Best Value Inn Summit Plaza (N. Jefferson)
- + 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 h...
Discussion started 04/25/2008 12:02 AM by C - 1 reply (last reply by DougK at 04/27/2008 10:12 PM)C from St Louis on 04/25/2008 12:02 AM
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.
DougK from Troy on 04/27/2008 10:12 PM
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.
Lucy's Bar & Grill (McBaine)
- + 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.
Discussion started 04/27/2008 02:57 PM by Brian (RailstoRuin) - 0 repliesBrian (RailstoRuin) on 04/27/2008 02:57 PM
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.
Brian (RailstoRuin) on 04/27/2008 02:57 PM
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.
biking from kirkwood train station to St Charles trailhead
- + Is is possible to ride our bikes from the Kirkwood train station to St Charles trailhead? Is it doable? How far? Thanks in advance!
Discussion started 04/09/2008 08:30 PM by debvoorst - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/27/2008 09:51 AM)debvoorst from Grand Rapids MI on 04/09/2008 08:30 PM
Is is possible to ride our bikes from the Kirkwood train station to St Charles trailhead? Is it doable? How far? Thanks in advance!
Crash from Kansas City on 04/26/2008 09:58 PM
here is the links with directions to and from the Amtrack Station
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/kirkwood.asp
Anonymous on 04/27/2008 09:51 AM
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.
Meyer's Hilltop Farm B&B
- + 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 get...
Discussion started 04/25/2008 04:33 PM by abqhudson - 0 repliesabqhudson from Albuquerque, NM on 04/25/2008 04:33 PM
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
dogs on Katy trail
- +
can I bike with my dog along the trail as long as he is on a leash??
Discussion started 04/25/2008 12:37 AM by sg - 1 reply (last reply by Trek Biker at 04/25/2008 09:30 AM)sg on 04/25/2008 12:37 AM
can I bike with my dog along the trail as long as he is on a leash??
Trek Biker on 04/25/2008 09:30 AM
From the DNR website about the Katy:
KEEP PETS ON LEASH. Unleashed pets can be annoying to other trail users and adjoining landowners.
Benefit Ride
- + 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 t...
Discussion started 04/24/2008 09:33 PM by Caleb Maupin - 0 repliesCaleb Maupin on 04/24/2008 09:33 PM
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!!
Riding companion(s) for Ride West KATY Trail Ride 2008
- + 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 y...
Discussion started 04/24/2008 10:15 AM by johnc - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 04/24/2008 11:22 AM)johnc from 30 miles north of Columbia on 04/24/2008 10:15 AM
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.
Anonymous on 04/24/2008 11:22 AM
Won't there be 299 others there to ride with?
2008 Katy Trail Ride
- + 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.
Discussion started 04/23/2008 08:31 PM by Kenny - 2 replies (last reply by brad at 04/24/2008 10:09 AM)Kenny from Drexel, Missouri on 04/23/2008 08:31 PM
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.
Anonymous on 04/23/2008 09:38 PM
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.
brad from st louis on 04/24/2008 10:09 AM
And I forgot to add: The shower truck is great!
How soggy are the trails...
- + 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 ...
Discussion started 04/12/2008 07:38 PM by MAH - 1 reply (last reply by EM at 04/22/2008 12:35 PM)MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 04/12/2008 07:38 PM
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!
EM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:35 PM
I rode Jefferson City to Sedalia in mid-April and was surprised at how good the surface was; no puddles or mud!
Rocheport Trailhead (Rocheport)
- + 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 ea...
Discussion started 04/25/2007 12:15 PM by jg - 6 replies (last reply by EM at 04/22/2008 12:32 PM)jg from Kansas City on 04/25/2007 12:15 PM
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!
jg from Kansas City on 04/25/2007 12:15 PM
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!
jg from Kansas City on 04/25/2007 12:15 PM
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!
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 04/25/2007 01:20 PM
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.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 04/25/2007 01:20 PM
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.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 04/25/2007 01:20 PM
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.
El Toro on 04/25/2007 11:19 PM
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!
El Toro on 04/25/2007 11:19 PM
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!
El Toro on 04/25/2007 11:19 PM
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!
Cliff from Edwardsville Kansas on 04/26/2007 02:19 PM
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.
Cliff from Edwardsville Kansas on 04/26/2007 02:19 PM
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.
Cliff from Edwardsville Kansas on 04/26/2007 02:19 PM
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.
ET from Columbia on 04/26/2007 02:46 PM
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.
ET from Columbia on 04/26/2007 02:46 PM
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.
ET from Columbia on 04/26/2007 02:46 PM
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.
Canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:39 PM
Go to Les Bourgois if only for the Gorgonzola Cheesecake. The rest of the selections are great and view is unbeatable.
Canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:39 PM
Go to Les Bourgois if only for the Gorgonzola Cheesecake. The rest of the selections are great and view is unbeatable.
Canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:39 PM
Go to Les Bourgois if only for the Gorgonzola Cheesecake. The rest of the selections are great and view is unbeatable.
EM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:32 PM
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.
EM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:32 PM
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.
EM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:32 PM
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.
School House B&B (Rocheport)
- + 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.
Discussion started 07/01/2007 10:15 AM by Jsample - 2 replies (last reply by EM at 04/22/2008 12:25 PM)Jsample on 07/01/2007 10:15 AM
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.
Jsample on 07/01/2007 10:15 AM
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.
Canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:40 PM
Places like this need to be recommended! We'll definately stay here again.
Canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:40 PM
Places like this need to be recommended! We'll definately stay here again.
EM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:25 PM
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.
EM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:25 PM
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.
