Katy Trail Forum

I'm an avid cyclist and have 3 small boys (5,9 and 12). I was thinking about riding the entire trail sometime this summer.



The boy's have ridden 15 miles many times. My middle son did a 40 miles ride with me when he was 7. Have any of you taken small children for an extended distance like this? I am still in the planning stages. The boys are excited about the idea of riding across an entire state and riding a train back to the car.



Any input would be helpful.



Thanks

They should do well. The only thing I would consider is that unlike riding around the neighborhood the trail doesn't allow for much coasting. Thus little legs would have to be pumping pretty much non-stop. Sounds like the ticket for fun. Enjoy.

I think it's a great idea to do the ride with your boys but I'm a little concerned about the 2 younger ones. It's one thing to ride 30 - 40 miles in a day but it's a whole different ball game when you do it for 5 or 6 days in a row. Is there any possibility you could have someone shadow you in a sag vehicle?

We rode the trail from Sedalia to Jeff City in 2 days at the end of November, spending the

night in Boonville. Our 2 boys are 8 & 10 and we found they could handle 35-45 miles per

day. Unlike riding on pavement, you are constantly pedaling on the Katy, which will wear the

children (& adults!) down, not to mention give you a sore bottom. For us, doing different

sections of the Katy at different times works best. This spring, we are planning to ride from

Jeff City to Washington, another 80 mile trip in 2 days. We found Amtrak to be very

accommodating; they even helped us to carry each bike onto/off of the train. Be sure to call

them ahead of time to make a reservation for you & your bikes. Enjoy your trip! The Katy

makes for a great family adventure.

We have made several trips on the Katy with our kids, starting when they were about 5. We found a trail-a-bike to be the way to go when they were younger--they could pedal when they wanted to, and just ride along when they were tired. I definitely recommend a short day part way through to rest up a bit. In fact, you might try to do a loop, with the Amtrak stretch in the middle--for example, ride from Sedalia to Jeff City in a couple of days, then take the train back to Sedalia and do the western end (you would have to use a shuttle or go there and back). Also, most, but not all B*B's are kid friendly--check around. If you do the western end, I highly recommend Cruce's cabooses for 3 boys. Pack plenty of snacks and water--it can be a long, hot haul between places to get supplies! It's great fun, though. Go for it!

Our first ride my youngest was 8 and did fine..but we only did a 2 day ride. I think she could have handled more.

I would be a bit worried about the 5 year old though.

I think you can gauge your child though and will be able to tell.

Bring lots of extra water and lots of snacks.

We always carried string cheese and beef sticks ... and would stop often for mini snacks and to explore.

Mom to 3

Even for the older kids (between 15 and 18) that aren't used to riding a lot if at all. Would they have a lot of trouble you think?

Kids can get saddle-sore just like adults, and that's really the only problem. You want to ride at least some first, and I highly recommend bike shorts, but as far as just doing the ride, you'll have no problem. Be sure to take enough water, and don't forget to drink it.

What about for those who might be a little body-concious? Or even for weather that might not be warm enough for shorts. What type of pants would you suggest? I have a funny feeling that stretchy wouldn't be a good idea. Too many interesting stories come from that kind of thing.

Bike shorts under tights or other pants work fine. You just need to use a velcro strap or rubber band on your ankles to keep your pants legs out of your chain. I don't recommend jeans--the seams will definitely bother you!

That makes sense. Kids wear jeans while riding bikes in town all the time. Is it just the longer distance and different terrain? There is one thing I was curious about. I've heard of wearing the shorts over the tights, but under them just sounds a little akward. But under pants I do all the time. It's a lot more comfortable once you get them unrolled. You seem to have a lot of experience with this stuff. How lonw have you been riding? I used to ride all the time. I could even do some stunt biking. But it's been around 4 years since then. That's another reason I enjoy this class so much we get to do all the outdoors stuff I love and haven't had a chance to do for a long time. Heck I even learned how to swim. Which was interesting. You'd think that some one that loves being outside would know that already but it was fun to learn even at my age.

