport via trail. Had to get on highway 40, which is busy and dangerous. Do not recommend riding from Boonville to Rocheport.

I stayed in the Dorm at the Schoolhouse and it was great. I strongly recommend this place. I was able to check in early. Because it was a holiday, the people there volunteered to find out if there was a restaurant open. It was really nice to arrive there especially as teh trail to Rocheport was in such bad shape.

Brad - I think you are the one we met on the shuttle and at the diner on the trail. Hope you had a good finish to the ride after the terrible trail near Rocheport. Karen and I had a fantastic ride and the trail was so much better later in our week. Great to meet you and have a great rest of the summer! Dave

Good hotel. Pool is open. However, do yourself a favor and get a room on the top floor. You can hear every footstep above you. Otherwise, probably the cheapest hotel at about 56 dollars a night.

I agree. The gal manager when we stayed there really knew how to run a hotel. The place was clean, well maintained, and the breakfast bar was well above average for any budget hotel anywhere we have stayed. In my opinion, the price makes it the best value anywhere all along the Katy Trail corridor. The only drawback is that it's a little far removed from the Katy Trail trailhead, but you do go downhill when going from the hotel to the trailhead. To make it clear what the previous poster said, when you come in a side door (carrying your bike), you either go up a half-flight of steps or down a half-flight of steps. I agree...it's better to go up to a room.

I want to ride from McBaine to Rocheport to add a few miles to the Peddler's Jamboree. Are there any trail issues that would prevent that? thanks

The trail between McBaine and Hindman Junction is a hot mess! Both sides of the bridge have 2-3 ft of dirt washed away, big ruts, rock showing. There are 'trail closed' signs up but people are walking through.
You can take the highway out of McBaine and go around the Big Tree loop, then pick the trail back up again. Closer to Rocheport there were a couple of landslides and trees down but as of last week you could get around everything.
Last weekend I rode from McBaine to Hartsburg and there were a couple of sand pits and bumpy areas. I had to do more paying attention and less looking around. Ha ha!
Have fun!

@MB from Little Rock, I have a trail update for ya! Yesterday evening we rode from Rocheport to McBaine and the trail crews have been busy bees! You can now cross the bridge at McBaine. Yay! There are some very sandy spots before and after, and a few teeth shattering bumpy areas but it's very doable and most of it is great!

Kudos to the crews who got out there so quickly!

Fantastic and hospitable owner. She let me check in early since a clean room was available. Extremely clean, simple rooms. Internet is great. Scalding hot water. Nice little book to give you info on things to do in town. Really happy I stopped here. Owner set the AC super low, which was very nice! Little hangout areas and a grill. Would definitely stay again.

What a great place. Joey was fantastic. She was extremely helpful and wanted to make sure that I wanted for nothing. The room was fantastically decorated. Very friendly people all around. This was the best part of my trip on the Katy Trail

I see some of the towns along the way have camping designated, what other camping options are there along the trail?

If you go to the top of the page, and click Trip Planner, and select Camping, this site will show you all of the camping that it knows about. It was a lot more than I expected.

Yes, that helped, thank you. One of my primary questions was could I camp other than designated campgrounds and it appears not.

Has anyone been to Dotty's since the new ownership?
Thanks

We are planning to ride the trail in September. We would like to share a ride with others as there are just two of us. We would be traveling from St. Charles (need car parking) to Sedalia on either the 18th or the 19th of September. What would the cost be? Thanks

Most vendors don't seem to monitor the page. Your best bet would be to contact them directly.

7.2 - 7.4.21
We took the Amtrak down from Jeff City to Washington, rode our bikes from there to Dutzow, and continued to Augusta. Stopped at Blumenhof winery. Great ambience and wine slushes, pass on the pizza.
Augusta- stayed at H.S. Clay house, which was amazing, and did some wine tasting. Trolley (do not bike because of traffic) to Balducci winery for the food, which was very good.
Trail conditions- good, not very bumpy.
Augusta to Hermann (day 2) - first stopped at Peers at the general store, there was a couple playing folk music on the front porch. Excellent stop. Treloar bar for lunch was really good bar food. Top notch. Lost Creek winery is on a hill, but a worthwhile stop with excellent views and some of my favorite wine on the trip.
Hermann - stayed at Heritage Lodging, another great b&b. Nice downtown area to explore with breweries and wineries and distilleries.
Trail report - good conditions, one pothole at a bridge.
Hermann to Jefferson City- not a lot between towns today, stopped in Mokane for lunch at the bar, pretty good bar food.
Trail conditions were bumpier- trees down but will likely be cleaned up soon, nothing unnavigible. The rock slide at mile 179 has a very good temp trail around it, maybe 100 yards, very smooth.
Watch out for washout rills, but not too bad.
Jefferson City has a great downtown. Great trip, great people, would ride again.

