bike rentals
- + We plan to visit Jefferson City to ride the Katy. I only own a road bike. Is there a place to rent a decent bike is Jefferson City?
Thanks!
Discussion started 05/27/2007 02:39 PM by Sully - 3 replies (last reply by BDB at 05/29/2007 03:35 PM)Sully on 05/27/2007 02:39 PM
We plan to visit Jefferson City to ride the Katy. I only own a road bike. Is there a place to rent a decent bike is Jefferson City?
Thanks!
Anonymous on 05/27/2007 07:38 PM
sully, the cycle depot moved from hartsburg to jefferson city. you might want to check them out. the web site i believe is cycle-depot.com. i stopped at their hartsburg shop a few years ago and was very impressed. give them a try, they can definetly help you and guide you in the proper direction.
have fun, be safe
Pam/Hartsburg Cycle Depot from jeff city on 05/29/2007 10:54 AM
Sully, riding the Katy on a road bike can be done with certian measures taken, the forum can put you on the right track if that is the way you would like to go. We have moved to Jefferson City and are open for business, our phone number has changed a little 636-9599 also along with the web www.hartsburgcyledepot.com , sadly we do not rent bicycles, we have loaned out a couple but not rented. J&D Bicycles use to rent but I don't think they do any longer, the cost of insurance can not justify the rentals. The nearest shop would be Rocheport's Trail Side Cafe, arrangements can be made with Larry and we gladly work with him.
Thanks for thinking of us and happy trails.
Pam
BDB from Kirksville, MO on 05/29/2007 03:35 PM
Looks like you've gotten good advice from the above. Personally, I've dealt with both the Trailside and Hartsburg Cycle and have nothing but good to say about them (other than I hate that Hartsburg Cycle moved from being on the trail).
Like the other person, I would question what you mean by a road bike. I couldn't see riding my ten speed on the trail (27 x 1 1/4 tires)- it would probably be possible, but with a lot of sliding back and forth. If you mean a wider tire, then it may be in consideration.
Good luck.
Bamboo
- + I was told by an 86 year old man that has lived in Hartsburg his entire life that it is not bamboo, but something called RUSH. It may be true or not I don't know.
Discussion started 05/28/2007 09:07 AM by Gary - 2 replies (last reply by biking beginner at 05/29/2007 02:50 PM)Gary from Hartsburg on 05/28/2007 09:07 AM
I was told by an 86 year old man that has lived in Hartsburg his entire life that it is not bamboo, but something called RUSH. It may be true or not I don't know.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 05/28/2007 09:57 AM
This prior post discussed Bamboo, Rushes, Indian Paintbrush.......
Beautiful photos, Jeff. A caption correction though for "Bambu, near Dutzow": Those plants are not Bamboo, but are known as Horsetails, a.k.a. Equisetum. There are quite a few species and I don't know which one is in your picture. It looks like this person knows a lot about Horsetails, and probably would like to see your photo of them: http://members.eunet.at/m.matus/
John
- posted 9/18/2006 11:46:37 AM by John , Portland, OR
biking beginner on 05/29/2007 02:50 PM
That Elizabeth Berkeley...she's so shy.
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Allegheny Alliance/C &O Canal Trail
- + From what I've been reading on the web, the trail system from Washington D.C. to the Pittsburgh area is complete. Has Anybody done the entire route yet? I would like to give it a shot this fall but wo...
Discussion started 05/06/2007 11:49 AM by Paulie - 9 replies (last reply by Wayne at 05/28/2007 07:39 PM)Paulie from Knoxville TN on 05/06/2007 11:49 AM
From what I've been reading on the web, the trail system from Washington D.C. to the Pittsburgh area is complete. Has Anybody done the entire route yet? I would like to give it a shot this fall but would like to hear some feedback first.
Paulie
Wayne from OH on 05/06/2007 02:11 PM
To answer your question, no I have not done it (yet). From the ATA site "The connection to the C & O Canal Towpath in Cumberland, MD was completed in 2006, creating a continuous non-motorized corridor, 316 miles long, from near Pittsburgh to Washington, DC." I visited the The Yockatomac Trek site and they still list other options for getting from Cumberland to Meyersdale but I am sure that is old info. I believe this will be the 9th or 10th trek, I expect the info is left over from the old rides. I just found this http:// blog.omnio .org/ , take out the spaces and it should take you to an overview of a trip taken last month, there is a short blog available of the trip through this site. I presume you have all the web sites for that trip but feel free to e-mail me at powderbasket@columbus.rr.com if you want what I have.
Rootman from Kentucky on 05/15/2007 06:44 PM
I did the C&O canal in July a few years ago. It was very hot, in the 90s. Nevertheless it was a great ride with lots of history, many more campsites than you will need, plenty of water, and a smooth, well-maintained trail. A friend and I are looking at doing the Allegheny Passage in the fall. I have a copy of "The C&O Canal Companion" that you are welcome to have if we can figure out a way to communicate without splashing our info on this website. I might not respond right away if you reply to this chat area because I don't check it every day. The book has lots of info and is just sitting on my shelf. I'll be glad to send it along.
