2008 DNR Ride
- + Can anyone tell me when they set the date for the 2008 DNR ride on the Katy Trail? A group of us want to ride this coming year but we have to put in for our vacation during the month of Dec for the f...
Discussion started 11/20/2007 03:02 PM by Cliff - 6 replies (last reply by Chelsea at 02/06/2008 11:52 PM)Cliff from Edwardsville KS on 11/20/2007 03:02 PM
Can anyone tell me when they set the date for the 2008 DNR ride on the Katy Trail? A group of us want to ride this coming year but we have to put in for our vacation during the month of Dec for the following year. I emailed the DNR a couple of weeks ago but never recieved a reply. Any info would be appreciated.
Ray (webmaster) on 11/20/2007 03:07 PM
Yes, it will be June 16-20, 2008. Heading east-to-west this year. http://www.bikekatytrail.com/event.aspx?eid=228.
The DNR promises more details in early 2008.
Cliff from Edwardsville Ks on 11/21/2007 08:44 AM
Thanks for the info Ray. I would also like to thank you for providing this great website for us Katy Trail riders. You do a fantastic job, and you are appreciated by all of us.
Trek on 11/21/2007 03:12 PM
The bad part of all this is the expectation that one can readily find information or help from others about other trails.....it is then by guess and by golly and not with the assurance of knowing.
Chelsea on 02/03/2008 12:33 PM
I was wondering if anyone knew how much the DRN ride will cost? Or what it was in past years? Thanks.
steve k from saint louis on 02/04/2008 02:52 PM
2006 rates:
$230 Adult Full Tour
$195 Child Full Tour*
$650 Family Rate**
* 14 years and under
** Any combination of husband, wife, and children 14 years and under (maximum of four people)
Also, keep in mind that this does not cover hotel costs, as these rates assume that you will be using DNR's campsites that they will provide.
Chelsea on 02/06/2008 11:52 PM
Thank you so much Steve!
Clinton to Calhoun
- + I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the trail is like from Clinton to Calhoun? Is it very scenic? Is it easy or difficult to ride? How much time should an average biker allow to make the ro...
Discussion started 02/06/2008 07:59 PM by VJ - 1 reply (last reply by JD at 02/06/2008 10:20 PM)VJ from Tulsa, Oklahoma on 02/06/2008 07:59 PM
I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the trail is like from Clinton to Calhoun? Is it very scenic? Is it easy or difficult to ride? How much time should an average biker allow to make the round trip. Also, does anyone know if the trail is snowy, icy or difficult to handle this time of year. We live in Oklahoma and were thinking about trying it out next Sunday on our way to Kansas City. Thanks for your help!
JD from Greater KC on 02/06/2008 10:20 PM
The trail from Clinton to Calhoun is a flat, straightforward, countryside ride. Scenes include rolling hills, farmland, farm animals, wildlife, treerows and canopies, creeks and bridges, historical sites etc. Allow three hours/av. Bring water, and use the town's public facilities this time of year.
the katy in winter
- + Winter is my favorite time on the Katy. Passing through the tunnel out of town the flood line is visible on the vegetation in the bottoms and puffed-up red tail hawks are everywhere in the trees. Th...
Discussion started 01/26/2008 10:09 AM by tmiser - 3 replies (last reply by JD at 02/06/2008 03:51 PM)tmiser from rocheport on 01/26/2008 10:09 AM
Winter is my favorite time on the Katy. Passing through the tunnel out of town the flood line is visible on the vegetation in the bottoms and puffed-up red tail hawks are everywhere in the trees. The vegetation is nil and the head of the long line of bluffs that Rocheport is known for is visible to the right. When I am running this time of the year rarely are my eyes to the front. There is so much to see. Around mile 181 there is a hole in the ground in the midst of a patch of reeds and the reeds are coated with frost - created from something breathing in the hole? Right before Highway 40 bridge an explosion of birds and a large bird that I have never seen before passes through. About the size of a red-tail, this bird had white patches on the tops of the wings and a white band on the top of the tail. Last week, between mile 174 and 176 I saw 11 eagles. Two of them were riding ice floes down the river. Also, a first for me last week - two trumpeter swans flew right down Central Street. Nobody ever uses the Katy in the wintertime and I feel kind of guilty for getting her all to myself. Rocheport is the place to be.
