Katy Trail Forum

Beware!!!!! When the owner is gone and his father in law is running the place. THIS old man is mean!!! DANGER! DO NOT GO IN this STORE IF he is THERE, he is not all with it.

sorry to hear bout your experience. my g'son and i stopped in there last year. there was an older gentleman there. by that i mean older than me. i'm 55. this gentleman was as courteous, friendly, and helpful as any one could ask for. i am guessing he is the owners dad.



sorry you had a bad experience.

He must have changed over the winter months. He has always been very pleasant to visit with and deal with in the past.

I needed to buy some bike stuff, and have a little work done to my MTB bike so I drive to defiance because the owner was always real nice. The owner was in NY and his father-in-law was there. He started bagging my bike because it didn’t have a kick stand then he got mad because I had presta valves and didn’t have the adapter. I just said I didn’t think I needed to bring it to a bike shop. He went crazy said he didn’t like my attitude and kick me out. I never be treated like this before, this man is crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My wife and I have been to this store on several occasions and have never been treated badly. In fact when we are in the area we make it a point to stop. My wife loves the gift store that is attached to the bike shop. I believe it is run by his daughter. Last time we were there her store was not open yet so man I believe you are referring to open the gift store for us and told us if we needed any help he would be next door. The people there and again I may be wrong but I believe it is father and daughter who operate the two stores have never been anything but polite. Sorry about your experience, doesn’t sound like the same gentleman to me.

The ole' fart was nice to us!

My wife and I rode through Defiance last Thursday and went back through on Friday. We stopped in the Bike shop both times and the older fellow could'nt have been nicer. He told us where the restrooms were and to be sure and fill up our water bottles because ther was no water between Defiance and St Charles. We talked about bikes, the trail, and his rental business. He made recommendations about where to eat in Augusta and was pleasnt as could be. On our way back to St Charles he warned us about a couple of places were trees were down over the trail and that the Conservation Dept. was working at removing them. Our stop there was great. I guess everybody is entitled to have a bad day.

We stopped at the bike shop and were greeted by an older man (we are 58 and 65 and he was older than us). He was charming and helpful. There must be 2 different people involved here.

I have a question. I am a boy scout planning a trip for my troop in the fall, and I expect about 15 scouts and leaders to come along. We will be biking the trail from st. charles to sedalia, and I was wondering if the service toted bikes as well as people, and how many it can take.

I have a question. I am a boy scout planning a trip for my troop in the fall, and I expect about 15 scouts and leaders to come along. We will be biking the trail from st. charles to sedalia, and I was wondering if the service toted bikes as well as people, and how many it can take.

I am nearly certain that Gary Creason can shuttle that many people and bikes.

I am nearly certain that Gary Creason can shuttle that many people and bikes.

Tim, Congratulations on planning this adventure. If you will take a bit of advice from someone who has seen several groups of scouts at the end of some of these rides, start your training now. I would start with a couple of 10 mile rides a week for 2 or 3 weeks... then a couple 20s for 2 weeks then maybe a 20 and a 50 in the same week. I'm sure others here may have a better plan but the main thing is to get some time in the seat. Oh...the other thing is to raise your seats so your knees are not hitting you in the chin.

Tim, Congratulations on planning this adventure. If you will take a bit of advice from someone who has seen several groups of scouts at the end of some of these rides, start your training now. I would start with a couple of 10 mile rides a week for 2 or 3 weeks... then a couple 20s for 2 weeks then maybe a 20 and a 50 in the same week. I'm sure others here may have a better plan but the main thing is to get some time in the seat. Oh...the other thing is to raise your seats so your knees are not hitting you in the chin.

On a previous trip, we attempted to eat here, and were told that they were not serving dinner until later (weekday evening).



We biked the Katy over Memorial Weekend, and again attempted to eat here. We walked in about 5:45 on Sunday and found a table. After about 8 minutes someone walked over and asked if we were expecting to be served. When we replied that we were, we were told that they were no longer serving. When we checked their posted hours on the way out, it said they stopped serving at 6 pm on Sundays.