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 05/16/2007 08:39 AM
Try this site for more information:
http://atatrail.org/visit/reports.cfm
Wayne from OH on 05/16/2007 02:54 PM
If plans hold we will ride the section in question Memorial Day weekend. If it happens I'll post a report.
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 05/19/2007 08:26 AM
Thanks for the input. I think I've about found all the web sites relating to the C & O/Allegheny Passage trail systems. Its a shame nobody has setup a site like this one with a message board covering this trail system.(that's a hint, Ray)
Paulie
Ray (webmaster) on 05/19/2007 09:44 AM
Thanks for the suggestion Paulie. As a matter of fact, I have already started building this C&O Canal website. It's not as fully developed yet as the Katy Trail website, but it's constantly growing. A "Ride Reports" page will be added in a few days, and the ability to add comments within the next couple of weeks. And more in the future, including Great Allegheny Passage info, and adding more functionality to the maps.
There actually is a very good discussion group on the C&O Canal at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/coTowpath/. I'm not trying to "compete" with this group, but hope that the BikeCandO.com website will provide a new and useful source of C&O/GAP info.
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 05/22/2007 11:33 AM
Looks good Ray, can't wait to see the finished product. I don't plan to ride the C & O/GAP trails until this fall, so that should give me plenty time to plan my ride.
Paulie
Ronald from Chicago on 05/28/2007 03:59 PM
I rode from just south of Pittsburgh Airport to Washington, DC May 14-21, this year. Starting on Montour Trail around Pittsbugh, then ATA trail and C&O Towpath. ATA section from McKeesport, PA to Cumberlund, MD is all complete except for one bridge, which requires a short walk around. Excellent scenery along ride. Surface is comparable to Katy Trail with long gradual climb in south direction before Big Savage Tunnel. Towpath is flat with dirt and crushed stone surface, rough and muddy in spots with occasional exposed rock or root. I used 700x38 cm tires and had no real problems. A lot of towpath passses through heavily wooded somewhat remote areas. Limited number of places to stay and eat along both trails, so need to plan ahead. Excellent guides available online from Allegany Trail Alliance and Washington, DC bicycle advocacy organization.
Wayne from OH on 05/28/2007 07:39 PM
Ronald, pretty well summed things up.
We rode Meyersdale to Frostburg on Sunday afternoon and met folks who had come West from Cumberland saying the trail IS complete. I am not much of a "guide book" guy but will say I bought the new book on the ATA & C&O (white cover) it is full on good current information, it also has a very nice vinyl map with both trails on it (one on each side), well worth the $5.00. I am planning a group ride from Connellsville to Confluence in Sept or Oct and initually got the giude for that, but found it to be more than I expected.
Clinton Parking
- + Hi! This questiion has been asked before BUT where is the best place to park your car in
Clinton when riding from Sy. Charles? I will need to park from June 26 to July 3rd.
Discussion started 05/28/2007 09:18 AM by Tolley Lauretti - 0 repliesTolley Lauretti from McMinnville, OR 97128 on 05/28/2007 09:18 AM
Hi! This questiion has been asked before BUT where is the best place to park your car in
Clinton when riding from Sy. Charles? I will need to park from June 26 to July 3rd.
Boonville
- + My wife, 2 children (3 and 1) and I are riding from Boonville to St.Charles. Does anyone have recommendations for longterm parking in Boonville(5 days)? Has anyone hired someone to shuttle their car/v...
Discussion started 04/01/2007 08:05 PM by Mike - 5 replies (last reply by Penny Garden Gate B&B at 05/26/2007 05:17 PM)Mike from Tucson on 04/01/2007 08:05 PM
My wife, 2 children (3 and 1) and I are riding from Boonville to St.Charles. Does anyone have recommendations for longterm parking in Boonville(5 days)? Has anyone hired someone to shuttle their car/van to their final destination(St. Charles in our case)? Our other option would be to take Amtrak, but I've heard that getting the bikes on the train(2 of them)let alone the Burley trailer could be a problem.
Mike from Tucson on 04/01/2007 08:42 PM
Add: Ok, so I didn't look carefully and see that Amtrak by-passes Boonville. So that leaves the option of having our vehicle shuttled to the finish or driving to the finish and shuttling back (if we stick with our original itinerary).
Rhona Lococo from St. Charles Mo. on 04/06/2007 11:57 PM
you could call Lococo House ll for information, we can pick you up in Booneville and bring you back to St. Charles ----- Rhonaloc@charter.net ----636-946-0619
savage24 from KC,MO on 04/07/2007 02:43 AM
Mike, when will you be riding?
If you leave a car in Boonville, contact the Boonville police department - they should be willing to check on it during patrols and they might even be able to suggest a better place than the trail head to leave it.
If you spend a night at a hotel or B&B in Boonville the owners may let you leave the car there.