Trek Biker on 01/26/2008 10:58 AM
Well tmiser....you know it won't be long and you'll be sharing her. Feel no guilt and enjoy the peace while ya can! Rocheport is a great place to be and I think that you are very fortunate to be there. In my mind though, you are most fortunate for your ability to see and appreciate what others often overlook. I'm often amused at the response to posters here seeking out the "best part of the trail" to ride. Your section of the trail from Rocheport to Boonville seems to often get unwarrented bad reviews to me. Like yourself, when we ride we take it all in and truely enjoy all that there is to experience. I've seen replys here telling others to skip the Rocheport to Boonville section because there is nothing to see or that it is boring. We have logged many miles on the Katy and have enjoyed several early morning rides from Boonville to Rocheport.
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 01/29/2008 08:36 AM
Hear! Hear!
JD from Greater KC on 02/06/2008 03:51 PM
Indeed. Quite a few local folks along the trail use it year around for walking, walking pets, hiking, nature watching, jogging, bicycling, photographing, exercising, and spending time with themselves, to name a few. They love it for the same reasons you do.
Kid friendly activities and trail distance
- + I'm wanting to plan a two or three day trip for three kids ages 5-8. They all can ride at least 5 mi on a faily flat trail--I'm not sure if they could go more than 8 or 10 in one day. Is there a part...
Discussion started 02/05/2008 01:41 AM by Sue Howard - 1 reply (last reply by Cliff at 02/05/2008 02:42 PM)Sue Howard from Blue Springs on 02/05/2008 01:41 AM
I'm wanting to plan a two or three day trip for three kids ages 5-8. They all can ride at least 5 mi on a faily flat trail--I'm not sure if they could go more than 8 or 10 in one day. Is there a part of the trail where the towns are closer together, and we could get off the trail and stay the night? How about kid friendly activites or nice parks along the way?
Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Sue
Cliff from Edwardsville Kansas on 02/05/2008 02:42 PM
I would suggest going to Rocheport and riding east along the bluffs and river. You could ride out as far as you think the kid's could ride and then back to Rocheport. On the east side of Rocheport there is a tunnel the kid's would enjoy and just before the tunnel there is a trail where you could park your bikes and take a walk. The kid's would also enjoy the cafe and bike shop at Rocheport. To the east there is alot of benches where you could stop and rest and the scenery is great. The Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest Bed and Breafast sits right along the trail and would be a nice place to stay. Go to the town of Rocheport on this site and you can get all the info you need. The trail is really flat all through this area so it would be a good place for the kid's to ride. Have a great trip!!
rental bikes
- + We don't want to hassle with boxing/shipping our bikes. Does anyone have any experience with renting quality bikes that fit the rider? Thanks!
Discussion started 01/13/2008 03:28 PM by C&P - 3 replies (last reply by JD at 02/05/2008 08:16 AM)C&P from albuquerque on 01/13/2008 03:28 PM
We don't want to hassle with boxing/shipping our bikes. Does anyone have any experience with renting quality bikes that fit the rider? Thanks!
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 01/13/2008 08:15 PM
Use the Plan a Ride feature on this site to generate a list of bike rental shops along the trail. Visit their website and/or contact them to find out what they offer to rent...then you can determine if anyone offers the "quality" of bike that you require. I've rented from the bike shop in Rocheport several times and have never been disappointed. I didn't rent for a multiday ride though, understanding that although they were good bikes, I didn't expect the fit to equal the Brooks saddle on the Trek or the Santana longbike.
steve k from saint louis on 01/15/2008 07:31 AM
I rented from Momentum Cycles(St. Charles) & Katy Trail Bike rental in Defiance when my bike was broke down and was happy with both places. As far as "fitting the rider" they generally have just given me a bike that was big enough and let me go. If you think this is going to be big deal for you, then you probably need to call them. I think the bike shop in Defiance is shut down for the season, so I am not sure about contacting them. I believe the shop in St. Charles is open year round.
JD from Effingham, il on 02/05/2008 08:16 AM
How much for a top of the line rental per day?
Steamboat Junction Campground (Bluffton)
- + Tell me about camping here. WE have a 13 foot travel trailer. We are planning on visiting March 20th - 28th. If you have a brochure, mail it to 2985 cottonwood ct. Brookfield, WI 53005 or email me...