Needless to say, after two attempts, and two refusals to serve us, we will take our business elsewhere.

9/25/06 Amanda is the "Hostess with the mostest". I was met with Lemonade & chocolate chip cookies. The room was very clean & neat with plenty of hot water for a relaxing shower. She went out of way to accomodate me & two other guests went she drove us into Hermann for diner after we found out the Trailside restraunt in Rhineland closed on Mondays at 5:00PM. I would highly recommend the Doll House for lodging while on the KATY trail.

9/25/06 Amanda is the "Hostess with the mostest". I was met with Lemonade & chocolate chip cookies. The room was very clean & neat with plenty of hot water for a relaxing shower. She went out of way to accomodate me & two other guests went she drove us into Hermann for diner after we found out the Trailside restraunt in Rhineland closed on Mondays at 5:00PM. I would highly recommend the Doll House for lodging while on the KATY trail.

I, too, had a wonderful stay at The Doll House B&B. The room was nice and the bed felt great after a near 90-mile ride. I was later than I hoped and Amanda and Jeff were very accommodating. I was the only one there for the night, but Amanda went all out for breakfast--It was GREAT! I highly recommend this B&B!

I, too, had a wonderful stay at The Doll House B&B. The room was nice and the bed felt great after a near 90-mile ride. I was later than I hoped and Amanda and Jeff were very accommodating. I was the only one there for the night, but Amanda went all out for breakfast--It was GREAT! I highly recommend this B&B!

why do the mile markers start at mile 39 in st. charles? where's 1 thru 38?

As I understand it, the mile markers are actually railroad mile markers for the line that ran where the trail now is.

Maybe 1 starts 38 miles east of St. Charles, at Machens, which may still be under construction?

i don't think machens is 38 miles from st. charles.

As I understand it, the mile markers are actually railroad mile markers for the line that ran where the trail now is.

- posted 6/5/2007 11:01:54 AM by Mike Arnold , O'Fallon



this makes sense. thanks for your answer.

Mike called it - these are the mile marker numbers that the railroad used.



Machens will actually be something like mile 27, whenever they finally finish the extension. Honestly I'm not sure where mile 0 was - probably somewhere in Illinois, which was presumably the start of the MKT rail line (any railroad buffs out there know about this?).



One interesting side effect of this numbering system, is that your actual mileage may differ slightly from the mile marker mileage when you ride through Sedalia or Rhineland. That's because the Katy Trail route varies from the old rail bed in these two towns, taking you a slightly longer distance than the more direct railroad route. Not enough to make much difference, but something to be aware of if you are wondering why your bike computer mileage suddenly seems to be slightly off.

thanks for all the replies

In addition, your mileage may very at Boonville (over the river) and, most significantly, St. Charles (Family Center).

If you look at the old MKT railroad maps, the MKT railroad did indeed go through Machens(MM=27), then they show a sharp turn to the SE and then listed Baden and then the City of St. Louis as stations. So, this route would take the line back over the Missouri River just east of Machens and stops before the Mississippi River. This would seem to place MM=0 in the City of St. Louis. The old railroad bridge across the Missouri is just west of the current Hwy. 67 crossing.

(I meant vary, not very.)

Anyhow, for one of those old railroad maps:

http://www.katyrailroad.org/map.htm

And a new map of the old line:

http://www.missouri-central.railfan.net/maps.html

We are hoping to fly in and bike a section of the trail. We would need to rent bikes and plan to stay in a B&B. My question... Is there a particular section of the trail that is a "must see or must do" that we should plan our entire trip around? Thanks...

brian, richmond, va.

i would definetly go from rocheport east/ i do believe that is the most scenic. also i would check with the trail side bike rental in rocheport. they have bikes you can rent and buy, and they are very knowledgeable. as far as the b& b's, can't help you there. maybe someone else can.



have fun, be safe, welcome to missouri.

