Katy Trail Forum

Can anyone tell me if the Dutzow Deli is still open? I know that the building's owner, not the business owners who lease the building, had it up for sale last year.

It was open in June when I rode through.

It was Wednesday when I was there. Had a good cheeseburger

I have posted on the Globe Hotel site, but this is probably more appropriate. We will be traveling from Hartsburg to Bluffton on a Tuesday. The Monday from Rocheport to Hartsburg looks ok as far as food options. I have called all the establishments to check who is open on Mondays. There doesn't seem to be much between Hartsburg to Bluffton, however. Any suggestions? Good grocery stores for supplies?

I have just checked several places and have found that the long stretch will be from Hartsburg to Tebbetts. After that there are places open from at least noon in Tebbetts, Mokane, and Portland. Still looking for good grocery suggestions for evening at the camp ground in Bluffton.

I've been told that the restaurant at the Jefferson City airport is good. The airport is southeast of the hwy 54 / 94 interchange.



I think your best bet for groceries would be the Mokane Market. If that does not work out, the Trailside Bar & Grill in Rhineland is only another 6 miles. Their hours are iffy but I would think they would be open in the evening since it is a bar. Hope this helps!

To clarify: Rhineland is only six miles from Bluffton.

Does anyone know what those small post mounted boxes with the glass holes are for? I see them along the trail and think they may be some sort of device that counts trail users. Anyone have any ideas??

You are correct. Photocells activate counters.

Just an FYI I was told by a DNR employee. If you are riding in a group of 2 or more people, try and space it so you go through individually. If you ride 2 abreast going through them,you'll only be counted as 1.

The house is immaculate and lovely. We apprecisated the privacy and the use of an entire house, including washer and dryer. The only negative was the breakfast supplied was inadequate for touring cyclists and there were no hearby grocery stores.

The house is immaculate and lovely. We apprecisated the privacy and the use of an entire house, including washer and dryer. The only negative was the breakfast supplied was inadequate for touring cyclists and there were no hearby grocery stores.

"We were at the Little House the day after SP from Mississippi was there and read the comments written in Rita's Journal and found them quite unfair. I felt I needed to reply. We've stayed at Rita & Jerry's quite often and always want to come back. Concerning the food provided at the Little House, most bicyclists I know do not want a large heavy breakfast. The use of the washer and dryer, secure bike shed, and clean accommodations, this place can't be beat."

"We were at the Little House the day after SP from Mississippi was there and read the comments written in Rita's Journal and found them quite unfair. I felt I needed to reply. We've stayed at Rita & Jerry's quite often and always want to come back. Concerning the food provided at the Little House, most bicyclists I know do not want a large heavy breakfast. The use of the washer and dryer, secure bike shed, and clean accommodations, this place can't be beat."

Any help will be appreciated. I am trying to get an approximate number of users that utilize the Katy Trail. Specifically around the Hermann area.

If you call Debra Ray at Graham Cave State Park, she can give you the numbers from the trail counters at the McKittrick Trail Head. This is the closest trail head to Hermann.

I've read that many places are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I called just 5 minutes ago (on a Tuesday) and spoke with a person who says they are open on Tuesdays 11-8.

I've read that many places are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I called just 5 minutes ago (on a Tuesday) and spoke with a person who says they are open on Tuesdays 11-8.

We came through Tebbetts about 11:00 AM from Jefferson City and discovered this place is only open from noon to 1 on Fridays and noon to 8 on Saturdays and Sundays. Luckily we had a big breakfast.

We came through Tebbetts about 11:00 AM from Jefferson City and discovered this place is only open from noon to 1 on Fridays and noon to 8 on Saturdays and Sundays. Luckily we had a big breakfast.

I just called them. Jim said they are open Tues through Sunday from noon until close.

I just called them. Jim said they are open Tues through Sunday from noon until close.

We're thinking about taking Amtrak from Sedalia to Jefferson City with our bikes and then riding back from Jefferson City to Sedalia. Question is how to get from the Amtrak station in Jefferson City to the Katy Trail at N. Jefferson. Is there an easy way across the river?