How close to N. Jefferson does one need to ride from the east to see the Capitol? Randy, Edwardsville,Il

A mile or so.

I love that Q.. It is the core of my riding experience. One trip with many riders I saw a guy with a 49 buck huffy and along side was a 5,000 buck trek full suspension. Hey anythings better than walking the thing. PART OF THE FUN is the prep while off the bike. YES to the garage sale frankenstein bike. There are lots of old lugged frames out there. Many bike shops are grabben these up and making them into one speeds. I am a diehard frankensteiner ( one level below a fixie) and love the challenge of taking old bike junk and turning it into a speedo rocket. Used bike parts are like looking for hidden gold. Bike shops like new part sales, but many old roadies have old parts just thrown in baskets in basements. If you can do your own axle overhaul and have access to used parts then go for it. The ride experience on a hand-rebuilt bike is as good as it gets. It is like making a raft to escape a long lost island. Great joy and satisfaction comes from this experience. It is easy to go and buy a new bike, but something special happens to the ride experience when you make yur own bike. From the old Frankensteiner Dale Cannon

Hey Old Frank'n Dale.....ya don't have any old school 7 speed Shimano bar end shifters in any of the archived garage sale stuff do ya? Am lookin for some for the longbike.

i am planning a trip for 6 adults 2 hermann. we are travelling 6 hrs to get there. is the katy trail worthwhile - we're NOT avid bikers but enjoy nature. is tge mckitrick trailhead a gd startin pt. so id like 2 know if we should stay some place near the trail or should we stay near the wineries [some of us are winos]. please help... we're only stayin 2 nts.

Wut 2 sa 2 ansr - yes

Specifically, my question is this...as a first time visitor, I would like to know if the Katy Trail is worthwhile. Again, I'm not an avid biker, but would definitely be up for maybe a 10 mile ride roundtrip. I'm torn btw/getting a place to stay right on the trail or staying near the wineries. I want to experience both things....any suggestions?????

It would easily kill a half-day or so but you could drive to the Dutzow trailhead and ride the trail to Augusta. You can take in the wineries and micro-brewery at Augusta and then stop for a glass or two at Blumenhof when you get back to Dutzow. It's about a 15 mile round trip and I think you would probably enjoy it. One word of warning though....it's a pretty steep walk up to the Mt. Pleasant winery in Augusta.

Excellent recomendation from brother Jim, although I beleive you could kill a whole day under that plan if you took your time. Check out the Blumenhof Winery web site before your trip to see if they will have any live entertainment (local talent usually on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when in season).

what town is the campground with the refrigerators and the honour system of payment? I stayed there on my one trip, and would like to again on the second. I just can't remember what it is called or where it is. this is why.



I left the Roundhouse(recomended, they were very nice)planning to stay at tebbets, but all the bored local teenagers hanging about with absolutely nothing to do turned me off, and the key was not where I was told it would be, so I remember pushing on, eating at Mokane(really good buffalo wings and lots of fairly drunk folks to watch) then to portland, but all the bullet holes in the signs kind of made me nervous, kept going, and it was pretty dark and I was at the 120 mile mark on my daily tripometer from all the sidetrips so it was all kind of fuzzy. the Mosquitos were pretty happy to see me so bloodloss may have been a factor. when I found the place it was like a mirage. but a mirage with a shower and cold gatorade. I left before dawn, so the pictures that I took are very poor and I cant make them out.



I do plan a more relaxed east to west. I was on a 27 inch tourer with 1 1/4 tires and averaged 18 mph with no flats. I will be on a 26 inch knobby tourer and plan on lots and lots of flats and a average of 9 mph so I get to see something this time.

thanks, jason

Steamboat Junction at Bluffton

thanks Trek



that is the coolest campground. I loved making change out of the big bowl.

Fun seekers beware.