Rocheport in my opinion is the most scenic part of the trail, the only problem is it isn't located close to an airport. It's aprox 100 miles east of Kansas City. The St. Charles trailhead is close to the St. Louis airport but the ride from there to Defiance is not very scenic. In Rocheport the Trailside Bike Shop rents bikes and I would recommend the Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest for a Bed and Breakfast. We have stayed there and it was a great place to stay. The winery just down the trail from Rocheport is very nice and the General store in Rocheport is good place to eat and look around. We ride from Rocheport to Hartsburg and then back the next day, it's a short trip of 28 miles each way. In St. Charles you could rent a bike at Monemtum Cyles on Main Street just a block west of the trailhead. We rode that section a couple of weeks ago to Marthasville and stayed at the Critter Cottage B&B. Bob and Judy will pick you up at the trailhead and take you to the cabin in the woods. It was a nice quiet retreat away from everything and the breakfast Judy made was fantastic. It's a 38 mile ride each way. Hope this helped, have a great ride.

Can you park for an extended period of time at the Sedalia Trailhead?

yes

I've parked there before for several days. Park in the lot east of the depot over by the houses. They keep an eye on the lot. I leave my name, cell number, and car info at the depot just in case too.

We had some trouble finding a place in Augusta that would take our party, since it was large (9 people), and included children, but somewhere I came across the River Witch Cabins, run by the same people as the Eidelweiss Guest House and Ashley Rose. This worked out perfectly for our party of two families who know each other very well--it wouldn't be for everyone. The cabin is actually 2 cabins ca. 1830, relocated from somewhere nearby and joined together with one big front porch and restroom facilities in the connector. One drawback is that there is only 1 shower, and a second half bath. When we arrived, we checked in at the Eidelweiss Guest House, just across the street, and were greeted with a bottle of Augusta wine (good!), and a plate of cheese, crackers, sausage and fruit. The cabin has 3 rooms, a sitting room with lots of chairs and a small table and chairs, plus a sideboard with coffee-making supplies, tea and hot chocolate. There are 2 bedrooms, one in the loft of one cabin, with a king-sized bed and a double bed, which had plenty of room for our 5 kids. The other bedroom has a king-sized bed and 2 double beds. The accomodations were very comfortable, but of course, not very private. We had dinner that night at the Ashley Rose, a place where we had eaten several years ago and not been impressed. A different story this time--really good food--fresh lettuce from their own garden in the salad! The next morning, our breakfast was there, too, and it was a highlight of the trip--fruit, coffeecake, french toast, eggs benedict, sausage, and potato pancakes--wow!

We arrived at the b&b just as the rain started. This is not your typical pretty B&b, but Doug is friendly and welcoming. We had prearranged that he would cook dinner, since there are no nearby restaurants. He had a tasty spread, including pot roast, salad and mashed potatoes. At our request, he also supplied some local wine. Breakfast was french toast made with bread from a Hermann bakery, and French toast.

Our family did our 6th annual Memorial Day Weekend Katy Trail Ride, starting in Columbia on Friday. Our party was 4 adults and 5 kids, ages 13,12,10,8, and 6. We ate good Thai Food at Cooper's Landing and then stayed at an old favorite, The Globe in Hartsburg. The trail was rough around Cooper's, but the mud had been scraped off, so it was rideable even for our younger riders and the person pulling a trailer. LOTS of mosquitoes--more than we have ever experienced before, made even daytime stops pretty short.

We will be in Jefferson City on June 11 from NE Indiana. Will probably ride 20-30 miles east and west of city for day trips. Wondering what the conditions of the trail are as a result of the flooding. Thank you for the info.

I drove the route parallel to the Katy trail east of Jefferson City(McKittrik to N. Jeff City). It is perfectly fine. I suspect it is the same on the West side since the trail is farther from the river there. Enjoy the ride!