The Amtrak station is about a half a block east of the capital building in Jefferson City. Riding on the road around the north side of the capital grounds will lead you to W. Main Street. Riding west on W. Main about 5 or 6 blocks will take you to the southern foot of the bridge to cross the river. From there......follow the map for the North Jefferson link on the map above.



Many quibble over riding in the bike lane on the bridge. Some are fraid, some think its insane. I've ridden it and the bridge in Hermann....neither is as bad as some let on. Watch the traffic and stay in your lane.



That's a good ride....did it last year both directions going to the state track meet in Jefferson City.

See topic 'Jeff City Bridge' - breifly, IMHO, it's easy crossing the bridge. I commute over it regularly.

Last year I rode from home (near North Jefferson) to the Katy, to Sedalia, then took Amtrak back to Jefferson City and then biked home (across the bridge) just as it was getting dark. It's a great ride!

I think its bad but that is mostly because you are forced to ride against traffic.



If the cars are going 70 mph and you are going 15 mph toward them there isnt a lot of

room for driver error.



Closing speed is around 85 - 90 mph at that rate.

Riding north, as Susan is wanting to do going from Jefferson City toward Sedalia, one is not forced to ride against the traffic. One would be riding with the traffic, thus reducing the closing speed at point of impact Robert.

I think we'll be fine riding on the bridge since we are going with the traffic flow...I'll let you know if/when we get back. I'm still a little confused as to how to get to the N. Jefferson trailhead once we go across the bridge. Is it right there or do we have to ride through residential area....any directions? I didn't see the map that Trek Rider referred to on his reply.

Click on "N Jefferson" on the map of the Katy Trail above.....scroll down just a tad (or two) and there is a map showing the area in question. Highway 54 north to 94 west to the spur that leads to the Katy. It's actually easier than it looks on the map as you can see the trailhead from the highway. Enjoy!

Thanks Trek Biker, now I see the map. Do you know approximately how far the ride across the bridge is?

Bicyclists should NOT be riding against the flow of traffic on a highway, including the bridge to Jefferson City. It's not only illegal, but it's dangerous, and sends the wrong message about bicyclists to motorists.



If you want to go southbound, simply ride on the southbound bridge. There are multiple lanes; plenty of room for vehicles to go around you.

Apple Gate Inn is definitely open for business!



My son and I rode the entire 225-mile trail, and spent a final, wonderful night on June 15, 2007 at the fully renovated, vintage stone and wooden beam-built Inn, hosted by Lynn and Bob.



We took a spacious, upstairs suite with a downy soft bed for me and quite comfortable air mattress for my teenage son.



We highly recommend Augusta Brewing Company for dinner just down the road, and then a short walk up another hill. Have a few too many of their cool brews - hey, you're walking home to the Inn!



The next morning, Lynn served an incredible multi-course breakfast, with the mixed fruit and country-cookin'-style sausage and eggs skittle dish rustled up especially for the guests that day.



Wine or bicycling enthusiasts will enjoy Apple Gate Inn equally.

Apple Gate Inn is definitely open for business!



My son and I rode the entire 225-mile trail, and spent a final, wonderful night on June 15, 2007 at the fully renovated, vintage stone and wooden beam-built Inn, hosted by Lynn and Bob.



We took a spacious, upstairs suite with a downy soft bed for me and quite comfortable air mattress for my teenage son.



We highly recommend Augusta Brewing Company for dinner just down the road, and then a short walk up another hill. Have a few too many of their cool brews - hey, you're walking home to the Inn!



The next morning, Lynn served an incredible multi-course breakfast, with the mixed fruit and country-cookin'-style sausage and eggs skittle dish rustled up especially for the guests that day.



Wine or bicycling enthusiasts will enjoy Apple Gate Inn equally.

The Globe Hotel was definitely the most historic night's sleep my son and I enjoyed along our biking trip on the Katy Trail. Jeanette hosted us on June 13, 2007. She knows every square inch of history about the place.