Discussion started 02/02/2008 03:35 PM by bob - 1 reply (last reply by Carl Myers at 02/03/2008 04:56 PM)bob from brookfield wi on 02/02/2008 03:35 PM
Tell me about camping here. WE have a 13 foot travel trailer. We are planning on visiting March 20th - 28th. If you have a brochure, mail it to 2985 cottonwood ct. Brookfield, WI 53005 or email me your web address. Thank you Bob Quinsey
bob from brookfield wi on 02/02/2008 03:35 PM
Tell me about camping here. WE have a 13 foot travel trailer. We are planning on visiting March 20th - 28th. If you have a brochure, mail it to 2985 cottonwood ct. Brookfield, WI 53005 or email me your web address. Thank you Bob Quinsey
Carl Myers from Mexico, MO on 02/03/2008 04:56 PM
The campground is kind of small and primitive, but it work for you with a small RV. It is in a good location and you will have good senery riding both east and west.
Carl Myers from Mexico, MO on 02/03/2008 04:56 PM
The campground is kind of small and primitive, but it work for you with a small RV. It is in a good location and you will have good senery riding both east and west.
Rendleman Home B&B (Bluffton)
- + tell me about the camping we have a 13ft camper
Discussion started 02/02/2008 03:19 PM by bob - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 02/03/2008 09:09 AM)bob from brookfield wi on 02/02/2008 03:19 PM
tell me about the camping we have a 13ft camper
bob from brookfield wi on 02/02/2008 03:19 PM
tell me about the camping we have a 13ft camper
Anonymous on 02/03/2008 09:09 AM
173 Hwy 94
Bluffton, MO 65069
573-236-4575
www.rendlemanhome.com
Anonymous on 02/03/2008 09:09 AM
173 Hwy 94
Bluffton, MO 65069
573-236-4575
www.rendlemanhome.com
How the American Discovery Trail interfaces with the Katy and rules about horses
- + I am curious about something. The American Discovery Trail which, for those of you who don't know, crosses the entire country from Delaware to California, uses as part of its system the Katy Trail(htt...
Discussion started 02/03/2008 09:02 AM by annmary - 0 repliesannmary from Willis, VA on 02/03/2008 09:02 AM
I am curious about something. The American Discovery Trail which, for those of you who don't know, crosses the entire country from Delaware to California, uses as part of its system the Katy Trail(http://www.discoverytrail.org/states/missouri/index.html)
The American Discovery Trail(ADT) allows horses on their whole trail. Two equestrians have completed the entire route. So I am curious how their rules interfaces with Katy Trail rules since clearly on the Katy only a limited part of the trail is designated for horses. I am planning a cross country trip on horseback and was planning on using the Illinois and Missouri section of the ADT for my route. Now I am confused. Can anyone shed light on this?
Greens Bottom to Defiance or Augusta
- + My husband and I are considering a ride from Greens Bottom to Defiance or Augusta. We are in our late twenties, work out regularly, but are novices to biking. Is it possible to bike to Defiance or A...
Discussion started 01/29/2008 12:39 PM by Katie - 4 replies (last reply by jp at 01/30/2008 04:47 PM)Katie from St. Charles on 01/29/2008 12:39 PM
My husband and I are considering a ride from Greens Bottom to Defiance or Augusta. We are in our late twenties, work out regularly, but are novices to biking. Is it possible to bike to Defiance or Augusta (13 or 20 miles respectively one way), have some time to check out the town and bike back in one day? Or are we trying to do too much?
Trek on 01/29/2008 01:49 PM
There is a directly proportional relationship between the distance you can travel and how well adapted your hind side is to your bike saddle. Saddle time is key when preparing for a bike trip. Thirty to forty miles in a day is very doable though. If you only rode 5 mph you could ride 30 miles in 6 hours....plenty of time in the day to check out the trail. As long as your rear end holds up, you should be able to ride faster than 5 mph and cover more ground.
Katie from St. Charles on 01/30/2008 10:27 AM
Thanks for the info. Hopefully we'll have some time to "acclimate" our rears to the the bike. Incidentally, we are thinking about purchasing a bike for regular excercise on the trail. Is a hybrid bike the best way to go?
