Katy Trail Forum

Nice shaded camps. Clean restroom/shower, hand driers. Mirrors & countertop, bench to lay clothes on while showering. Drink vending machine @ RR. Restaurant only open weekends. 4mi back to Isle of Capri casino buffet...worth it. (less_than_an_ounce@Yahoo says Hi to the 3 men on bikes we met...what a great time.)

I couldnt agree more. My wife and I rode from columbia and camped/ate

there and than rode back the next day. The showers were clean and the food

was excellent. What more could you ask for.



Call ahead because I think the restaurant is only open on the weekend. I am

not sure though.

Have stayed at the Katy Roundhouse Campground a couple of times while riding short runs east and west. Restaurant is fantastic and the people are really great. As nice as any campground we have stayed at anywhere....and the best....no pools, vidio game rooms or cheesy imported gift shop items! Just "down home" friendliness, good eats at a reasonable price and nice flat well maintained campsites. Thanks, L&J

This place continues to set the standard as a camping spot. For end-to-enders its somewhat halfway and the ammeties are incredible. The Dalton boys did the KATY in '02 and in May so the mornings and evenings were a little chilly willy and having hot water showers at the end of the day was, well you all know.......Enjoy the voyage Mark of the Dalton Boys

Are reservations required or can you just show up?

Probably depends on when you plan on showing up.....they do take reservations....so it may be wise to contact them with your dates of stay. http://www.katyroundhouse.com/



FYI: As of a week or so ago...they were not booked for Memorial weekend.

What is the dress code like for dinner at the Katy Roundhouse? Can you eat there in riding clothes?

Loved the Katy Roundhouse, too! Camp was deserted except for an RV, because it was a Sunday/Monday and it was August and 97 degrees. The showers were nice and hot and free with a site. Lots of firewood.



Some guy came slowly through the cg in a Cadillac. There was a little white dog sniffing around in front of the car. When my dog saw his dog and wouldn't get out of the road, (cuz he wanted to meet his dog!), the guy got mad, yelled at my dog. When my dog just stood there wagging, the guy turned his car around and the dog followed him out. I guess he was walking his dog!



Do check out the Katy Roundhouse, though. Very nice.

We stayed at the campsite which was wonderful and you can't beat the convience.

We were disappointed that the resturaunt was closed!

Went there with my wife for a special occasion. Things started off poorly when the bartender got upset when I tried to help her troubleshoot a drink order for my wife. Things got worse when one of the oysters we got was very off (unfortunately, I figured it out just after I swallowed it). The food was otherwise adequate, but the oyster came back to haunt me about an hour into the meal. I brought this up to the waitress who told the manager. The manager said "well, I'll give him another one then". I spoke to the manager who eventually told me to "kiss [his] ass". I have never been treated so poorly, I will certainly not be back.

Went there with my wife for a special occasion. Things started off poorly when the bartender got upset when I tried to help her troubleshoot a drink order for my wife. Things got worse when one of the oysters we got was very off (unfortunately, I figured it out just after I swallowed it). The food was otherwise adequate, but the oyster came back to haunt me about an hour into the meal. I brought this up to the waitress who told the manager. The manager said "well, I'll give him another one then". I spoke to the manager who eventually told me to "kiss [his] ass". I have never been treated so poorly, I will certainly not be back.

I find this comment very interesting. If this is the same person who I saw at Glenn's the other night, I have to side with the restaurant.



This person felt that he didn't get the service he "deserved." He was rude and sarcastic to the server, the bartender and the owner, who tried to rectify the situation. The owner asked this person several times what he could do to please this person. All the customer could do is talk about how he was an important doctor in Columbia and said that he was going to "ruin" the owner's business. He got increasingly rude and personally insulting to the owner, who did get angry at this point. And to top it all off, when this "doctor" left, he was repeatedly screaming "Fu## You, A**hole!" at the owner.



All I can say about that is that if I was screaming profanities and threatening people's livelihoods and generally acting like he did at his hospital, I would probably would have been arrested.