Rooms are ample and bathrooms spotless and easily accessible. Part of the hotel is still being restored, but was no problem.



We particularly enjoyed breakfast - ask Jeanette about her specialty muffins. Make the world go away and stay at the Globe...Hotel!

The Globe Hotel was definitely the most historic night's sleep my son and I enjoyed along our biking trip on the Katy Trail. Jeanette hosted us on June 13, 2007. She knows every square inch of history about the place.



Rooms are ample and bathrooms spotless and easily accessible. Part of the hotel is still being restored, but was no problem.



We particularly enjoyed breakfast - ask Jeanette about her specialty muffins. Make the world go away and stay at the Globe...Hotel!

Thank you, Amanda, for a wonderful B&B! The rooms were perfect, and the entire home was beyond charming and spacious. The perfect respite for a pair of worn-out bikers.



Macho men shouldn't be put off by the "Doll" name. Ask Amanda the history behind it. Hey, I stayed in the Bunny room and lived to tell about it - my son has forgotten to kid me about it. Seriously, we would stay here again on the road in a heartbeat.



The next morning, we left reluctantly, because a human being only has so much room for such a fantastic breakfast!



Well done Amanda and family.

Thank you, Amanda, for a wonderful B&B! The rooms were perfect, and the entire home was beyond charming and spacious. The perfect respite for a pair of worn-out bikers.



Macho men shouldn't be put off by the "Doll" name. Ask Amanda the history behind it. Hey, I stayed in the Bunny room and lived to tell about it - my son has forgotten to kid me about it. Seriously, we would stay here again on the road in a heartbeat.



The next morning, we left reluctantly, because a human being only has so much room for such a fantastic breakfast!



Well done Amanda and family.

Hi,

Thought I'd start a thread for all who are planning on the 2007 Katy DNR ride. We've done the trail end to end before, but never with a large group and SAG supported. Can't wait, it looks like a lot of fun!

Since this is my (and hubby's) 1st DNR ride, I have a few questions to start with for anyone who has done it before.

-What time do they typically serve breakfast, we like to start as early as possible in the morning (especially if it's going to be hot).

-If it's rainy, is there a place to put your bikes at night or do you just bring something along to cover them over with.

Thanks!

I plan to participate in the DNR ride, as well-- my father did it last year and gave me the rundown from his experience, but I'd be interested if the same routine will apply--



If I understand him correctly, they throw the bikes into a covered truck to house them overnight, and brought them out again in the morning? I'm also curious about the details.



He said breakfast is at 7 a.m. at the campsite, but he said he usually skipped breakfast to get an early start on the day.



I think I'm gonna need the fuel, myself.



Like you, I'm curious about the details.

This is my first DNR ride too. I filled out my application the first day they posted them and I am looking forward to the ride. I have been reading, riding and buying stuff for the trip. It is good to hear others asking some of the same questions I have been asking myself. I thought I heard or read somewhere breakfast is from 6:30 to 7:30.

As to for your basic questions most people that are camping break camp at first light (put up the tents and pack the luggage truck) and then go to buffet breakfast before 7:00 am. Be sure to get in-line early before they open up for breakfast because the lines do get long quickly. Unless you ride really slowly you have plenty of time to finish most day rides early in the afternoon or sooner. I personally do not pack my entire luggage on the luggage truck at that time. I leave out my second bag until just before I am ready to leave for the days bike ride. That allows me access to my tooth brush, suntan lotion and anything else I forgot to take with me for the day. Once your luggage is on the truck forget about finding it until that afternoon.



As for the bike storage unless you are staying at a motel (where DNR does store the bikes in the luggage truck) there is no weather protection for the bike. You can bring a bike cover if you want but it is not necessary. I bring a few plastic shopping bags like one from Walmart or Target to cover my saddle at night to keep it dry from the morning moisture or rain. I recommend that you do bring some old rags to clean off the bike in the afternoon and some dry chain lubricant to help maintain the bike chain if it rains. Also be sure to bring a bike lock with you so you can lock your bike when touring the communities and for overnight. The camp sites are well protected by the Park Rangers but with 300+ bikes in the area sometimes that is just too much temptation for some of the local folks.