This casino and hotel is not a place to have adult fun. We had 15 friends that came to the Isle of Capri from all over Missouri to celebrate a 60th birthday party. Here are the issues:

One of my friends was stopped and questioned on his way into the casino at 3:15 in the afternoon after his 2 hour drive up from St Louis and had not consumed any alcohol. Another 60 year young lady friend was escorted off by three casino officials after a total of 3 beers at approx 5:30 or 6:00 after arriving and checking in at 2:30. She offered to take a sobriety check, breathalizer or other recourse she might have to prove she was not intoxicated. Just celebrating small jackpots with the other 6 ladies/friends that were gathered around the slot machine they were playing together. They offered none not even a warning. Well we all left the casino after that and ended up celebrating my friends birthday in our rooms. Comps, I don't think so. Between the tables and slots I ran over two thousand dollars thru and the players club offered me something at the deli.(Wow) There is no bar except the casino bar that I could find so there is no other night life to speak of except dining at the complex. This is a very strict casino where laughter and celebration is a sure sign of intoxication and therefore a sure way to be kicked out. I was not located where this happened and these are the reports shared with me after the fact from the friends that were present. Rooms are OK and my frineds that did eat said the food was good. Machines are tight, some of the dealers were fun others may have been machines I could not tell. We will never go back and I would not recommend this facility to anyone wanting to have a good time.

Fun seekers beware.

This casino and hotel is not a place to have adult fun. We had 15 friends that came to the Isle of Capri from all over Missouri to celebrate a 60th birthday party. Here are the issues:

One of my friends was stopped and questioned on his way into the casino at 3:15 in the afternoon after his 2 hour drive up from St Louis and had not consumed any alcohol. Another 60 year young lady friend was escorted off by three casino officials after a total of 3 beers at approx 5:30 or 6:00 after arriving and checking in at 2:30. She offered to take a sobriety check, breathalizer or other recourse she might have to prove she was not intoxicated. Just celebrating small jackpots with the other 6 ladies/friends that were gathered around the slot machine they were playing together. They offered none not even a warning. Well we all left the casino after that and ended up celebrating my friends birthday in our rooms. Comps, I don't think so. Between the tables and slots I ran over two thousand dollars thru and the players club offered me something at the deli.(Wow) There is no bar except the casino bar that I could find so there is no other night life to speak of except dining at the complex. This is a very strict casino where laughter and celebration is a sure sign of intoxication and therefore a sure way to be kicked out. I was not located where this happened and these are the reports shared with me after the fact from the friends that were present. Rooms are OK and my frineds that did eat said the food was good. Machines are tight, some of the dealers were fun others may have been machines I could not tell. We will never go back and I would not recommend this facility to anyone wanting to have a good time.

Well Not, I think it's all just bad Karma. That seems to be life.....sometimes ya have a good day on the trail....and sometimes it rains and ya have a flat. But don't stop riding. Brush yourself off and get back on the bike my friend. My last trip to the Isle of Capri landed a hundred bucks on a 10 dollar investment (dollar slot machine on the end of the row) the night before a wonderful ride to Jefferson City and back the next day. I felt very fortunate to be able to reinvest my money at Glen's and the Hotel Frederick to help support the local Boonville economy.

Well Not, I think it's all just bad Karma. That seems to be life.....sometimes ya have a good day on the trail....and sometimes it rains and ya have a flat. But don't stop riding. Brush yourself off and get back on the bike my friend. My last trip to the Isle of Capri landed a hundred bucks on a 10 dollar investment (dollar slot machine on the end of the row) the night before a wonderful ride to Jefferson City and back the next day. I felt very fortunate to be able to reinvest my money at Glen's and the Hotel Frederick to help support the local Boonville economy.

We stopped here in February. Had a great night socializing with the locals. The gal that must cook was sick and we were offered only hot pockets for the "grill" portion. Jim was a great man and helped us with all we needed. We will show back up later in the season to enjoy the karaoke again.

We stopped here in February. Had a great night socializing with the locals. The gal that must cook was sick and we were offered only hot pockets for the "grill" portion. Jim was a great man and helped us with all we needed. We will show back up later in the season to enjoy the karaoke again.