I find this comment very interesting. If this is the same person who I saw at Glenn's the other night, I have to side with the restaurant.



This person felt that he didn't get the service he "deserved." He was rude and sarcastic to the server, the bartender and the owner, who tried to rectify the situation. The owner asked this person several times what he could do to please this person. All the customer could do is talk about how he was an important doctor in Columbia and said that he was going to "ruin" the owner's business. He got increasingly rude and personally insulting to the owner, who did get angry at this point. And to top it all off, when this "doctor" left, he was repeatedly screaming "Fu## You, A**hole!" at the owner.



All I can say about that is that if I was screaming profanities and threatening people's livelihoods and generally acting like he did at his hospital, I would probably would have been arrested.

The thing I find interesting about comments like this one is that people come here to a forum about the Katy trail to rant about how they got the shaft at an establishment that has sooooooo little to do with the Katy. If this were Eateryreview.com, then go on and on about how poorly you were treated. As always, I fail to see the relevance or any relationship between "one" "off" oyster and the Katy trail.

The thing I find interesting about comments like this one is that people come here to a forum about the Katy trail to rant about how they got the shaft at an establishment that has sooooooo little to do with the Katy. If this were Eateryreview.com, then go on and on about how poorly you were treated. As always, I fail to see the relevance or any relationship between "one" "off" oyster and the Katy trail.

I was there the night of this incident. I have never seen anyone so rude or drunk as I did this couple. I was trying to have a nice family dinner, as we often do at Glenn's. The hostess and the manager did everything they could to make the couple happy, but nothing was going to make them happy. It was upsetting for not only myself, but also my nieces and nephews to be hearing such language at what was otherwise a very peaceful and elegant dinner. And how arrogant to think that they could tell the bartender how to do her job. I would not have blamed the owner if he'd have decided to ban them from ever returning...or to have called the police for being quite drunk and very disorderly. How this couple ever made it home in one piece after drinking so much is beyond me...thank goodness no one was hurt.

I was there the night of this incident. I have never seen anyone so rude or drunk as I did this couple. I was trying to have a nice family dinner, as we often do at Glenn's. The hostess and the manager did everything they could to make the couple happy, but nothing was going to make them happy. It was upsetting for not only myself, but also my nieces and nephews to be hearing such language at what was otherwise a very peaceful and elegant dinner. And how arrogant to think that they could tell the bartender how to do her job. I would not have blamed the owner if he'd have decided to ban them from ever returning...or to have called the police for being quite drunk and very disorderly. How this couple ever made it home in one piece after drinking so much is beyond me...thank goodness no one was hurt.

(My husband wrote the original post in this thread). The previous poster apparently has a separate incident in mind. It’s kind of sobering to realize that we aren’t the only guests the restaurant owner has sworn at. There were no children or young people in the restaurant the night we were there. Our disagreement took place in the lobby, so I doubt any of the other patrons were even aware we were unhappy. And we certainly were neither drunk nor disorderly! In our case, the hotel manager (the hotel doesn’t own or operate the restaurant) did, indeed, go out of her way to make us happy. The restaurant owner, on the other hand, didn’t even offer an apology. It wasn’t the oyster that was upsetting – fresh oysters are highly perishable and you can get a bad one no matter how good the restaurant. It was the owner’s behavior that was the problem. We were celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary and had been hoping for an elegant and memorable evening. Memorable? Yes!

(My husband wrote the original post in this thread). The previous poster apparently has a separate incident in mind. It’s kind of sobering to realize that we aren’t the only guests the restaurant owner has sworn at. There were no children or young people in the restaurant the night we were there. Our disagreement took place in the lobby, so I doubt any of the other patrons were even aware we were unhappy. And we certainly were neither drunk nor disorderly! In our case, the hotel manager (the hotel doesn’t own or operate the restaurant) did, indeed, go out of her way to make us happy. The restaurant owner, on the other hand, didn’t even offer an apology. It wasn’t the oyster that was upsetting – fresh oysters are highly perishable and you can get a bad one no matter how good the restaurant. It was the owner’s behavior that was the problem. We were celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary and had been hoping for an elegant and memorable evening. Memorable? Yes!