I also recommend the first timers get on the states web site and get a feel about previous years ride experience. Just go to the state web link below and at the bottom of the page are shortcuts to previous year rides.



http://www.mostateparks.com/katytrail/2007ride.htm

Thanks, Dave B.



From what I'm understanding, it's best to keep a few things on the bike:

1) Extra tube.

2) Lubricant.

3) Old rags for cleaning/dusting the bike.



Are there any other must-haves? I was thinking of also bringing:

4) Cell phone.

5) Spray sun-block.

6) Money

7) Water (2 big bottles)

8) Kleenex

9) Antibacterial wipes

10) Insect repellent

11) Plastic grocery bags (in case of rain, in case of trash, etc.)

12) Windbreaker w/hood (?????)



I really want to bring Brett Dufur's Katy Trail guide book, but I'm not sure I'll have room.

Your list looks pretty good even though I do not carry lubricant and rags on the bike just in the luggage.



First always pack your stuff in zip lock bags in case it rains and your bags are left outside. It is worth the effort.



When I ride I carry a Camelbak, two water bottles, medium size handlebar bag and a tool kit bag under the saddle. Like you I carry an extra tire tube, plus CO2 Cartridge (w/regulator valve), air pump, tire tools and patch kit. I also use tire tube liners between the tire and tube to resist puncture flats. The liners look like a heavy duty weather stripping and you can get them at any bike shop.



The handlebar bag I carry my wallet, camera and camera case, cell phone, sun block, extra zip lock bags for camera rain protection, granola bars, extra bike lock key and a flashlight. I know you don't need a flashlight on the bike but it is much easier to find in the dark later. I also keep a plastic shopping bag just in case it rains for the outside of the handlebar bag.



So keep on training and I will see you in June.

Well, we're just a week away from the ride! Anyone heard (beyond just the names of the towns) where the camping facilities will be? I'm curious where on the Katy Spur into Columbia we'll be camping.

I'll be there! I'll be working on one of the baggage trucks hauling everybody's camping gear each day. Stop by and say hello. (real name is Doug)



MAH, I don't have any inside information so don't take this as gospel, but the one time the ride stopped in Columbia before, (2001) we camped at Reactor Park which is southwest of Mizzou arena and the intersection of Stadium & Providence roads. That will be a long day, lets hope for good weather!



Sedalia: I think the ride has camped in Sedalia three times over the years, always at Liberty Park, west of old downtown. It is a very nice park. The only negative is the freight train traffic during the night - bring soft earplugs to sleep with!



Mokane: We have camped in Mokane twice, both times at the school on the north end of town. Another possibility would be the park near the trailhead. Mokane is famous (or maybe infamous) for the big storm in 2003 - you may here veteran riders talking about it in camp.



Augusta: Camping in Augusta has been scattered between parks and the school in the past. Be prepared to climb a monster hill when you get to town! Augusta is famous for the homemade desserts at dinner.



Again, I am just a volunteer baggage handler, I am not involved in planning the ride. These are my personal observations from past rides. See you all next week!

A small correction:



The first year we camped in Sedalia, it was at the state fairgrounds.

(See, I told you not to take my info as gospel!) :)

We'll be on the trail this time next week!



Am really looking forward to it, but really prefer to have more details on the ride, having never done it.



1) I'd like to figure out the mileage per day, but I don't know where we're stopping, where the hotel shuttles are going to pick up.

2) I'd like to book a couple of massages along the way, but it looks like we're either biking, hanging out, eating or paying attention to the meeting for the next day's ride. I just wish I had a better handle on the mileage thing.



It's quite possible when I'm on the ride, I'll look back and think of these as silly questions. But I'm really looking forward to maximizing my time, sights and experiences on the trip. And I've knocked myself out getting ready for this trip for the past 3 months, with training and losing major poundage, and I deserve my massage, dammit! :D

Only a few days left! IF I remember correctly,the first day is 39 miles, 2nd day 66, 3rd 51, 4th 63 and last day 27. 2 posts above, Savage listed the possible places we will be camping the end of each day and my guess is the hotel shuttles will pick up where we stop to camp. Re the massages....that sounds so wonderful but I have no idea re those. This is my (and hubby)1st time doing the DNR ride although we've done the whole trail before.