We rode from Columbia to St. Charles over the holiday weekend. The trail near Easley was a little soft, but DNR (I assume) had scraped the mud off the top of the trail. They hadn't yet re-gravelled it, but I wouldn't be surprised if that's been taken care of by now. There was no standing water anywhere, but plenty of mosquitoes, presumably thriving after the flooding!

Chuck's was in the right location at the right time when I had a mechanical problem. Chuck seems willing to drop what he is doing to help a cyclist touring the KT. Don't expect a display of the latest bikes made of unobtanium. Do appreciate an enthusiastic shop owner who can make a speedy repair to get you on your way.

Chuck's was in the right location at the right time when I had a mechanical problem. Chuck seems willing to drop what he is doing to help a cyclist touring the KT. Don't expect a display of the latest bikes made of unobtanium. Do appreciate an enthusiastic shop owner who can make a speedy repair to get you on your way.

Wonderful people! Reasonably priced shuttle. The best food on the trail. Don not miss this perectly located B&B.

Wonderful people! Reasonably priced shuttle. The best food on the trail. Don not miss this perectly located B&B.

Wonderful people! Reasonably priced shuttle. The best food on the trail. Don not miss this perectly located B&B.

Wonderful people! Reasonably priced shuttle. The best food on the trail. Don not miss this perectly located B&B.

Doug is a cyclist, the only one we stayed with. We shared good cycling converstion. He has great food, a floor pump, and lets you do laundry! Just don't expect typical B&B.

Doug is a cyclist, the only one we stayed with. We shared good cycling converstion. He has great food, a floor pump, and lets you do laundry! Just don't expect typical B&B.

Beautiful B&B. Very helpful. Most comfortable bed and best coffee on trip.

Beautiful B&B. Very helpful. Most comfortable bed and best coffee on trip.

This motel is within 1 mile of the first Trailhead (Equestrian Trailhead). You ride south of the trailhead to 32nd street and then left to the motel---corner of 32nd and Limit (65 highway)

This motel is within 1 mile of the first Trailhead (Equestrian Trailhead). You ride south of the trailhead to 32nd street and then left to the motel---corner of 32nd and Limit (65 highway)

Easy to reach hotel with washer and dryer on site. Good breakfast for hotel.

Easy to reach hotel with washer and dryer on site. Good breakfast for hotel.

We stayed there just before leaving on our bike trip and the day we returned from St Charles. The hotel can be reached easily via back streets from the trailhead, which is about 2 miles away. The rooms are confortable and the breakfast is your typical cereal, juice, bananas and bread products. This is close to Wal Mart, a grocery store and several restaurants. There is a bike shop down the street for last minute equipment. I recommend this place. The guy who runs the hotel is very friendly and helpful.

We stayed there just before leaving on our bike trip and the day we returned from St Charles. The hotel can be reached easily via back streets from the trailhead, which is about 2 miles away. The rooms are confortable and the breakfast is your typical cereal, juice, bananas and bread products. This is close to Wal Mart, a grocery store and several restaurants. There is a bike shop down the street for last minute equipment. I recommend this place. The guy who runs the hotel is very friendly and helpful.

I agree with evrything said, but want to add that there is a laudramat nearby.

I agree with evrything said, but want to add that there is a laudramat nearby.

pro velo is now located on ohio in the downtown district. check them out!!

pro velo is now located on ohio in the downtown district. check them out!!

pro velo is a great bike shop with wonderfull staff that are very friendly. they have everything you might need for your steed. ****

pro velo is a great bike shop with wonderfull staff that are very friendly. they have everything you might need for your steed. ****

I was interested in hitting the trails with my kids ages 2,6,11,13. We're relative novices so I don't know how far we can expect to go in a short trip (2 hours?) Maybe New Franklin to Rocheport. Any suggestions? Thanks

Ten miles (New Franklin to Rocheport) might be just a little too much for your youngest riders, and I'm assuming your 2 yr. old will be in a trailer behind one of your bikes. Almost everyone who has ridden this part of the KATY trail agrees that Rocheport is a good starting place. It has all the services you need and the scenery heading south is spectacular! I would suggest starting there, going through the tunnel, which is a few blocks back towards the northwest, then turning around and proceding past the Rocheport trailhead going south. If you wail until your children start telling you they're worn out it will take a long time returning to your starting point. Don't worry about counting the miles, or reaching another small town, just have fun and enjoy the experience.

