Katy Trail Forum

My brother and I are planning a trip on the Trail for fall and have heard mixed reports on whether to road or mtn. bike the Trail.



Any suggestions? experiences?



Thanks for the help.



Sue Griffith

I think the most ideal is a "hydrid" bike or a similar cross between a mountain and a road bike. We ride hybrids when on trails and reserve the Santana longbike for the road for which it was designed.

I've ridden the trail on both a road and a mountain bike. The trail's surface is fine for a road bike if you don't get a soaking rain. A mountain bike is slower, but is better if it rains and the trail's surface turns mushy. Trek Biker is right, if you have access to a hybrid it's the ideal bike for the KATY.

ROAD OR MOUNTAIN- Q RESPONSE-depends on your ride style....like to go slower and in no hurry to get to the next town...use mountain bike....like to go fast and get to next town faster use road bike-*some road bikes can take a 700x32c tires or at least a (700x28c.)this is the size most riders talk about. Trains do not do hills. and the trail is for most conversation kind of flat it can be ridden on both. If it rains you are in trouble with the (speed thing) on both. I have drafted a road bike at around 18 mph with my mountain bike. I could (not) have PULLED that speed with my mountain bike. If a great rider is a CAT 1 Then I am around a CAT 7 or 8 FAST/SLOW-I always think about going fast end up going slow-...cleated with a good spin and little power. HYBIRD is probaly best but anything beats walking the thing. I have seen everything on this trail--E-BIKES-recumbents-side by side tandams-foldup bikes with 20 inch wheels -old 3 speeds-single speeds ,lots of Mr. (Huffyheavys ) and everything in between. Most of the go slow is from the road not the wind like on a road bike. That may point to tires again. A 26x1.50 mountain tires are about the same as a hybire 700x38c..close enough for goverment work as we say. Wheels are heavy on entry mountain bikes but get lighter as the quality level going up. Cheap HYBIRDS (entry level will most likely have a heavy wheel. ANY THINGS BETTER THAN WALKEN ...enjoy ya will. see ya says old Dale

cyclocross works well too.

I just road 40 miles on the Katy with an old Raleigh 3 speed pulling a child carrier. I averaged 6 mph and found the riding comfortable and the pedaling not difficult. It had rained heavily before the ride but the trail was not mushy - a few puddles which could be avoided. Hope this helps. Sandra

I would definitely suggest a mountain bike or hybrid. In the fall there are a lot of hedge apples and other debris on the road which is rough on a bikes tires and dangerous for a road bike. We've ridden the trail in the spring and the fall and have found washouts, gravel and grade changes when you cross roads that would be more difficult for a road bike. Road bikes are faster but why do you want to go fast on the trail? Take your time and enjoy it. It's worth it.

Wouldn't do it on a road bike. Some people have had on problem on a road bike, but I wouldn't take the chance. Always use my hybrid, no problems and is much more forgiving for ruts and avoiding flats. Try to stay with the lightest weight hybrid you can afford if you don't already own one.

I have had the opportunity to ride the trail on numerous occassions - including end to end - and I think the style of bike matters not.



I think size of tire is a much more important bit of information to consider. It is a very personal choice. I personally like the 700 x 32 on my cyclocross bike...I frankly think it a wonderful compromise for trails like the KATY...



In addition, I have ridden alot on the trail with a buddy who only owns a road bike and he has never had problems, even during/after a hard rain.



Just my 2 cents.

I ride the trail end-to-end every summer. I carry camping gear in my panniers and camp every night. I ride a mountain bike with narrow, smooth tires. They work great! I love my road bike, but it would be uncomfortable (and probably unsuitable) on the trail.

You'll get a much better view with a hybrid or mountain bike. Or even better with a recumbent. That does add to the enjoyment of the trail.

My wife just completed 130 mile trip on the Katy Trail April 7 - 11, 2008. She was on her road bike with 27 x 1 1/4" IRC Road Winner DURO II tires. These are kevlar belted tires. No flats and no problems. In 2004 we rode from Clinton to St. Charles on the same tires mounted on road bikes with no problems at all. Compared to some other rail trails we've done, the Katy Trail is very hard packed. In 2004 we rode one day on the trail in heavy rain. The trail got a little mushy and was pretty sloppy. We had fenders on our bikes and kept quite a bit cleaner than those in our group without fenders.

When is Wild on the Katy 2008?

June 16-20. This year they're calling it "Ride West"

Guy behind front desk was not friendly at all. Hotel was clean, at least. I would never stay here again, though. As far as I can tell, the guy who was behind the front desk was the owner, because he was working during my entire 2 day stay and I didn't see any other employees. There is no excuse for being rude to PAYING customers. Ironically, he has postcards and thank you cards from appreciative guests all over his front desk. Maybe he had been nice to some folks, but he was the most unfriendly person I have ever encountered at a hotel. He'll never get another dime from me if I ever go back to the area.

