Katy Trail Forum

I remember hearing that someday the trial might be extended to K.C.

Does anyone know what railroad line that would be since the Katy did not go to KC?

From this site's homepage...scroll down to: Katy Trail Kansas City Extension.

FYI, the Rock Island Corridor from Windsor to Pleasant Hill that AmerenUE now controls seems the most realistic at this point. If you follow the links on the home page, there are several other routes that have been studied. Assuming Rock Island happens, something will have to be worked out between Pleasant Hill & KC. Another problem with the Windsor to Pleasant Hill route is that the 50-55 miles it runs will probably be more limited in services than any of the comparable stretches on the current trail.



You can fairly easily trace the railroad on Googlemap, but from Pleasant Hill to Windsor, I found only two towns, Leeton, MO & some place called Chilohwee, MO on the Rock Island route.

We stopped for lunch at Jim's over Memorial Day. His menu was VERY limited (he has a sign that says "I gots what I gots," but he is in the process of putting in a full kitchen, supposedly to be ready soon. Then he will expand the menu. A highlight of this stop was his old Model T parked out front--he gave all of our kids rides around the block in it! Behind the store he has a large garage containing 4 or 5 other historic cars in various states of restoration, and he let us wander around and have a look at them.

Jim's was a hoot, a real throwback. I asked what they had to eat and he turned and looked in

the fridge. "Well, I got some ham and there's some pizzas in the freezer." There was plenty

of cool Gatorade, though, so I was happy.

I have looked forward to reading other's 2007 trip reports or journals here on the bikekatytrail.com website. Where are they?? Come on everyone, those of us who haven't been able to ride the trail yet this year would love to read about your experiences!!

Here is a trip report of the entire trail.



http://paltnether.blogspot.com/

I did my trip this weekend. We went from Huntsdale, camped at Steamboat Junction and

went on to Weldon Springs today. We had planned to do the full thing, but schedules

didn't allow. I'd have to say Lucy's in McBaine, Steam Boat Junction in Bluffton and

Trailside Bar and Grill in Rhineland were all great. I recommend each one.



For beginners, I'd have to say 60 miles/day is a good way to start. The one thing that

bothered us the most was our butts. Don't underestimate this. We started the trip staying

at Katfish Katy's, also recommended. It's a good, clean campsite. We went on to have

Lucy's in nearby McBaine and the food there was great. We were disappointed how much

ATV use the trail had between Mokane and McKittrick. It gets regularly used after hours

mostly by people on ATVs. Both Katfish Katy's and Steamboat Junction have food and hot

showers. SJ had food available 24 hours at a self-serve counter with lots of snacks and

drink.



Riding into Weldon Springs was pretty dang sweet. Next time I'll notch it up to 180 miles.

Hi again. I love this forum. It is so helpful. I was wondering about handlebar bags. I would like one to keep a cell phone and camera close at hand. Any suggestions on types/styles of handel bar bags? I have looked at the Navarro bag that is about $20. It has a clear front that I like for puting in my phone and even my gps, but it is not handy because it has a double zipper to get to it, and it is very large. Ideas? Suggestions?? Thanks again!

I'd vote against the handle bar bag and for a bike jersey with rear pockets. I dislike the the bar bag because it obscures your view of where that all important front tire is. You can get jerseys that are functional, but still loose fitting and in modest colors and designs. In addition, you can get mountain bike style shorts that have both normal front pockets and velcro closures on cargo pockets.

I use a handlebar bag so I can carry a windbreaker, sunblock, clif bars and a map--along with a cell phone and a camera. If you don't need to carry that much, I would buy a smaller cell phone holder. Otherwise the handlebar bag is in your view and can make the bike "twitchy," if you put too much in it.

Topeak makes a good line of bike products.....front bags, rear racks and trunk bags that slide lock onto the rack. Yes a front bag, overloaded, can effect the balance of your bike. But I only notice that when I'm stopped and off the bike. The trunk bag can have the same effect....and the rear panniers.....and the front panniers.

