Katy Trail Forum

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!

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.