Trek on 01/30/2008 10:40 AM
In my opinion......yes. Ms. Trek would agree hands down too. She once rode a comfort model on rails trails and was amazed at how better suited the hybrid is now that she traded. Now we each ride a hybrid single on the rail trails and a Santana tandem on the street. Each is best suited for the riding conditions they encounter.
jp from St. Louis on 01/30/2008 04:47 PM
Good points made here trek. Saddle type is critical for comfort and proper skeletal support. Also on the hybrid suggestion; some folks do not know how that category of bicycle has evolved. Some hybrids are really roadbikes with a flat handlebar, that really move in comfort on the Katy. After a serious lumbar disc injury, I purchased a JAMIS CODA COMP which is a reynolds 520 steel framed flat bar bike, with a carbon fiber fork and a carbon fiber seatpost which I put on to replace the suspension seatpost. I put in 4,000 miles last year-in comfort. I bought the same bike(newer model year) for my wife who does not ride a lot, and we knocked down fifty on the Katy, and she could have gone farther that day. Make sure you use good, puncture-resistant rubber; also. I like the Panaracer t-serv messenger. Have fun.
another trail to clinton
- + I seem to remember that there is a trail that covers some of the distance from Springfield Mo to clinton. does anyone know of such a trail and where it may be and the name? thanks, jason.
Discussion started 01/25/2008 09:38 PM by jason - 3 replies (last reply by Arkie at 01/29/2008 08:03 PM)jason from Eureka Spr on 01/25/2008 09:38 PM
I seem to remember that there is a trail that covers some of the distance from Springfield Mo to clinton. does anyone know of such a trail and where it may be and the name? thanks, jason.
bears from Ashland on 01/26/2008 07:34 AM
The Frisco Highline Trail, Springfield to Bolivar.
www.friscohighlinetrail.org
CT from Lees Summit on 01/28/2008 08:21 PM
Thats awesome. Does anyone know if there is a company that offers a shuttle between the two. Its not that far, but I imagine the roads are pretty hairy.
Arkie on 01/29/2008 08:03 PM
I have done the Frisco trail and it is fun. Although one could kill themselves and do it in one day, I rode from the Springfield TH to Bolivar, had a nice dinner, spent the night, and rode back the next morning. I was unable to find anyone to shuttle, and decided the cost of the hotel in Bolivar to be equivalent to a shuttle fee.
Riverside Restaurant & Bar (St Charles)
- + On a trip in 2007 we enjoyed some food on the deck while listening to a guitar player - singer. Then afteward went inside for a drink and really enjoyed the band there.
We like the food, the b...
Discussion started 01/29/2008 04:27 PM by Chris and Char - 0 repliesChris and Char from Colorado on 01/29/2008 04:27 PM
On a trip in 2007 we enjoyed some food on the deck while listening to a guitar player - singer. Then afteward went inside for a drink and really enjoyed the band there.
We like the food, the building, the environment, the entertainment, evrything about the Riverside!
We'll be sure to be back out to Riverside on our next trip through town!
Chris and Char from Colorado on 01/29/2008 04:27 PM
On a trip in 2007 we enjoyed some food on the deck while listening to a guitar player - singer. Then afteward went inside for a drink and really enjoyed the band there.
We like the food, the building, the environment, the entertainment, evrything about the Riverside!
We'll be sure to be back out to Riverside on our next trip through town!
Dutzow Deli & Restaurant (Dutzow)
- + Camping area no longer available.
Discussion started 01/28/2008 12:09 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous from Springfield, MO on 01/28/2008 12:09 PM
Camping area no longer available.
Anonymous from Springfield, MO on 01/28/2008 12:09 PM
Camping area no longer available.
Mother-in-Law House (St Charles)
- + Although we do allow negative comments, please don't try to "game the system" by masquerading as several different people leaving different comments.
The negative comments posted over the p...
Discussion started 01/23/2008 05:10 PM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 01/28/2008 09:55 AM
Although we do allow negative comments, please don't try to "game the system" by masquerading as several different people leaving different comments.
The negative comments posted over the past week by "John" and "Rodney" were posted from the same IP address and had matching browser cookies - in other words, both comments were posted from the same computer. Unless "Rodney" stole or bought a computer from "John" over the past week, they appear to be one in the same person.
Please be honest in posting to the forum. Otherwise, everything you say is highly suspect and cannot be taken seriously.
Ray (webmaster) on 01/28/2008 09:55 AM
Although we do allow negative comments, please don't try to "game the system" by masquerading as several different people leaving different comments.
The negative comments posted over the past week by "John" and "Rodney" were posted from the same IP address and had matching browser cookies - in other words, both comments were posted from the same computer. Unless "Rodney" stole or bought a computer from "John" over the past week, they appear to be one in the same person.
Please be honest in posting to the forum. Otherwise, everything you say is highly suspect and cannot be taken seriously.