I just called to check rates and this is now the "Sportsman's Lodge." The lady on the phone was nice, and the summer rate is $50 for two. The phone # is the same....Peace!

I just called to check rates and this is now the "Sportsman's Lodge." The lady on the phone was nice, and the summer rate is $50 for two. The phone # is the same....Peace!

I would like to know if it is OK to park my vehicle (an old pick-up truck)for an extended period (say 10 days tops)while I use the trail? I would be using one of the parking areas near the St. Charles trailhead.



Thanks!

Steve S.

Aurora, IL

I rode from St Charles to Marthasburg a couple of weeks ago and at the St. Charles trailhead the lots had signs saying no parking from 2AM to 5AM. I asked at the bike shop on Main Street and they said that in the lot behind their shop you could park in the last row. I stayed at the Country Suite Hotel on the south end of Main the night before I rode and they let me park my truck in their lot while I was gone. They also kept my luggage for me so I wouldnt have to leave it in my truck, so that might be an option if you are getting there the night before you ride. I,m sure one of the B&B's would probably do the same. Have a great ride.

Do you have to have a helmet to ride on the Kay Trail?

I believe that the only time a helmet is required on the Katy is for people who participate on the DNR ride, which they do require a helmet. I don't believe there is a state law in Missouri requiring bicycle helmets anywhere, even on roads. However, I always wear one when biking on streets, and take it off when I am on a flat trail like the Katy.

I know a man who was riding his bike without a helmet on a city street, when he unknowingly made a slight turn on some sand and went sprawling to the ground. He was knocked unconsious and woke up with a passerby helping him into her van, then taking him to the hospital. This experience made a believer out of him and he went out and bought helmets for his whole family. It's a shame that some have to go through the bad experience to learn of helmets usefulness. I have never taken a serious fall in 20 years of bicycling on streets and trails but I always wear my helmet because if I do fall, and injure myself I'd like to be awake and aware of my condition. And if I'm alone there is no one to call for help. These are just my thoughts.

Interesting Norm....I think I'll risk it if there are women in vans out there pickin people up. lol

I can't say enough about Katy Bed & Bikefest Carriage House. Fabulous. Perfect for four women who like to laugh out loud, or for a family with a few kids. It's a bit of a hike up the steps, but well worth it. Definitely the place to be for an overnight stay in the cute hamlet of Rocheport.



We'll be back, and we'll do the Mighty Mo canoe trip, for sure.

I was reading the Katy Trail Guide book to familiarize myself with the services along the trail. The book says there is the Cycle Depot in Hartsburg but the website does not list it. Does anyone know?

I plan to ride the trail the week of June 11, is the trail still effected by the flooding?

They've moved to much higher ground. In Jefferson City on the other side of the river.



http://www.hartsburgcycledepot.com/

We took a break here last week and ended up on the 6 o'clock news after being interviewed about the flooding. (My 2 minutes of fame!!) We tasted some wine and ended up riding back to Jeff City with a wine bottle where my water bottle used to be (FYI...it's a perfect fit)

We took a break here last week and ended up on the 6 o'clock news after being interviewed about the flooding. (My 2 minutes of fame!!) We tasted some wine and ended up riding back to Jeff City with a wine bottle where my water bottle used to be (FYI...it's a perfect fit)

Thanks for the FYI on the wine bottle...I often wondered where I would put that wine bottle if I really wanted it bad enough.

Thanks for the FYI on the wine bottle...I often wondered where I would put that wine bottle if I really wanted it bad enough.

My friends and I were riding on Thursday near Green Ridge and found a camera on the trail. Was wondering if anyone was missing it???