We're John and Margie from Blue Springs MO, maybe our paths will cross this next week.

Keeping my fingers crossed for no rain.

Re: massages. Here's what I've found so far.



Sedalia: Bodyworks Day Spa, 866-827-2452. Apparently, they have a massage room at Hotel Bothwell, where the DNR block of rooms has been reserved. http://www.bodyworksdayspa.net/



Columbia: One on One Fitness, 573-445-9095. Located in the Holiday Inn Select, which I'm told is steps away from Baymont, where the block of rooms has been reserved. http://www.trainers1on1.com/



Jeff City: Natural Connections, 573-636-2726, is located 2 blocks over from Hotel Deville. http://www.naturalconnectionsspa.com/inside.php?page=massage



Don't know about Washington or St. Charles.



Rightly or wrongly, I'm only concerned about the first couple of days. Probably backwards, but that's just me.



Appreciate the mileage tally, thank you. Am also hoping that I can actually schedule the massages, what with the rider meetings and so forth in the evening.

Thanks for the info re the massages. Looks like the chances of rain for the first 2 days is now down to only 30% per the National Weather site!!!! Maybe we'll luck out an miss it completely... sure would be nice.

I think the 2nd day is the one that concerns me. The first 35 or so will have some of the loooong slow grades that seem to last forever but at least the last 30 will be flat so it really shouldn't be that bad. We just plan on getting an early start that day.

Hi --

I missed the ride this year, as I didn't find out about until a week before, but I'm hoping to participate next year. I had a few questions for those of you who have now done it. Has anyone camped? If so, I was curious what sort of tent you would recommend. Does this have to fit in your two allowed luggage bags? For two or more people, would you go with a bigger multi-person tent or a multiple single-person tents? Additionally, what sort of rain gear would you recommend?



Thanks!

The trail head is at Flat Branch Park (4th and Locust) which is at the eastern edge of what is known by locals as The District (aka downtown Columbia). Columbia isn't much (I'm originally from St. Louis) but they take pride in their local businesses and The District is where most of those are.

Shakespeare's, Booches, and Billiards have all been mentioned (Billiards is closing at the end of July) but along that same street (9th street, a few blocks from the trail head) my favorite place is Main Squeeze. They don't serve meat, and everything is locally supplied (fruits, vegetables, bread, etc.). The house special is the Tempeh Ruby, delicious. They show local art too.

Around the corner from Main Squeeze is a little coffee shop called The Artisan. It's on Cherry Street, and the food is pretty good but expensive. Their coffee is, arguably, the best in town.

Across the street from that is Bangkok Gardens. Service is great, and food is killer. Also very vegetarian friendly.

Further down Cherry Street (to the East, towards the trail head) is Addison's Grill. To the west is Nike Bar and Grill (great/cheap hamburgers, so I hear), and around the corner from Nike is Bambino's Italian Cafe (it's at Hitt and Locust, which is 7 blocks west from the trail head).

On Broadway, which is one block north from Bangkok Gardens and two blocks north from the trail head, there are even more options. My favorite is the Indian place at Hitt and Broadway. Best in town, if you ask me, and very authentic.

Closer to the trail head there's Grill One 5. It's mostly a bar, but they have a pretty extensive menu. Great wine list, too. And then there's Flat Branch Brewery, which is only 1 block to the west on 5th street. They brew local beers and have a great menu. Thursdays are buy one get one free appetizers too...

Other than local places there is a Subway, a Jimmy John's, and a Quizno's downtown, too.

Anne, That's a lot of great info on Columbia eateries. I like Shakespeare's Pizza and Flat Branch Brewery.



"Columbia isn't much (I'm originally from St. Louis)"

Heh, I grew up in Boonville; I thought Columbia had everything!