My wife and I both use the Topeak "Tour Guide Handlebar bag" and love em. They are just the right size that you can carry what is needed for ready access but not easily overloaded. Google Topeak and drill down till you find their bags. Mine houses my sun glasses wallet, cell phone, camera, compact bino's, dog spray, and lots of extra room for bars or gels.

Have wanted to ride the KATY for several years. Recently noticed a five day KATY ride sponsored by Elderhostel (I'm in my early 60's) that interested me...good, but seemed a little over-organized. Any thoughts or suggestions on Missouri area touring companies that I might look into for a similar small group ride? Thank you. CES

Me and a couple of buddies are planning on taking the amtrack from Kirkwood to Sedalia and riding back to St. Charles. Is this possible in two days. None of us have tons of riding experience, we are just looking for some adventure. Can anybody give any pointers or recommend and stopping points? Any tips would be most helpful. Thanks

Sedalia to St. Charles in 2 days? That's 95 miles per day.......it's very possible but if you don't ride much I doubt it will be much fun.

You might want to consider taking AMTRAK to Jeff City and ride back from there. That's still 50 miles a day but you would have plenty of time for breaks, meals etc.

A two day ride from Sedalia to St. Charles is very possible, if you are in the right physical condition and do some planning. I rode from Clinton to St. Charles in two days this past June and it was a physical challange. See the attached blog for more information.

http://paltnether.blogspot.com/

No way I would try this in two days unless you are in very good biking shape. I agree with Jim. Do the Jeff City thing, and if you enjoy it then do the Sedalia.

Randy, I met three guys on the trail in June that were like you and your friends - not a lot of riding experience & wanting some adventure. They rode from Boonville to Tebbetts (60 miles) the first day and were extremely thankful that they only had to ride another 30 miles to Hermann the second day. I vote for starting in Jefferson City and spending the night around Hermann/McKittrick. By the time you get off the train and actually start your ride you will have missed the best early morning riding hours so I would keep the first day around 45 miles. On the second day (Hermann to St Charles) I would get a big breakfast, pack some snacks and plenty of water, and get started riding as soon after daylight as possible! Be sure to have a plan for lunch (use the info on this site) and do not assume there will be more amenities along the trail as you get closer to St Charles.

Thanks for the help guys. We did decide to start at Jeff City. We leave on the kirkwood amtrack and get to jeff city at around 7pm at night. How far from the amtrack at jeff city is the bike trail? Any recommendations for food from jeff city to saint charles?

OK, from your last post it seems you are not getting on the trail until almost dark. I would suggest you bike to Tebbetts which is about 12 miles east from the Jeff City trailhead. At Tebbetts there is a shelter that's an old store that has been converted by the MO Parks Dept. (think army barracks). You can spend the night there for 5 bucks (the key hangs on a nail on the light pole on the east side of the building). It's an honor system, you just leave the money in a can on the front door. Then you can get up the next morning and bike east. It's about 2 or 3 miles from the Amtrack station in Jeff City to the trailhead and it's well marked. Good luck !!

Or you may get there after dark. This week, the westbound 313 has arrived in JC at 7:17, 9:46, 8:02, 8:57, and 7:31. It's 15 miles from the JC train station to Tebbets with that US-54/63 crossing of the MO river. Consider a downtown JC hotel, Binder Memorial State Park at 5840 Rainbow Dr (8 miles to the West) where camping is allowed, or Ellis Porter City Park (1.5 miles to the Southeast) where camping isn't allowed.

I believe the train leaves at 7:00 AM! You can also catch the train in Washington, MO and ride back to the Dutzow trail head. If you click on Jeff City on the map above, you should be able to find directions to the across the bridge to the trailhead. It's easy.

Randy said, "We . . . get to jeff city at around 7pm at night." To me, that means he's on the 313 Ann Rutledge that is scheduled to leave Kirkwood at 4:59PM and arrive in JC at 6:52PM. The 311 Kansas City Mule is scheduled to leave Kirkwood at 6:29AM and arrive in JC at 8:21AM.

Thanks for all the helpful comments. We are arriving at 7pm not leaving at 7am.

do they every wipe off the table or do the bird clean them off????????

do they every wipe off the table or do the bird clean them off????????

