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.
riding the trail alone
- + I am a middle age woman planning to ride the trail, or some of it, alone. I have never ridden the Katy trail before and was wondering if anyone had any tips on a 3-4 day itinerary. I want to incorpora...
Discussion started 02/13/2008 10:41 AM by claire - 7 replies (last reply by Penny Garibaldi at 04/21/2008 07:58 AM)claire from marine city michigan on 02/13/2008 10:41 AM
I am a middle age woman planning to ride the trail, or some of it, alone. I have never ridden the Katy trail before and was wondering if anyone had any tips on a 3-4 day itinerary. I want to incorporate a visit to a friend who lives near Jeff city. What time of year is the best? Places to stay? I'm thinking its safe for me to do- any comments? Thanks!
Trek on 02/13/2008 11:40 AM
Using the Milage Chart above might work well for you to see distances to Jeff City from both directions. That may help you with starting points, etc, beings you know how far you are comfortable riding per day. Spring and fall are usually "best" times to ride although....its all good. I would consider perhaps Hermann to Jeff and back, or Rocheport (Sedalia/Boonville) to Jeff and back. I've ridden solo round trip from Sedalia to Jeff and back and would consider it safe. I'm a middle age male and it was Thursday thru Sunday trip with few people on the trail other than around Rocheport and Boonville.
Parris Johnson from Boonville, Mo on 02/13/2008 03:00 PM
I am the Manager of The Historic Hotel Frederick in Boonville, Mo. I have had quite a few single ladies that have ridden the trail alone as guests in the hotel. It seems that a good ride is from Sedalia to Boonville, Boonville to Rocheport, Rocheport to Hartsburg and then to Jeff City. There are great B & B's in Rocheport and Hartsburg and hotels in Sedalia and Boonville that accomodate singles with bike storage along the way.
May is a great time with spring blooming all along the trail.
Good Luck in Your Planning.
Anonymous on 02/17/2008 08:33 AM
Hi, I am a "glup" hate to say it middle age women also.
I have never ridden alone, but have ridden with my 2 now teenage daughters when they where younger.
We usually rode from Columbia....McBain actually to Jeff City.
We then stayed the night in Jeff City and rode back the next day.
It was a fairly easy ride.
I think we could do longer ones now if I could ever get them together.
I do want to do a longer ride this summer and am working hard on getting in better shape.
Mom to 3
DougK on 02/28/2008 07:18 AM
I hiked the trail last summer. I never felt nervous about being alone on the trail because someone is usually riding the trail. I had 2 days where I didn't see a soul for 6 hours but it should be considerably less if you're biking.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 02/28/2008 06:36 PM
I rode the entire trail alone (woman 50 y/o in 2003), with my sister in 2004, with hubby in 2006 and with the DNR ride in 2007. I have also done numerus 2 day trips alone and too many day rides to count. I have NEVER felt 'threatened' by anyone on any of my rides. I will say occasionally (very seldom actually) some of the locals may seem unfriendly...but there's a difference between unfriendly and threatening. My only 'scares" have been by dogs. Once between Clinton and Windsor one came running out of the woods growling and chasing me (but never caught me), and last summer on a 2 day ride a dog ran out and cut in front of me causing me to hit it and crash.
I do carry Haltz (or however you spell it) in my front pack now. Hopefully won't have to use it.
Ride and enjoy. My only suggestion is to be aware of your surroundings, have a cell phone just in case and always know where your next stop will be.
Dolores from Pilot Grove on 04/13/2008 09:56 PM
Hi Claire, I may be responding too late to your question, but I wanted you to know there is a safe B&B in Pilot Grove just 1 1/2 blocks from the Katy trail owned by a middle-aged woman. It is safe and I enjoy visiting with our guests. Give me a call at 660-834-4333 or 660-537-1786 if it is not too late to be of help to you.
Penny Garibaldi from Boonville, Mo on 04/21/2008 07:58 AM
I am the owner/operator of the Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast in Boonville, MO. I have had female guests that have ridden the trail alone. They stated that they never felt unsafe on their journey, whether it be on a short ride or the entire trail. We have lovely bed and breakfasts in Boonville as well as a variety of hotel/motel accommodations. Enjoy your trip!
Doing the Clinton to St. Charles in Mid May should we go East to West or West to East?
- + Three of us are going to do the trail in mid May. We are planning on doing the whole thing in three days, but we don't know if we want to go east to west or west to east. Is the wind a issue? I ride...
Discussion started 04/13/2008 05:26 PM by michaelcirish70 - 1 reply (last reply by ElToro at 04/20/2008 09:04 PM)michaelcirish70 from Jefferson City on 04/13/2008 05:26 PM
Three of us are going to do the trail in mid May. We are planning on doing the whole thing in three days, but we don't know if we want to go east to west or west to east. Is the wind a issue? I ride the trail a bit around JC and it can be very windy heading west because the trail is in the flood plain and open to the wind. Also I am riding a older cheaper mountain bike are there any suggestions for modifications such as saddles (comfortable style), setback post, different tires, etc.
ElToro on 04/20/2008 09:04 PM
No question in my mind (others may disagree) - GO WEST TO EAST. Much more likely to get prevailing winds behind you and once you hit Sedalia, the trail tips more to the east.
I rode it in 3 days in October, 2006. Plan to do it again this fall. Rode Clinton to Hartsburg, Hartsburg to Rhineland and Rhineland to St. Charles.
Will probably even the first two days out a little bit in terms of mileage this time.
Just my 2 cents.
Enjoy the planning and the ride.