So let me get this straight, Elizabeth.

You and your husband did nothing and the owner just came up to you, out of the blue, and started swearing at you for no reason? Sorta sounds like an alternative reality. Since I was there and it was your husband that was swearing and issuing threats to kill the business, I think you may need to reassess. Or did the previous comments strike a nerve with you? As I said before, I don't think ANY business would put up with the behavior, attitude AND arrogance that I witnessed. Did you get a bad oyster? OK, that does happen. But from what I gathered, nothing could have been done to rectify the situation, no matter what the owner did for you.

I guess I am sensitive to this since I have been a long time patron of Glenn's dating back 20 years and have always been generally happy with the food/service/attitude. Was it always 100 percent perfect? Not always. But I have always had a positive experience. If what you are looking for is boot-licking fawning, good luck with that and have a nice life.

With that, I will take a hint from Trek Biker and end my rant. Lets get back to talking about the trail.

So let me get this straight, Elizabeth.

You and your husband did nothing and the owner just came up to you, out of the blue, and started swearing at you for no reason? Sorta sounds like an alternative reality. Since I was there and it was your husband that was swearing and issuing threats to kill the business, I think you may need to reassess. Or did the previous comments strike a nerve with you? As I said before, I don't think ANY business would put up with the behavior, attitude AND arrogance that I witnessed. Did you get a bad oyster? OK, that does happen. But from what I gathered, nothing could have been done to rectify the situation, no matter what the owner did for you.

I guess I am sensitive to this since I have been a long time patron of Glenn's dating back 20 years and have always been generally happy with the food/service/attitude. Was it always 100 percent perfect? Not always. But I have always had a positive experience. If what you are looking for is boot-licking fawning, good luck with that and have a nice life.

With that, I will take a hint from Trek Biker and end my rant. Lets get back to talking about the trail.

The Katy Trail is wonderful. Checked it out while visiting Boonville for 6 days to attend a family re-union. So I'm assuming that other riders of the trail will want recommendations on where to eat, sleep and shop if they decide to stop in Boonville for the night.



Went to Cafe Napoli, they were rude. Went to Walmart to look for party supplies for the reunion. Asked an employee for help finding two items in their store. In the middle of the second request she folded her arms and started tapping her foot. Never had a problem at any of the hotels we have stayed at on past visits. Folks at the Palace and Stein House are friendly. At Country Mart grocery store they were very helpful and nice.



Boonville business owners either don't get it or don't care that as consumers we do have other choices.

The Katy Trail is wonderful. Checked it out while visiting Boonville for 6 days to attend a family re-union. So I'm assuming that other riders of the trail will want recommendations on where to eat, sleep and shop if they decide to stop in Boonville for the night.



Went to Cafe Napoli, they were rude. Went to Walmart to look for party supplies for the reunion. Asked an employee for help finding two items in their store. In the middle of the second request she folded her arms and started tapping her foot. Never had a problem at any of the hotels we have stayed at on past visits. Folks at the Palace and Stein House are friendly. At Country Mart grocery store they were very helpful and nice.



Boonville business owners either don't get it or don't care that as consumers we do have other choices.

Dear g.c.,

No, of course you didn't swear at us out of the blue. First we told you that we thought the offer of a replacement oyster withouteven a perfunctory apology was inadequate and ungracious. *Then* you told us to kiss your ass. And yes, when you called me a drunkard in that other post, you did hit a nerve.

Dear g.c.,

No, of course you didn't swear at us out of the blue. First we told you that we thought the offer of a replacement oyster withouteven a perfunctory apology was inadequate and ungracious. *Then* you told us to kiss your ass. And yes, when you called me a drunkard in that other post, you did hit a nerve.