My boyfriend and I will be riding the Katy Trail for the first time in early August. Is it better to start in Clinton or in St. Charles? Where do you leave your car? How does the shuttle work? Where do you recommend we stay? Any advice from those who have ridden the trail would be appreciated. Thanks, Nancy

I think it is slightly better to start in Clinton, but it would be a longer drive for you from/to Cedar Rapids, so might not be worth it. Are you planning to camp or stay in motels/B&B's? How many miles per day are you planning to ride?

I think it is more than "slightly better" to go Clinton - St. Charles. I think it is quite a bit better to go that way. In addition to the general incline of the trail, the odds are that the wind will be blowing out of the south or southwest which makes a west-east trip more pleasant than vice-versa. Just my 2 cents....

call 636-946-0619 Lococo House ll --I will give you information and choices for your trip or you can e-mail Rhonaloc@aol.com

Is there long term (10 days or more) secure parking available for my car in St Charles?

Sure. The St. Charles City Hall Parking Garage. Let me guess, now you expect it to be free.

Hhhhmmmmmm......my guess is...driving from Florida....they are aware that costs will be incurred on a trip to MO. Be nice to our out of state guests Chucky.

you can call 636-946-0619 we have extra space at our Bed & Breakfast parking lot, the fee is very small or you can leave your car here for free if you spend the night at Lococo House ll

Please note...For current information about business, services and events in Boonville, Missouri visit the Boonville Area Chamber of Commerce new website at http://www.boonvillemochamberofcommerce.com

Stopped after a twenty mile ride, and both the service and the food provided us with the necessary energy to continue on our way. The cheeseburger was inexpensive and very tasty, and although I had three full glasses of iced tea, I never once had to ask for a refill!

Stopped after a twenty mile ride, and both the service and the food provided us with the necessary energy to continue on our way. The cheeseburger was inexpensive and very tasty, and although I had three full glasses of iced tea, I never once had to ask for a refill!

We stayed here for two nights and were very happy with Birk's Gasthaus. Rick's a cyclist and can assist with minor bike repairs and adjustments if necessary. Great full breakfast and brownies and ice cream in the evening. We enjoyed meeting the other hotel guests at breakfast.

The Stone Hill Winery is walking distance from Birk's so we took a winery tour & tasting and had dinner there.

Rick picked us up at Loutre Market and shuttled us over the bridge, though it's probably possible to flag down a pickup in the Loutre Market parking lot that is going over the bridge. Returning to the trail from Hermann it's a lot easier to cross the bridge by bike and the new bridge with a bike lane should be finished in August.

We recommend this place to other cyclists.

We stayed here for two nights and were very happy with Birk's Gasthaus. Rick's a cyclist and can assist with minor bike repairs and adjustments if necessary. Great full breakfast and brownies and ice cream in the evening. We enjoyed meeting the other hotel guests at breakfast.

The Stone Hill Winery is walking distance from Birk's so we took a winery tour & tasting and had dinner there.

Rick picked us up at Loutre Market and shuttled us over the bridge, though it's probably possible to flag down a pickup in the Loutre Market parking lot that is going over the bridge. Returning to the trail from Hermann it's a lot easier to cross the bridge by bike and the new bridge with a bike lane should be finished in August.

We recommend this place to other cyclists.

My first time at a B&B turned out to be a very rewarding experience. Our host was very interesting and made our stay a delightful time. The breakfasts were excellent and we enjoyed the other guests and had fun getting to know them. My daughter and I wish to thank Rick and his wife for opening up their home to us and making us feel welcomed

My first time at a B&B turned out to be a very rewarding experience. Our host was very interesting and made our stay a delightful time. The breakfasts were excellent and we enjoyed the other guests and had fun getting to know them. My daughter and I wish to thank Rick and his wife for opening up their home to us and making us feel welcomed

We loved Becky's - a perfect lunchtime stop if you leave from Sedalia (headed north) in the morning. Be sure to have a slice of pie!