The shelter was technically closed for the season, but we were told we could stay. The water was shut off and the furnace was not on. It was cold but were able to get a space heater from the bar next door to help take the chill out of the air. Very clean and will stay again.

The shelter was technically closed for the season, but we were told we could stay. The water was shut off and the furnace was not on. It was cold but were able to get a space heater from the bar next door to help take the chill out of the air. Very clean and will stay again.

We stopped here for lunch on our way to Tebbetts from St. Charles. The young girl that was working was very helpful and gave us everything we wanted. The room upstairs has 2 beds and can be reserved for $45 and the room next to it for another $5. We plan to stay there on our next trip. Definately worth the stop.

We stopped here for lunch on our way to Tebbetts from St. Charles. The young girl that was working was very helpful and gave us everything we wanted. The room upstairs has 2 beds and can be reserved for $45 and the room next to it for another $5. We plan to stay there on our next trip. Definately worth the stop.

If you are planning a KATY Trail Bike Trip this year, and are looking for a great overnight stay, think Hotel Frederick. Located in Boonville, this 103 year old property was renovated last year and offers great amenities for bikers, bike storage, great food, free wi-fi to check your e-mails, lobby bar, flat screen tvs, with dvd players, we have a video library that is free to our guests. Located across the street from the trail on the west side of the Boonslick Bridge, we cater to bikers. Our web-site is hotelfrederick@yahoo.com, or call 660-882-2828, e-mail us at hotelfrederick@sbcglobal.net We discount all rooms for bikers!

Happy Biking in 2008

We have stayed at the Frederick on a Katy ride, and it is wonderful, plus Glenn's cafe, in the hotel, was a great place for dinner. I believe they do a weekend brunch as well. We also took advantage of the on-site massage service.

Excellent Bar and night club, lots of fun!!

All the employees are very nice besides a guy named Jim?

This guy"Jim" seemed to only bring down the joint, not sure if he's the owner, but I am sure that he's on some sort of drugs my forsure guess is speed"meth?".



Besides that guy, this place rocks!!!!!



JJ

Excellent Bar and night club, lots of fun!!

All the employees are very nice besides a guy named Jim?

This guy"Jim" seemed to only bring down the joint, not sure if he's the owner, but I am sure that he's on some sort of drugs my forsure guess is speed"meth?".



Besides that guy, this place rocks!!!!!



JJ

Thats funny jj! They all look like there on meth down there! And why is it that they only take pics of big boOb blond hair girls? I don't have any of that but i'm good looking to! I want my pic taken! THANKS!

Thats funny jj! They all look like there on meth down there! And why is it that they only take pics of big boOb blond hair girls? I don't have any of that but i'm good looking to! I want my pic taken! THANKS!

What is the status of the law suit on the Boonville bridge? Also, when is the projected finish of the extension to Pleasant Hill? Also, somebody told me they would eventually extend it to Leeds, which is in KCMO. Any truth to that?

Our school has a new sort of PE class this year and they like to get out and about. Our instructor plans to get us out on the Katy trail for some extra credit when it warms up. What are the best stretches within a 2 day bike ride from here?

IMHO....I doubt that you can ride from Hannibal to what most would deam "the best stretches" in your required time allotment of two days...if you did by chance make it, you wouldn't have time to get home.

I would suggest going to Defiance and riding west. If your class needs to rent bikes you can do that at the Bike shop in Defiance. He will give you a group deal. His rates are very reasonable and it would be better than trying to haul a whole class's bikes. Also he would outfit you with the type of bike that would work right on the trail. Just click on the town of Defiance on this site and you can get all the info you need. The trail is very flat so you shouldn't have any problem riding it, just a lot of pedaling. Hope this info helps. You will have a good time on the trail.

Our instructor has decided that we might take a bus to a site on the trail that is nearby. I'm told that this is one of the most scenic trails in the area. Personally I've never used it before. We have some bikes at our disposal but I don't know if we'll be using them or renting. I really appreciate the input. Anything else you could suggest would be very helpful and appreciated.