Thanks for the warning about the place that doesn't serve meat. (wink)

My dad, daughter, and I rode the trail from Sedalia to Rocheport and back over Memorial Weekend 2005. There were many things to remember about the nature including the smell of honeysuckle and the critters we saw...22 squirrels, 13 turtles, 13 rabbits, 6 snakes (dead and alive), 4 turkeys, 2 salamanders, and 1 quail...(which my daughter counted and made a song about). What a beautiful ride. The one thing we will always remember is Pauline at Polly's Perch!! What a great lady!! We stayed there on the way to Rocheport and on the way back. The hospitality was out of this world! Polly we love you and thanks for your part in making our weekend one to remember.

My dad, daughter, and I rode the trail from Sedalia to Rocheport and back over Memorial Weekend 2005. There were many things to remember about the nature including the smell of honeysuckle and the critters we saw...22 squirrels, 13 turtles, 13 rabbits, 6 snakes (dead and alive), 4 turkeys, 2 salamanders, and 1 quail...(which my daughter counted and made a song about). What a beautiful ride. The one thing we will always remember is Pauline at Polly's Perch!! What a great lady!! We stayed there on the way to Rocheport and on the way back. The hospitality was out of this world! Polly we love you and thanks for your part in making our weekend one to remember.

My husband, my 3-year old son, and myself spent our family vacation biking the Katy Trail. After getting off of the train in Sedalia on a VERY hot Monday afternoon, we rode our bike 4 miles out THE WRONG DIRECTION. After struggling to get back to Sedalia, we had a lovely evening at Sedalia's Best Western. Getting up a 4am the next day, we rode the 26 miles to Polly's Perch in Pilot Grove and did not want to leave. She has a wonderfully restored brick bungalow sitting right on the trail with a beautifully screened-in front porch. We sat there that Tuesday evening and watched as a cooling downpour occured. It was much needed. We was able to meet her dear baby brother, nephew, and Polly's son Dustin. We had a wonderful time. Good food, good conversation, and a wonderful place to relax. Highly recommend spending your night before or after Sedalia at Polly's place.

My husband, my 3-year old son, and myself spent our family vacation biking the Katy Trail. After getting off of the train in Sedalia on a VERY hot Monday afternoon, we rode our bike 4 miles out THE WRONG DIRECTION. After struggling to get back to Sedalia, we had a lovely evening at Sedalia's Best Western. Getting up a 4am the next day, we rode the 26 miles to Polly's Perch in Pilot Grove and did not want to leave. She has a wonderfully restored brick bungalow sitting right on the trail with a beautifully screened-in front porch. We sat there that Tuesday evening and watched as a cooling downpour occured. It was much needed. We was able to meet her dear baby brother, nephew, and Polly's son Dustin. We had a wonderful time. Good food, good conversation, and a wonderful place to relax. Highly recommend spending your night before or after Sedalia at Polly's place.

My husband and I rode the entire Katy Trail from Clinton to St. Charles. Polly's B&B was our second stop. We enjoyed our brief stay and Polly's refreshing and warm hospitality. We hope you will consider a stay at Polly's when passing through Pilot Grove. You must try her pies which are well-known along the KT by many locals!

My husband and I rode the entire Katy Trail from Clinton to St. Charles. Polly's B&B was our second stop. We enjoyed our brief stay and Polly's refreshing and warm hospitality. We hope you will consider a stay at Polly's when passing through Pilot Grove. You must try her pies which are well-known along the KT by many locals!

My daughter, dad, and I again rode the trail and stayed at Polly's Perch, June 2007. It was just like coming home to family. It is clean and the hospitality is out of this world! We love you Polly, thanks.

My daughter, dad, and I again rode the trail and stayed at Polly's Perch, June 2007. It was just like coming home to family. It is clean and the hospitality is out of this world! We love you Polly, thanks.

I just tried the number and it is disconnected. Does anyone have information?

I understand that Jefferson Inn is closed and is for sale. They are no longer listed in the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce. Some folks had tried to call, but got no answer.