We loved Becky's - a perfect lunchtime stop if you leave from Sedalia (headed north) in the morning. Be sure to have a slice of pie!

In early July, we biked from Sedalia to Booneville and spent the night here. I will second the other comments here - Penny is a wonderful hostess, her breakfast was amazing and the house is beautiful. What a relaxing evening we had sitting on the front porch.

In early July, we biked from Sedalia to Booneville and spent the night here. I will second the other comments here - Penny is a wonderful hostess, her breakfast was amazing and the house is beautiful. What a relaxing evening we had sitting on the front porch.

In the early 40's my Dad was a laborer on the MKT railroad in Arcadia, OK. His Uncle Dice Simpson had at one time been a railroad foreman there. We lived in the section house and the railroad was right there. Every Wednesday the railroad conductor would toss out some pamphlets on bible stories for children for us. We children were always out there by the tracks waiting for our bible stories. The conductor would always smile and wave at us. We loved it!

Has he or anyone else written down his memories as an MKT employee?

A couple of buddies and I are planning a two day trail trip in the next few weeks. We'll be biking one way and taking train back. Just wondering what you guys think the best trip is...scenic and town wise.

#1 Sedalia to Jeff City

#2 jeff city to Washington



Any suggestions would be appreciated.



Thanks

#1 Sedalia to Jefferson City is my reccomendation based on the scenery you'll find, especially from Rocheport to Jefferson City. Although I haven't personally visited the bed and breakfasts in this stretch you'll find a lot of praise for them in this forum. Rocheport has a lot of attraction, including the winery up on the hill. For a really small town Pilot Grove also gets lots of word-of-mouth kudos. Have fun!

Sedalia to North Jefferson is a good trip and probably more scenic although both trips you mentioned make for a good ride. If you are going to camp, check out the Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin. No need to haul a tent as you can rent the site and a tent very reasonable. A Thermarest mattress pad rolls up small and is worth taking though.



If you ride the bridge into Jefferson City……know that there is no bike lane for the southbound traffic. There is wide shoulder for northbound traffic…..but by Missouri law, it is not legal to ride against traffic flow.



Herman is a good side trip on your second choice……The Riverfront restaurant and the ice cream shop/deli downtown are welcome stops on a hot day.

My understanding was that the "shoulder" on the north-bound bridge is designated as a pedestrian and cycling lane so the statute regarding riding against traffic doesn't apply.

Response to my email to MODOT to clarify this issue a time back resulted in the following:



Hello ………,



The current southbound bridge was originally designed to accommodate pedestrian traffic and included two sidewalks. Those were later removed to provide space for an additional travel lane. When the northbound bridge was constructed, two five-foot shoulders were included. These were later reconfigured as a seven-foot outside shoulder and a three-foot inside shoulder to provide space for bicyclists to ride north on the seven-foot part.



See State Statute 307.191 regarding bicyclists riding against traffic in the travel lane and on the adjacent shoulder...



It reads as follows:



307.191. Shoulder Riding, Allowed But Not Required For Bicyclist Operators(1) A person operating a bicycle at less than the posted speed or slower than the flow of traffic upon a street or highway may operate as described in section 307.190, or may operate on the shoulder adjacent to the roadway. (2) A bicycle operated on a roadway, or the shoulder adjacent to a roadway, shall be operated in the same direction as vehicles are required to be driven upon the roadway. (3) For purposes of this section and section 307.190, “roadway,” means that portion of a street or highway ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the berm or shoulder.



There is currently local effort to construct a separate bridge attachment along the northbound bridge to accommodate for two-way bicycle and pedestrian travel across the river.



Caryn Giarratano, Ph.D.

Transportation Planning Specialist

State Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator 573-522-9297, caryn.giarratano@modot.mo.gov POB 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0270

I stand corrected........that being said I think I will take my chances being arrested for biking against traffic over having 70 mph tractor-trailers on my backside.