Our family had a great meal at Cafe Napoli. It's a neat looking place and the waitress was very helpful and another older lady there stopped at each table to make sure everyone head a good meal. There was a wide and intersting selection of menu choices which was a nice surprise for a small restaurant in a small town. Good pizza and pasta dishes.

I don't think the staff knew much about the Katy Trail and we noticed that in other places in towns along the trail.

Our family had a great meal at Cafe Napoli. It's a neat looking place and the waitress was very helpful and another older lady there stopped at each table to make sure everyone head a good meal. There was a wide and intersting selection of menu choices which was a nice surprise for a small restaurant in a small town. Good pizza and pasta dishes.

I don't think the staff knew much about the Katy Trail and we noticed that in other places in towns along the trail.

P.S.,



Dear Elizabeth & GC,

Enough with Oystergate already! Whatever happened, just treat everyone kindly and go back to the Katy!

P.S.,



Dear Elizabeth & GC,

Enough with Oystergate already! Whatever happened, just treat everyone kindly and go back to the Katy!

I biked the Katy Trail from Clinton to Sedalia with my children (ages 6 and 10) a few weeks

ago. I just wanted to let everyone know how much my children enjoyed the museum and

railroad information at the Katy Depot. I even picked up a couple of t-shirts in the gift shop

to commemorate our day on the trail. The kids have worn them already. They had some

really neat things there to remember a trip on the Katy Trail with and I just wanted to let

others who enjoy the Katy Trail know what a great place that is to stop.

I'm considering riding the entire Katy Trail, probably from West to East in late September/

early October. What I'd like to know is whether there is a shuttle service available to

transport me and my recumbent trike from the eastern end of the trail to the western end

of the trail to start my ride? That way my car would be waiting for me when I arrive at the

end of the trail ride. What would that cost? What would it cost to park my car at the the

eastern end of the trail while I am riding?

we shuttle from east to west, you could leave your car with us ------ call us at 636-946-0619 or check out Lococohouse.com and we will give you prices and all the info you need

With all the times you post here making offers to shuttle, why not tell in the post where you shuttle to and from and the conditions of such and the rates? Or have it posted on this site maybe. It could save many unnecessary phone calls.

Better yet, support this site and buy some ad space.

I agree.....this woman is like a broken record which only serves to steer me elsewhere. We are staying in St. Charles for a leg of the Tour of Missouri and the Locococococo House was NOT an option.

Paulie, In Rhona's defense she actually is an advertiser, on the St Charles page. She's been a supporter of this website for going on two years, which is why I don't feel like she's taking undue advantage of the forum.



My apologies to those of you who consider this to be too commercial - honestly I understand your perspective. And one of those posts was a duplicate which I should have caught and removed (which I just did).



ibdizzy - check out this link for a list of all shuttles that I know of along the trail. You can park your car for free in the public lots near the St Charles trailhead, but a shuttle to the western side of the state might run you a few hundred dollars. For more discussion on parking, click the "Search" link at the far right just under the map above, then on the search page enter "overnight parking" in the Google search box.

Good luck!

Have you checked U-Haul? They have locations in Clinton and St. Charles. You would have to find out if they have one way rental.

I will also add that Rhona is very helpful, even for those who do not stay with her. She was helpful to me in finding a place when she was unable to accommodate me on a recent trip.

WHY NOT AMTRAK TO SEDALIA AND RIDE BACK FROM THERE? IF IT IS A LONG WHEELBASE RECUMBENT TAKE THE WHEELS OFF AND PUT EM IN A WHEEL BAG. I FOUND THE TRAIN CREW VERY COOPERATIVE AND WILLING TO WORK WITH YOU.......CLINTON TO SEDALIA ISN'T THAT INTERESTING ANYWAY.