And thanks Cliff might try to look in to the stuff at Defiance. It sounds like a really nice stop.

Am I the only forum reader who is getting dizzy from the flashing "Sweetskinz" graphic on every post? Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with ads on a great free site like this, but the flashing is driving me to distraction! Bwa ha ha! :-S

Thanks for pointing that out Brian. I knew the ad was a little "loud" but did not realize how bad it was until I sat at the forum page for a while (I usually review the forum through an administrative web page so I didn't see the ad all the time).

I replaced the obnoxious ad with one that is less likely to put you into a hypnotic trance.

Thanks, Ray! Much better. After you changed it, I even clicked on the ad & went to their site, so maybe you'll get some extra revenue. ;-)

We are from Little Rock and would like to ride about 80 miles round trip with a one night stay. Does anyone have any suggestions on the most scenic area that would have lodging at about a 1/2 way point?

I'm from Jonesboro and have ridden all of the trail. I think Rocheport headed east the most scenic. You could stay in Hartsburg (24 miles) or Jefferson City (34 miles). I'm told the Globe Hotel in Harstburg is a good place to stay. There are several places in Jeff City that will pick you up at the trailhead and bring you back.

I agree on the Rocheport south section. The Globe in Hartsburg is a nice place and I've stayed there 3 times. If a TV in the room and private bath is a must for you though, the Globe does not have that. If you go to Jeff City, I've stayed at the Cliff Manor B&B and have loved it. Thom will pick you up from the trail head and back in the AM for a small fee. Their breakfast is awesome. For dinner in the evening, I've walked up to the capital square to Ari's Greek Pizza (maybe 1 1/3 mile round trip walk?). The pizza is the best and I've actually planned rides so I overnight in Jeff City and can have Ari's pizza.

Have fun!

The Rocheport to Hartsburg section is as pretty as it gets in my opinion - especially in the spring or fall. I have stayed at the Globe in Hartsburg and found it to be quite acceptable. If you're there when she's opened - the pie at Doty's is Hartsburg (along with the rest of the food) is quite good as well.



You could go about 40 from Boonville to Hartsburg - and return the next day and get your 80.

My wife and I have ridden from Booneville to Hartsburg several times. In my opinion the whole trail is very senic in it's own way but the area from Rocheport to Hartsburg is one of our favorites. Anothe option while staying in Hartsburg overnite is the Hartsburg Inn. It is nothing fancy but reasonably priced and has everthing you need. She does not serve breakfast but has the fridge stocked with juice and there is breakfast food in the room witha microwave. If I remember right Dotties is not open for breakfast. You can get lunch and breakfast at Dotties or Summit Hill winery has pretty good pizza. The ride from Boonville to Hartsburg is a nice day ride and it gives you time to stop along the way in Rocheport and all the other little towns along the way. Have a great ride!

Spent one wonderful night at Apple Gate l0/31. Lynn was wonderful and the breakfast was delicious. We will be back.

Spent one wonderful night at Apple Gate l0/31. Lynn was wonderful and the breakfast was delicious. We will be back.

I haven't tried this trail before. What would you say the difficulty level is?

I haven't tried this trail before. What would you say the difficulty level is?

The School House B + B Inn has just opened a new facility, the Dormitory. There are two adjoining guest rooms (named North and South) that each can accommodate up to four individuals. The rooms have individual climate controls, private baths, TV/DVDs, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and plates/flatware for four. No access to the main Inn or hot breakfast is provided, but the rooms are stocked with muffins, yogurt, fruit, milk, cereal, juice and coffee for guest convenience. At the Dormitory, children of any age are welcome.



Our nearby Bike Shed provides storage as well as compressed air and a small work space, and water is available for cleaning bikes. For the human side, we have complimentary guest laundry facilities available, too! We're celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2008, - weekday cyclist (as well as other) specials are available from the home page of our website, www.schoolhousebb.com (or link to us from the map above, click on Rocheport). Dormitory single night stays welcome year 'round. Check it out, book your room at the Dormitory or the Inn online (or give us a call) and be our guest! School House B + B Inn.