CORRECTION- meant mile 117 for the temp trail, NOT mile 179.

Wanted some experienced feedback for a planned 5 day trip in late Aug:
D1 - Drive to STL, Rent van, Park own car in St. Charles, drive to Lee's Summit, drop van, hotel
D2 - Lee's Summit to Windsor with box lunch or Chilhoee convenience
D3 - Windsor to Rochport with lunch Pilot Grove
D4 - Rochport to Buffton with lunch Jeff City
D5 - Bluffton to St. Charles (long day) lunch in Dutzow, Drive home

Also have a 6 day which we really don't want to do which would be Windor, Boonville, Jeff City, Marthasville, St. Charles

I know these are long segments but we have ridden the Erie Canal, Ohio to Erie and GAP/C&O. With the GAP we have experienced the crushed limestone. I wanted to keep the total around 300 and the days around 60 but the spread of housing (we don't camp) makes it difficult.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

You missed Hermann and the Wursthaus. Daniel Boone’s grave (I think he is still there and that the Kentucky folks got the wrong skeleton) is a really cool place to visit too. If you don’t gain weight on your trip, you’re doing it wrong.

How many people and what type of bikes?

We all have different motives and time frames to deal with, but for me I'd take more time to enjoy time on the trail. And to visit Hermann. The spread of housing makes it difficult? I'd think camping options would be the most restrictive as many small towns have lodging, but no camping.

I tried to figure out a Herman stop but that became difficult. I would do 40 mile days but work wise we can't afford the time and one 40 mile day pushes us into 1-2 more days. Depending on how we are progressing we could ride into Herman for a break.

I ride a Jamis Exploit which is an adventure bike with 34's and my son rides a KHS Flite 747 XXXL. It is a steel frame road bike with 32's. He is 6'10" and it is the largest production bike I could find at the time. The steel frame allows us to add the pannier weight, luckily he is tall but not that heavy. He did fine on the GAP but the C&O was too bumpy for his bike.

The GAP slowed us down 1-2 mph on average but I have to say the GAP was really in impressive shape. I was expecting a lot worse for a stone trail. We typically did 35-40, leisurely lunch and then 25-30.

For my cross state ride I will miss the Katy section from Clinton to Windsor, so I rode that a few weeks ago. If you’re having lunch in Windsor, I really enjoyed my lunch at Judys Kitchen. Kim from Kim’s Kabins recommended them when I asked who had the best burger in town…..because I need to make up for all those calories I’m burning. While waiting for my food I noticed the Tuesday special was pan fried tacos which looked really good….I ordered one and was glad I did.
You are going to see lots of Casey’s gas stations along the way. They have pretty good pizza for a gas station and it’s sold by the slice too. The breakfast pizza is great. They make energy circles too! Some people call them donuts.
Hopefully you are aware many trail businesses are closed the first part of the week. Good luck, I’m going in early September…Westwood, KS to Grafton, IL then down to Gateway Arch. About 350 miles in six days.

Thanks for the feedback. Good luck on your ride, it sounds like a good one.

My wife and I just did the GAP and C&O last month on a tandem. The C&O was quite an 'adventure' with lots of mud, near single-track in places, plus plenty of places to fall into rivers and streams.

I'm happy to report that the Katy is much more like the GAP. Aside from the recent flood damage, it's mostly smooth riding on crushed limestone. I've done it end to end many times on 700x32 tires.

Question for Jack or anyone else who knows: Is the Erie Canal like the Gap/Katy or C&O? The Erie Canal might be next on our to do list.

Too bad that you may miss Hermann. Good food, camping, and B&Bs. It's about 2.5 miles off the trail so a break there will add about 5 miles.

Hi Jerry! The Erie Canal is a lot more like the Katy, pretty firmly packed chat. And I'm guessing maybe about a third or even half of it is paved.

Here's a map where you can see the trail surfaces: https://www.ptny.org/bike-canal/map/
Purple is crushed stone/chat, and red is paved.

And here's a not-so-humble suggestion of a great website reference for the Erie Canalway Trail (you'll notice it looks a LOT like BikeKatyTrail.com): https://bikeErieCanal.com/

... or the larger Empire State Trail, of which Erie Canal makes up a portion: https://bikeEmpireState.com/

Happy trails!

We do not remember that much crushed stone on the Erie Canalway so it must have been in good shape. My son was blown away with the GAP/C&O but then came out and said the Erie Canal was his favorite ride. I highly recommend it and even the hills outside of Syracuse which we were swearing at have good memories now. The canal towns really add to the ride.