Rode the trail last week (Clinton to St Charles) and was planning on taking Amtrak from Kirkwood to Sedalia on Saturday. Didn't think I would have a problem until the reservation agent told me they had plenty of seats but were sold out of bike rack spaces....probably being Saturday was the problem, lesson learned plan ahead for your seat and space for your bike

I dont understand some people , who have a problem with me making use of this site, I pay to be on this site, I respond to peolple asking for info and help. The purpose of this page is to get the word out, and thats exactly what I'm doing, and if you dont use our services, thats your LOSS, there are plenty that do, and are very happy with LococoHouse ll

Then why not "get the word out?" Tell those that ask. Tell them where you shuttle to. Tell them the cost....or at least give them an estimate so they can plan. People ask over and over and over.....where can they hop a ride to or from.....and how much does it cost? Why not do them a service and tell them on your website or here, instead of saying we offer that service and call for more information. People come here begging for that information time and time again and all they get is "we shuttle from east to west, you could leave your car with us ------ call us at 636-946-0619 or check out Lococohouse.com and we will give you prices and all the info you need." I don't understand some people that run a business but have to be so elusive to how much their services cost. BTW....I've ridden the Katy for several years and have lost absolutely NOTHING by not using your services.

Hey everyone,



I'm planning to ride the Katy in mid October, and wanted to get your opinions on 3 vs 3.5 days, and east-west vs west-east.



Here are the relevant (I think) details:

1) I live in St. Louis. it looks like Clinton is about a 4 hour drive from here, and St Charles is about a half hour away.



2) My mother has decided to come along (driving), so we will be staying in BnBs and I shouldn't be carrying more than water, snacks and minimal gear.



3) I was biking about 40mi a week over the summer. Since I got back to school I've started to 'train' for this, and can go 25mi/day two days in a row with absolutely no problems at this point and feel like I could probably do 35-40 without straining much, especially if it's flat. I'm assuming I can get up to 70-80 mi/day for a few days running by mid october.(If that sounds ridiculous, please tell me.)I plan on riding 10-15mi most weekdays and progressively longer rides on the weekends between now and riding the Katy.



4)I ride at about 10-11mph on rolling hills with traffic, around 12mph on flat terrain. Oh, and I ride a hybrid.



5) I only have 3.5 days to do this. on Thursday I get done at 3 and can leave by 3.30. I figure I can either drive to Clinton, stay the night and start riding Friday morning, or I can drive to St Charles and ride 20-30 miles on Thursday and space the rest out over Fri-Sun... with the latter option I'd have to factor in time needed to drive back from Clinton to get home at a reasonable hour.



6)I'm not much of a sight-seer... riding amidst fall foliage and away from city noise will be sufficient beauty for me. :)



If anyone has suggestions, I'd really appreciate it. I hear it's slightly downhill going west-east? Also, do people usually bike one big chunk in the morning, or bike halfway, stop for lunch and bike the rest of the way (whatever the planned mileage is) in the afternoon?



Thanks!

Be sure to ride the trail after it has rained and when it is dry so you experience the difference. Take some time on weekends and ride west from St. Charles and see how far you can comfortably get in one days time.



You are right, the trail generally slopes downward from Boonville (since it basically follows the Missouri river) but it is not so flat from Clinton to Boonville. You may want to start at Boonville and ride towards St. Charles for your first long ride on the trail.



If you would like a copy of a graph I made of the DNR elevation posted at each trailhead, send your request to garyirwin@ktis.net



Happy trails to you.

Noticed on my ride last week a lot of unrepaired ruts especially East of jefferson city and lasting close to Saint Louis. thought several times that they would be very dangerous if covered by leaves. (October).. On a good Hybrid, without packing gear and cooler weather you will have no physical problem making the trip in 3 to 3.5 days.

Having ridden the KATY west to east and done 3 100 mile rides east to west...my STRONG recommendation is to go WEST to EAST. Start at Clinton. It has a grade for a good while, but overall I believe you will be VERY HAPPY to be going east.



I won't ever take another ride over 25 miles going anything other than west to east.



That's my 2 cents.



Enjoy!