Riding the trail or part of it for a novice
- + The wife and I are thinking of riding a portion of the trail this fall, probably late September or early October. We are not true bikers, especially myself. Really don't have a clue where to start to ...
Discussion started 01/24/2008 09:14 PM by The Sheiks - 4 replies (last reply by Gary at 01/25/2008 06:52 PM)The Sheiks from Okeene, Oklahoma on 01/24/2008 09:14 PM
The wife and I are thinking of riding a portion of the trail this fall, probably late September or early October. We are not true bikers, especially myself. Really don't have a clue where to start to plan this. On top of that, we don't know where we would plan to start or stop. I can envision maybe 20 to 40 miles of the trail and 2 or 3 days to do it. I would like any suggestions on what portions you all would think are the neatest in terms of scenery, road type, etc. Also wandering how we would make it work as we are going to have to get back to the vehicle afterwards. I suppose one option would be to just turn around and head back where you started. Are there other ways of getting back? Generally speaking we would need to stay in a BB a night or two.
Like I said before, just looking for some advise from the experienced.
Thanks in Advance!
Jim from St. Thomas on 01/25/2008 08:07 AM
I think I would do a Rocheport to Hartsburg round trip. That would be around 50 miles but that's a pretty easy two day trip. There are beautiful bluffs and a couple of conservation areas along the trail. You could eat lunch at either McBaine or Cooper's Landing in Easley and stay overnight at the Globe in Hartsburg. Just a warning about Cooper's ..... it gets mixed reviews in here but we love the place.
Trek on 01/25/2008 01:07 PM
I think Jim is right about the Rocheport area.....usually mid October though for fall color. I might also consider Columbia to Rocheport or on to Boonville. The Hotel Frederick in Booneville is worth the trip as well as Glens Cafe, Napoli, etc. There are a few more B&B's in Rocheport also.....that is a busy time due to the fall color, so you might want to book your stay as early in advance as possible. Portland....Rhineland.....Hermann is a nice area too.....maybe not quite a scenic as the bluffs just east of Rocheport, but Hermann has a lot to offer. Hermann is an Amtrak stop too, if you wanted to do Jeff City to Hermann for example. The Plan a Ride feature above is a good tool as well as the Katy Trail Guidebook. Come on up.....its a great trail no matter where you ride!
larryerick from Seattle on 01/25/2008 01:18 PM
I apologize in advance if I misunderstood your goal, but I clearly had a different impression, from Jim's, of what your maximum daily cycling would be. 20-40 miles in 2-3 days would mean less than 15 miles per day. In many areas of the trail, that's not enough distance to get from one town with lodging options to the next. Starting at Rocheport, that would get you to Boonville and back in two days, but not as far as Hartsburg. Without thinking about it too specifically, I would think the area closest to Augusta (or maybe Hermann) would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you really can't make 25-30 miles per day (giving you a lot more lodging options), I'd take an extra year to get healthy enough to ride farther than 10 miles a day and get much more enjoyment from the trail.
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 01/25/2008 06:52 PM
The Jefferson City to Hartsburg and back would get you the 10 miles per day for a two day trip, has a nice stop about halfway overlooking the Missouri river, and if in October you could plan to be in Harstburg for the pumpkin festival (see events).
Riverside Diner (Boonville)
- + Best breakfast and best service of the trip. Right at the foot of the bridge, when the signs point you away from Main Street.
Discussion started 10/17/2005 10:17 AM - 2 replies (last reply by kim at 01/23/2008 09:47 PM)Anonymous from Lawrence, KS on 10/17/2005 10:17 AM
Best breakfast and best service of the trip. Right at the foot of the bridge, when the signs point you away from Main Street.
Anonymous from Lawrence, KS on 10/17/2005 10:17 AM
Best breakfast and best service of the trip. Right at the foot of the bridge, when the signs point you away from Main Street.
Brad from Boonville, MO on 01/21/2008 10:26 AM
You took a trip to Boonville! Eww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By the way, the service is not great at all, and the owner needs to call Jenny!
Brad from Boonville, MO on 01/21/2008 10:26 AM
You took a trip to Boonville! Eww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By the way, the service is not great at all, and the owner needs to call Jenny!
kim from independence on 01/23/2008 09:47 PM
We ate at Riverside diner and found the food to be good, service was good, and the price was excellent. I was amazed at everything that was part of the meal.
kim from independence on 01/23/2008 09:47 PM
We ate at Riverside diner and found the food to be good, service was good, and the price was excellent. I was amazed at everything that was part of the meal.