A few weeks ago I found an event which I believe was linked to the Katy Trail website which occured in August 2007. The event involved a weekend bike ride on the Katy Trail and mentioned going to wineries and I believe there were live bands. You could pay a fee and they would also have your camping gear ready and set up when you arrived for the first night at the campground. It seems the website had some grapes being symbolic of going through wine country. Anyway, I can't seem to find this link anymore. IF anyone can help I would appreciate it.

http://www.ultramaxtri.com/races/tourdevine/index.php

We ate there last night and they are headed out on vacation.

Another good review for the Doll House. Lemonade and chocolate chip cookies as promised. My husband was hesitant to stay at a B & B, but the owner called and said she couldn't meet us and told us how to get in. The other couple was in Hermann so we had the house to ourselves for the afternoon. Amanda also happily honored our request to eat breakfast at 7:00 am, so we could get an early start. We were so stuffed we made it into Dutzow without stopping. Highly recommend :-)

My husband and I were trying to figure out how to catch the train and ride back, when it hit me--drive to Washington to catch the train and then ride back to Dutzow trailhead! We live in O'fallon, MO and it is about 45 minutes down highway 94 to downtown Washington. It is an unmanned train station, so I bought the tickets online and reserved room for our bikes (click on "view upgrade options"). The conductor didn't even blink when we rolled up, and even helped us load. It was a scenic, peaceful ride to Jeff City (they have a limited breakfast menu in the snack car) and a reasonably easy ride from the train station to the trailhead. I am a semi-chicken rider in road traffic, but the shoulder on the bridge is plenty wide. I had every intention of walking across, but was on the bridge and across before I knew it. Just be careful of debris. Traffic was light so I rode over on the edge of the right lane and all the drivers pulled over to the left lane. Follow the highway signs to the trailhead. However, my husband rode from the Dutzow trailhead back to the Amtrak station in Washington to get our car, and had a very hairy ride. There is no shoulder, the road is uphill and traffic doesn't slow down or pull over for bikers.

Is it safe to leave a car in Dutzow overnight?

I live in Dutzow and would think it is as safe of a place as any place you could find to leave a car overnight. As far as I know there is no ordinance against leaving your car but it is a state parking lot. The trail lot is right next to the Dutzow Deli and Restaurant so there is activity, but mostly during the day and local people on Friday night.

Thank you!

are dogs allowed into the klondike park if so please report back today.





thanks

I camped there in June and saw people with dogs. As with most parks, they need to be on a leash. Hope this response is early enough for your plans. Have fun!

We just stayed at the RiverView Suites with our kids. It was refreshing to be able to bike with the kids and have a kid-friendly place to stay (but we've already looked into coming back without them!). The Suites are stylish, spacious and comfortable. The hotcakes at the diner in the morning are divine!

Can't wait to enjoy more moments like these.

:) Mariah, Lyle & the kids

I wish the katy trail came to Kansas City, any plans for that.

The Missouri Bicycle Federation site has a couple of different articles concerning this.

Here is a link to their site and the page where you can easily send messages to the MO Attny General, DNR, and Ameren re completing the trail. http://mobikefed.org/CompleteTheKaty

Just do a search (from their site) for Katy or Ameren and you should be able to pull up articles.

Here's another article link:

http://www.gov.mo.gov/press/KatyTrailNixonLetter022207.htm



I can't wait for the day this happens. Would be so nice to be able to hop on the Katy without an hour plus drive to get there.

Anyone sighted a backpacker named Greg between McKittrick and St. Charles? He’s probably having a tough time due to the rain and the heat. Give him a hello and a word of encouragement if you see him.

I am back! I made it through just fine, Doug. I finished up around 2:30 p.m. Friday. It was as hot as blue blazes on Sunday and Monday, but cooled off during the week. As for the rain, I got sprinkled on for about five minutes near Dutzow and we got rained on at Klondike park for about 20 minutes later that night. I will be posting more on the walk on here and on my blog later.

Thanks again for all your help on the Machens section. I took some pics on the section that I will post on the blog. Oh, and you were right, the dirt path section is a LOAD of fun.

Greg

Congrats Greg!!! My wife had to laugh about the rain at Klondike because it's rained 3 out of the 4 times I've stayed there. I'll be watching the blog for pics and updates. You are the man, go get a beer and soak your feet!