Yes the C&O is a bit rustic and more rutted single track than anything. We ended up taking the White's Ferry across to Leesburg and the paved trail into DC which was a good ride. Unfortunately the ferry is no longer running, that was cool. I am blown away that the GAP is volunteer maintained.

Jack, have you considered a shuttle rather than rental? Might be cost effective; would certainly save some time and steps. Get picked up when you get to St.Charles and taken straight to destination. After driving from Columbus the time you would save not dealing with rental might be well worth it. Call me at Bluffton Barn if you want to discuss it.

https://apple.news/AoSq9_EztQ3iNI1LXc9bpDQ

Does anyone know how many bridges (of any size) do you ride across on the entire trail. I rode it but didn’t count.

Mike

Including little ones, it's got to be about 80, wouldn't you think?

I think it could even be
more but no real idea.

I am planning a trip to ride the Katy Trail next year. I have some people that want to participate but are not avid bike riders. I saw that E Bikes are allowed on the trail.

We are wanting to do an end to end ride averaging 50-70 miles a day.

Are there sufficient places along the trail to charge the bikes?

Hopefully we'll hear from experienced ebike riders - I really don't know much about ebikes, but this seems to be a hot topic so I did a little googling after seeing your question.

Here's what I found out:

- most ebikes go anywhere from 20 to 50 miles on a charge, depending on the size of battery and how much assistance is used during the ride

- ebikes take 2.5 to 6 hours to fully charge; again this depends on your battery, model, etc

- once you get charged up to 80-90%, it's not an efficient use of time to wait around to get to "full"

- ebikes use regular power outlets; you'll need to carry a charging cord

- good places to charge: restaurants, libraries, convenience stores, any place that might have an outdoor power outlet

- check with the business before plugging in

Obviously you will charge up overnight, but you'll probably also need to recharge once or twice during the day as well if you're planning 50+ miles per day. Lunch would be a good time to do this, just stop somewhere that can provide an outlet.

I've never really noticed whether the trailheads have power outlets. If they do, this seems like a very convenient option. But again, you'll have to plan a nice long rest stop while waiting for the recharge.

Again I am not an expert, but based on the above info, there should be ample places along the trail to recharge. Just use the maps and business listings to make a rough plan for good recharging points, remember to always ask the business first, and be prepared to hang out for a few hours.

This is a useful link where I found most of this info: https://www.cynergyebikes.com/about-ebikes-s/117.htm

Good luck with your trip!

I guess you could buy a trailer and carry a gas generator with you, just make sure you pull off the trail before firing up that charge station. ;-)

Ray has useful e-bike info. I ride the KT with an e-bike (Class 3 but don’t tell anyone) and haven’t noticed trailheads with outlets. Just plan a stop where you purchase something an ask for maybe a 1-2 hr. charge (+20-40% battery level ) but not a large group at the same time. 60 miles is my longest distance on a 100% charge doing low level power setting about 16-18 mph max. I have 480wh battery too. You only need a throttle assist e-bike if it is heavy 60 lbs an your on sand or very loose chad. Pedal assist Class 1 or 3 are the best e-bikes.
Since we’re getting infrastructure money ?? having MDR add exterior outlets to trailheads would be nice for e-bikes.

Some of my older friends and I are looking at buying E bikes. We’re thinking it would be a great way to get some exercise that we would not otherwise have. I have read conflicting information regarding then being allowed on the Katy Trail. Can anyone please clarify if they are or are not allowed for us?

Some older friends and I are looking at buying E bikes as a way to start getting some exercise. I have read conflicting information regarding if they are allowed on the Katy Trail. Can someone please confirm if they are or are not allowed on the Katy Trail?

They are called FAQs because they are, well, Frequently Asked Questions:

Are electric bikes allowed on the Katy Trail?
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on the Katy Trail, but motorized devices are not. According to Missouri State Parks guidelines: All motorized equipment is prohibited except official and emergency vehicles. Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) as well as electrically powered-mobility devices for persons with disabilities such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed.

Thank you- I had seen the answer in the FAQ section but still need need further clarification as I didn't ask in a specific enough manner. Just learning about ebikes, I apologize.

Regarding electric bikes on the trail... are class 2 ebikes (top speed is 20 mph) with a throttle allowed on the trail OR are they considered motorized? Thank you.

I would think that acceptable ebikes for the Katy are ones that max out at 20 mph on full throttle and/or pedal assist. This would seem to include most Class 2 ebikes. It is my understanding that some ebikes can go over 20 mph with pedal assist, they would be unacceptable.