Guy behind front desk was not friendly at all. Hotel was clean, at least. I would never stay here again, though. As far as I can tell, the guy who was behind the front desk was the owner, because he was working during my entire 2 day stay and I didn't see any other employees. There is no excuse for being rude to PAYING customers. Ironically, he has postcards and thank you cards from appreciative guests all over his front desk. Maybe he had been nice to some folks, but he was the most unfriendly person I have ever encountered at a hotel. He'll never get another dime from me if I ever go back to the area.

I didn't have a good experience there either. I thought I may have just caught the guy in a bad mood, but it did come with a free ride to and from the trail head.

I didn't have a good experience there either. I thought I may have just caught the guy in a bad mood, but it did come with a free ride to and from the trail head.

Not much more to add... a great place to take a break and get some hot food. And yes, the cheeseburgers are quite wonderful. $4.75 for a filling meal.

Not much more to add... a great place to take a break and get some hot food. And yes, the cheeseburgers are quite wonderful. $4.75 for a filling meal.

Is is possible to ride our bikes from the Kirkwood train station to St Charles trailhead? Is it doable? How far? Thanks in advance!

here is the links with directions to and from the Amtrack Station



http://www.bikekatytrail.com/kirkwood.asp

Not sure where you are getting on the train, but as an alternate I would consider going to the to the Dutzow/Washington train stop and biking back or to St. Charles. Just a few more miles than Kirkwood and you avoid all the Big city traffic and confusion and it hard to get lost on the Katy.

My wife and I stayed at Meyer's Hilltop Farm B&B in McKittrick on April 23 and we would highly recommend it. Maggie and Eldon were gracious hosts and Maggies "Cyclist" breakfast was as good as it gets.

Jim

can I bike with my dog along the trail as long as he is on a leash??

From the DNR website about the Katy:

KEEP PETS ON LEASH. Unleashed pets can be annoying to other trail users and adjoining landowners.

My friend and I are participating in a benefit bike ride I have organized to support an organization called World Bicycle Relief. We are starting in Iowa, and riding down to KC and catching the Katy trail all the way to St. Louis. I have heard there is a way to get off the trail and catch a train in St. Louis back to the KC area. What is the best route (detailed please) to get off the trail and to the train depot. Also, if there ANYONE would like to help out this cause and ride with us, and also help get donations with us, that would awesome! Please let me know if you'd like to. Thanks a lot!!

I plan on doing the Ride West KATY Trail Ride 2008 coming up in mid June and I am looking for riding companion(s). I did the ride two years ago with my son, but, he will not be able to make it this year. It was definitly easier to ride with him and share the lead (draft) with him. I am not interested in racing through the ride, rather, ride at a reasonable speed and enjoy the trip. Anyone interested, please let me know. johnc@mcmsys.com Also, for your info, my wife will be a SAG volenteer.

Won't there be 299 others there to ride with?

My friend and I are thinking about going on the DNR 2008 Katy Trail Ride. Could someone

tell us what this ride is like and what to expect? Thanks for your advice in advance.

I did the ride last year. Here is a link to the ride journal and photos: http://mostateparks.com/katytrail/2007ride.htm



I found the ride to be enjoyable. Some days were easy, others were a little challenging. The food was acceptable to very good. The evening entertainment was not as good (in my opinion - I don't mean to knock the efforts of those who worked so hard.) The weather was very good the first 3 days, and hot and humid the last 2.



When I crashed and scraped myself up, help was quick to arrive. And another rider gave up a spare tire so I could finish the last day.



Good scenery, good campsites, and if you like to socialize, lots of people to talk to. I thought it was a good deal and I enjoyed it more than when I made solo Katy trips in previous years. I'll probably do it again in a couple years.

And I forgot to add: The shower truck is great!

With all this rain, was wondering if anyone has been out on the trail and how soggy it may be. We're thinking of a 2 day ride this Mon-Tues so any info re trail conditions between Sedalia - Jeff City would be helpful.

Thanks!

I rode Jefferson City to Sedalia in mid-April and was surprised at how good the surface was; no puddles or mud!

I am going to bike from New Franklin to Rocheport this weekend (4/28) with a friend. We were wanting to wander around Rocheport for a while (probably eat at Le Bourgeois). Can someone tell me how easy it is to park/lock up your bikes in town or at Le Bourgeois? Any help is greatly appreciated!

I am going to bike from New Franklin to Rocheport this weekend (4/28) with a friend. We were wanting to wander around Rocheport for a while (probably eat at Le Bourgeois). Can someone tell me how easy it is to park/lock up your bikes in town or at Le Bourgeois? Any help is greatly appreciated!

I am going to bike from New Franklin to Rocheport this weekend (4/28) with a friend. We were wanting to wander around Rocheport for a while (probably eat at Le Bourgeois). Can someone tell me how easy it is to park/lock up your bikes in town or at Le Bourgeois? Any help is greatly appreciated!

There are bike racks in front of the Trailside in Rocheport that bikes can be locked to. Also there are several lamp posts on the hill at the bistro that many bikes have been locked to. I've never been discouraged from using either of those two.

There are bike racks in front of the Trailside in Rocheport that bikes can be locked to. Also there are several lamp posts on the hill at the bistro that many bikes have been locked to. I've never been discouraged from using either of those two.