Great,clean,had alot of groceries plus some non grocery stuff. Very friendly people.Love to stop there every time thru Pilot Grove..

Great,clean,had alot of groceries plus some non grocery stuff. Very friendly people.Love to stop there every time thru Pilot Grove..

This place was closed when we came through at lunch time and the folks in Portland said it sort of opens and closes at the whim of the owner. Don't count on it for a meal.

This place was closed when we came through at lunch time and the folks in Portland said it sort of opens and closes at the whim of the owner. Don't count on it for a meal.

It's closed on Sundays, Christmas, and New years day. There was one day they were closed this year due to a family emergency. I know of no other times they were closed. They were even open during the big ice storm in December.My wife works there part time as a cook.



The grill is open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday.

It's closed on Sundays, Christmas, and New years day. There was one day they were closed this year due to a family emergency. I know of no other times they were closed. They were even open during the big ice storm in December.My wife works there part time as a cook.



The grill is open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday.

I'm planning on riding the entire trail at some point this year and am curious about where the trail meanders through town streets. I realize it must be difficult, or impossible to get lost on the Katy Trail, but are there any points on the trail it may be possible to get "lost?"

hey bubba,the only two areas i can speak of that has the trail going through the city streets is sedalia and boonvile. sedalia was a little tricky from the old depot to resuming the trail out of town, but if you just watch for the markers, you should have no problem at all. the other one is boonvile, and it is even easier. from where the trail leaves the old railroad bed to where it crosses the missouri river is all visiible from the old depot and probably not more than a 1/2 mile. you should have no problems at all.



enjoy the ride, be safe, and have fun.

I agree. Sedalia is well marked and isn't difficult, but you do have to keep your eyes open. Boonville is very easy.

I'm planning a roundtrip excursion. My very tentative itinerary is as follows:

St. Charles marker 40 to Hermann 105 Day One 65

Hermann 105 to Boonville 190 Day Two 85

Boonville 190 to Clinton 265 Day Three 75

Clinton 265 to Huntsdale/Columbia 171 Day four 94

Columbia 171 to Hermann 105 Day Five 65

Hermann 105 to St. Charles 40 Day Six 65 miles

I've never been on the Katy trail. Any suggestions regarding places to stay good, places to get some relatively healthy food and a cold brew would be greatly appreciated. Planning on doing this July 2008.

Pick up a copy of the Katy Trail Guidebook by Brett Dufur. It's very helpful with a lot of good suggestions regarding lodging.

The Plan a Ride feature of this website is a good tool....or just click on the towns on the map above that you are interested in. In Hermann, we have enjoyed staying at Herman Hill B&B...pricey but nice.....Birks gets good reviews here also. Simons has good food, west side of downtown Hermann, and the ice cream shop is a good July stop.

In Boonville, we've stayed at The Frederick Inn several times. It's a renovation that has been done well and also houses Glen's Cafe...very good food there.....or Napoli just south of there on Main if you're needing some good pasta. Just north of I-70 and a short ride off the trail are a Comfort Inn and a Holiday Inn Express. They have pools that might be nice at the end of a hot July day.

Good plan! Averaging 75-miles/day allows one to enjoy the trail's natural, historical, and entertaining sites while not wearing oneself out. Although the trail is fairly flat, it can be tiring from stopping and starting again. Some of the small villages offer more than what can be seen from the trail. Take along high-energy food, extra water, and a small camera. It's fun!

I am going to have to start a Trek fan club. I agree with his lodging suggestions. For what it's worth, I would stay at Birk's in Hermann. I don't think it can be beat. And I would definitely stay at the Hotel Frederick and eat at Glenn's --- best food on the trail, period. At Clinton? Not too sure because that is where I kicked off my trip, but the plan-a-ride feature on this site should be helpful. Have a great time!

We rode from Clinton to St. Charles in two days last summer. Here is a blog of the trip. It may answer some of your questions.



http://paltnether.blogspot.com/