Gary quoted directly from the Missouri State Park Katy Trail General page and it is pretty clear. (https://mostateparks.com/page/57944/general-information) Electrically Assisted refers to bikes that only go if you are peddling. If you can go without peddling (throttle) then it is not assisting, thereby not legal unless you are disabled.

He did say they wanted to get some exercise, which implies pedal assist.
Of course, most e-bikes with throttles can also be used in pedal assist mode, wink wink nod nod.
One consideration is how much effort is needed to pedal without any assist (remove battery). That will give you an idea of what to expect when the bike runs out of juice. :-)

Except that it is not clear.... There are ebikes without a throttle that go up to 20 mph. There are ebikes that go up to 20 mph WITH a throttle. So, yes, 20 mph is very clear.

Can ebikes that only go up to 20 mph equipped with a throttle be used? I have seen conflicting information on this online. Bike shop salespeople have given conflicting information. I had read what was online but it is not clearly spelled out. Maybe another way I should ask is, 'does having a throttle on an ebike that only goes up to 20 mph classify it was a motorized device?'

We are trying to avoid making a really expensive mistake.

Thank you.

Keep asking, perhaps you’ll get the answer you want.

Maybe contact Missouri State Parks and ask them what they allow?

I can just imagine a park ranger coming up to an 80 year old on an ebike, "I see you have a throttle, we are going to have to arrest you and make up the charges later."

Missouri is the Show Me State. Here is the information (rules) as quoted (cut/paste) from the Katy Trail State Park webpage. I will even back up what I say with a link. Also, food for thought.....the technology for small electric scooters, skateboards, bikes, etc has exploded in recent years. The one wheel skateboard thing looks like a BLAST by the way. Perhaps the state park rules are falling somewhat behind the technology and will eventually need to be updated or clarified. They do specify 20 mph limit, but some you will "what about?" this to death.

PERMITTED USES
Katy Trail State Park has been designed specifically for walking and bicycling. The majority of the trail is accessible to persons with disabilities. All motorized equipment is prohibited except official and emergency vehicles. Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) are allowed. Also allowed are electrically powered mobility devices for persons with disabilities, such as Segways and electric golf carts. Gas-powered vehicles, including ATVs and ORVs, are not allowed. No hunting or discharging of firearms is allowed. All state park rules apply and are posted at trailheads. The trail is open only from sunrise to sunset. Horses are permitted from Clinton to the state fairgrounds in Sedalia and from Tebbetts to Portland. Equestrian parking is located at the Henry County Fairgrounds in Clinton and the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia as well as the following trailheads: Calhoun, Windsor, Green Ridge and Mokane.

https://mostateparks.com/page/57944/general-information#uses

It doesn’t say anything about electrically assisted horses……..

Hey Jim, I believe an extensive study was done in 2014 regarding the feasibility of permitting the use of electric assisted horses on the trail. It concluded when it was determined that no matter how many quarters were fed into the machines, they never moved from point of origin on the trail. People reported it was a pleasing experience rocking back and forth atop the steed but they were hoping for being able to experience the change in scenery as their bicyclist counterparts.

Perhaps as the technology advances they will devise a way for movement to be incorporated into the design while maintaining the required 20mph limit of course.

https://mobikefed.org/2021/05/bill-legalizing-ebikes-missouri-pass-both-houses-headed-governor-signature

I stayed with Doug at the Bluffton Barn on June 12 after a very hot 50 mile day. Doug is a cyclist who knows what cyclists want and need after a long day in the saddle. After a much refreshing shower, hanging out with Doug, his neighbors, and his dogs Freckles and Spot, made for wondrous evening. I felt lucky to have an upstairs room with air-conditioning. Some other guys rode in and had reservations to camp in Doug’s field. They had called ahead with a beverage order and Doug had everything on ice ready to go. It was a blast hearing his stories about the Katy Trail, area history, and some of his above and beyond efforts to retrieve and rescue lost or ill-prepared cyclists. I read the many good reviews and was glad I got to experience an evening at the Bluffton Barn myself.

I stayed at the Katy Junction B&B on June 14. I reserved it only the week before to avoid camping for all five nights of my Katy Trail east-to-west ride. Boy, did I luck out! Jerry is a wonderful host. His place in Pilot Grove is clean and comfy. Furthermore, he washed all my clothes and let me work on my bike in his garage. I slept well and had a wonderful breakfast before departing for my last day. I enjoyed visiting with Jerry about the area history and the Katy Trail. His advice on what to expect on the Sedalia reroute was very helpful. I can't say enough. Thanks Jerry.