There are bike racks in front of the Trailside in Rocheport that bikes can be locked to. Also there are several lamp posts on the hill at the bistro that many bikes have been locked to. I've never been discouraged from using either of those two.

I would agree with the previous post. I rode through Rocheport yesterday and there are plenty of options for securing your bike. Have a great time. Looks like a beautiful weekend is in store!

I would agree with the previous post. I rode through Rocheport yesterday and there are plenty of options for securing your bike. Have a great time. Looks like a beautiful weekend is in store!

I would agree with the previous post. I rode through Rocheport yesterday and there are plenty of options for securing your bike. Have a great time. Looks like a beautiful weekend is in store!

You can park your bikes at Trailside Cafe and Bike shop and lock them or ride them up to town and lock them to light post at the different stores. Be sure and stop in the General Store in Rocheport, its a must see. Le Bourgesis is just a little east of Rocheport trailhead and there is a rack you can lock your bike to at the bottom of the hill right along the trail. I have locked my bike there and walked up the hill and never had anyone bother it. Enjoy the walk up the hill! Have a great ride this weekend.

You can park your bikes at Trailside Cafe and Bike shop and lock them or ride them up to town and lock them to light post at the different stores. Be sure and stop in the General Store in Rocheport, its a must see. Le Bourgesis is just a little east of Rocheport trailhead and there is a rack you can lock your bike to at the bottom of the hill right along the trail. I have locked my bike there and walked up the hill and never had anyone bother it. Enjoy the walk up the hill! Have a great ride this weekend.

You can park your bikes at Trailside Cafe and Bike shop and lock them or ride them up to town and lock them to light post at the different stores. Be sure and stop in the General Store in Rocheport, its a must see. Le Bourgesis is just a little east of Rocheport trailhead and there is a rack you can lock your bike to at the bottom of the hill right along the trail. I have locked my bike there and walked up the hill and never had anyone bother it. Enjoy the walk up the hill! Have a great ride this weekend.

I definitely recommend the little trail up the hill to Les Bourgeois--it's a beautiful walk, or a challenging ride! I always walk, and lock my bike at the bottom. Head east from Rocheport, maybe about 1/2 mile, and look for a bench on the right, and bike rack, Les Bourgeouis sign, and gravel trail heading up the hill on the left. This is MUCH nicer than biking up the long, steep shoulderless highway from town to the winery.

I definitely recommend the little trail up the hill to Les Bourgeois--it's a beautiful walk, or a challenging ride! I always walk, and lock my bike at the bottom. Head east from Rocheport, maybe about 1/2 mile, and look for a bench on the right, and bike rack, Les Bourgeouis sign, and gravel trail heading up the hill on the left. This is MUCH nicer than biking up the long, steep shoulderless highway from town to the winery.

I definitely recommend the little trail up the hill to Les Bourgeois--it's a beautiful walk, or a challenging ride! I always walk, and lock my bike at the bottom. Head east from Rocheport, maybe about 1/2 mile, and look for a bench on the right, and bike rack, Les Bourgeouis sign, and gravel trail heading up the hill on the left. This is MUCH nicer than biking up the long, steep shoulderless highway from town to the winery.

Go to Les Bourgois if only for the Gorgonzola Cheesecake. The rest of the selections are great and view is unbeatable.

Go to Les Bourgois if only for the Gorgonzola Cheesecake. The rest of the selections are great and view is unbeatable.

Go to Les Bourgois if only for the Gorgonzola Cheesecake. The rest of the selections are great and view is unbeatable.

There are two dining options here: the swanky Bistro or the A-frame, which has "picnic baskets" consisting of bread, cheese, and slices of salami. Both have spactacular views of the river. The A-frame is definitely low key and has picnic benches. The A-frame has several craft beer choices along with their own wines by the glass or bottle. If you walk up from the trail, the Bistro is immediately on your left and the A-frame is straight ahead across the enormous parking lot.

There are two dining options here: the swanky Bistro or the A-frame, which has "picnic baskets" consisting of bread, cheese, and slices of salami. Both have spactacular views of the river. The A-frame is definitely low key and has picnic benches. The A-frame has several craft beer choices along with their own wines by the glass or bottle. If you walk up from the trail, the Bistro is immediately on your left and the A-frame is straight ahead across the enormous parking lot.

There are two dining options here: the swanky Bistro or the A-frame, which has "picnic baskets" consisting of bread, cheese, and slices of salami. Both have spactacular views of the river. The A-frame is definitely low key and has picnic benches. The A-frame has several craft beer choices along with their own wines by the glass or bottle. If you walk up from the trail, the Bistro is immediately on your left and the A-frame is straight ahead across the enormous parking lot.

We stayed here on our trip on the Katy in June 2007. It was great. The innkeepers were accommodating, helpful and the property is beautiful. Highly recommended.

Places like this need to be recommended! We'll definately stay here again.

This B&B is excellent in its own right, and is supremely cyclist-friendly as well. The hosts made sure I was fed, even offering transportation to the winery/bistro.