Fifth Street Brew Pub (Sedalia)
- + Beer is the focus here. Last week they had 20 beers on tap, mostly craft macrobrews, some micros, and four of their own: Pale Ale, Belgian, Porter, and Lager. I sampled the Belgian and Lager. While ...
Discussion started 04/22/2008 12:20 PM by EM - 0 repliesEM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:20 PM
Beer is the focus here. Last week they had 20 beers on tap, mostly craft macrobrews, some micros, and four of their own: Pale Ale, Belgian, Porter, and Lager. I sampled the Belgian and Lager. While they were not exactly true to style, they were eminently quaffable. The menu is ambitious; they were out of soup and had no key ingredients for other entrees. However, the kitchen did a good job quickly with my order. Service is attentive. This restaurant is in the historic district, an easy walk from the Hotel Bothwell; go along 5th street just south of the trailhead to reach it.
EM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:20 PM
Beer is the focus here. Last week they had 20 beers on tap, mostly craft macrobrews, some micros, and four of their own: Pale Ale, Belgian, Porter, and Lager. I sampled the Belgian and Lager. While they were not exactly true to style, they were eminently quaffable. The menu is ambitious; they were out of soup and had no key ingredients for other entrees. However, the kitchen did a good job quickly with my order. Service is attentive. This restaurant is in the historic district, an easy walk from the Hotel Bothwell; go along 5th street just south of the trailhead to reach it.
Hotel Bothwell (Sedalia)
- + A classic restored grand hotel. Bike parking options were 1) in your room or 2) in the basement. The standard 1927 room cozily fit 1 person and bike. The self serve continental breakfast had fresh ...
Discussion started 04/22/2008 12:11 PM by EM - 0 repliesEM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:11 PM
A classic restored grand hotel. Bike parking options were 1) in your room or 2) in the basement. The standard 1927 room cozily fit 1 person and bike. The self serve continental breakfast had fresh fruit, make-your-own waffle, and the standard cereals, breads, and pastries. The 5th street brew pub is 1 1/2 blocks away; hooray!
EM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:11 PM
A classic restored grand hotel. Bike parking options were 1) in your room or 2) in the basement. The standard 1927 room cozily fit 1 person and bike. The self serve continental breakfast had fresh fruit, make-your-own waffle, and the standard cereals, breads, and pastries. The 5th street brew pub is 1 1/2 blocks away; hooray!
Lucy's Bar & Grill (McBaine)
- + Thanks goodness for Lucy's. Nothing open between McKittrick and McBaine on a Tuesday. Stopped for a late lunch after several hours of gatoraide and gel pacs. I must have looked trashed out becuase ...
Discussion started 09/25/2007 07:52 PM by Curt - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/22/2008 12:07 PM)Curt from Lincoln, NE on 09/25/2007 07:52 PM
Thanks goodness for Lucy's. Nothing open between McKittrick and McBaine on a Tuesday. Stopped for a late lunch after several hours of gatoraide and gel pacs. I must have looked trashed out becuase they kept the cool water coming in buckets and the food service was quick.
Curt from Lincoln, NE on 09/25/2007 07:52 PM
Thanks goodness for Lucy's. Nothing open between McKittrick and McBaine on a Tuesday. Stopped for a late lunch after several hours of gatoraide and gel pacs. I must have looked trashed out becuase they kept the cool water coming in buckets and the food service was quick.
EM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:05 PM
I concur. Lucy's is friendly and has good bar food and COLD macrobrews in bottles. They were open on a Monday! The restroom is minimalist but clean.
EM from Milwaukee, WI on 04/22/2008 12:05 PM
I concur. Lucy's is friendly and has good bar food and COLD macrobrews in bottles. They were open on a Monday! The restroom is minimalist but clean.
Anonymous on 04/22/2008 12:07 PM
I also agree re Lucy's. I also think they have the best burgers of all the Bar & Grills along the Katy.
Anonymous on 04/22/2008 12:07 PM
I also agree re Lucy's. I also think they have the best burgers of all the Bar & Grills along the Katy.
average distance in a day
- + Wanting to know as an average/above average rider - at a normal pace, (not balls to the wall), what would be a typical distance that can be traveled each day on the trail?
Discussion started 04/21/2008 11:20 PM by chiefsfanscott - 1 reply (last reply by Stevie at 04/22/2008 06:56 AM)chiefsfanscott from topeka on 04/21/2008 11:20 PM
Wanting to know as an average/above average rider - at a normal pace, (not balls to the wall), what would be a typical distance that can be traveled each day on the trail?
Stevie from Saint Louis on 04/22/2008 06:56 AM
DNR has a 5 day ride every year, and they generally limit the longest leg to about 60 miles. I would say that an "average rider" should be able to do that on back to back days on just about any bike.
Website changes
- + I recently made some extensive changes to the website to avoid an attack that has been making the rounds, courtesy of China-based hackers.
The website should still work exactly the same as bef...
Discussion started 04/21/2008 12:33 PM by Ray (webmaster) - 1 reply (last reply by jp at 04/21/2008 08:28 PM)Ray (webmaster) on 04/21/2008 12:33 PM
I recently made some extensive changes to the website to avoid an attack that has been making the rounds, courtesy of China-based hackers.
The website should still work exactly the same as before, but sometimes these far-reaching changes can result in something unexpectedly breaking. If you come across anything on this website that doesn't work right, or just doesn't look right, please let me know - either here at the forum or through the
Contact web page.
Thanks - now, get out there and enjoy this nice weather!
jp from st. louis on 04/21/2008 08:28 PM
Thanks Ray, for an excellent website, and some excellent advice about getting out and enjoying the weather.