Cliff from Edwardsville Kansas on 04/10/2007 10:35 AM
I have parked my vehicle at the trailhead at Boonveville for several days at a time and I have never had a problem with it being bothered. As far as shuttle service just check links on this site and you will be able to find one to meet your needs. Have a great ride.
Penny Garden Gate B&B from Booneville on 05/26/2007 05:17 PM
Mike,
I don't know if you have taken your trip as yet but if you haven't I would be glad to help you out and let you leave your vehicle at my B&B. I am 5 blocks from the trail.
Riding the whole trail
- + I'm planning to ride the trail from Clinton to St. Charles the week of May 28th. Is it safe to
leave my truck at the St. Charles trail head? What's the best shuttle service from St. Charles to Discussion started 05/21/2007 09:09 AM by Carter Siebke - 4 replies (last reply by Jim Clem at 05/26/2007 11:41 AM)Carter Siebke from Kearney, NE on 05/21/2007 09:09 AM
I'm planning to ride the trail from Clinton to St. Charles the week of May 28th. Is it safe to
leave my truck at the St. Charles trail head? What's the best shuttle service from St. Charles to
Clinton(I want to ride to my truck)? Any suggestions or things I should make sure I do along
the way?
Nate from St. Louis on 05/24/2007 12:23 PM
Hey Carter: Sorry, I don't have an answer for you on the shuttle, but just wanted to comment that I'm riding the other way (St. Charles to Clinton) that same week. Leaving St. Charles on the 29th. Maybe we'll pass each other along the way. Looks like it might be a bit rainy. Have a great ride!
Wayne from OH on 05/24/2007 07:18 PM
I left my vehicle in St Charles for six days last summer with no problems. I parked under a light in the lot towards the Casino.
The shuttle I used is no longer in business. Check the links on this site for shuttles as well as bike shops, I googled bike shop names and found that several provided shuttles that were not listed as such here. I sent several emails and the first one to answer got the job. It made sense to me to have the shuttle "come get" me rather than "take" me, so I used one from Clinton. I would love to come ride the Katy end to end again this summer but there are so many trails and so little time ;-) . Have a great ride.
Jeff Grigg from Manchester, MO on 05/24/2007 10:38 PM
The St Charles area is nice; I wouldn't worry about parking your truck there. (You do, of course, need to lock it, and not leave anything valuable visible through the windows.)
Augusta is a good place to stop for lunch. I like the brewing co, just off the trail, and there are other good places to eat, in town.
I like to ride up the crazy slope up to Klondike park, and around the pond. And out the front (north side), and along a nice trail that rejoins the Katy next to 94 (and a boat launch). It's not amazing, but I kind of like it.
The bike shop in Defiance is a good place to stop for a snack. It's the last good restroom 'til St Charles. ;-> You'll see their sign and bridge to your left, right after passing the trail parking lot.
Jim Clem from Alpine, Ca. on 05/26/2007 11:41 AM
Carter-we just finished the trail last week-Clinton to St. Charles. We used Gary Creason to shuttle use (Creason's Shuttle Service 573-694-2027)-good rates, and he will pick you up and drop you off anywhere.
best type of bike for the trail
- + What do you recommend we ride on the trail- a mountain or road bike?
Discussion started 05/22/2007 05:31 PM by g maxwell - 4 replies (last reply by Jeff Grigg at 05/24/2007 10:26 PM)g maxwell from springdale,AR on 05/22/2007 05:31 PM
What do you recommend we ride on the trail- a mountain or road bike?
Norm from Raymore, MO on 05/22/2007 09:32 PM
If you have both a mountain and a road bike or are considering buying a bike, the mountain bike would be the best. The wider tread of the mountain bike's tires gives you a surer ride on the sometimes soft crushed rock trail surface. Also if you are buying the bike it would be good to have the smoothest tire tread available for the mountain bike, rather than the knobby tread that comes on most mountain bikes. Some people do ride the trail on their road bikes (I have done it once) and seem to be okay if they're very careful and avoid the soft areas of the trail. I have both a road bike and a hybrid bike. I prefer the hybrid which has slightly wider tire treads (in between the road's skinny and the mountain's wide). Whatever you choose to take to the trail I'm sure you'll enjoy it and want to go back like I have done.
sharonbikes from Kansas City on 05/23/2007 06:51 PM
I agree a mountain bike is your best bet. You don't need super wide knobby tires, but it
doesn't hurt. I ride a Trek mountain bike that I have put narrower tires on and it is about
perfect for the Trail. The geometry of a mountain bike works better for the rough surfaces
that you will encounter on the Trail...especially this year because of the weather issues we
have had. Parts of the Trail are smoother than others, but the mountain bike is your best
choice to deal with the parts of the Trail that are rougher and where the surface has not been
packed down My .02.
Murf from Jeff City on 05/24/2007 09:22 PM
If it's one or the other, go with the mountain bike. The upright posture on a mountain bike allows you to see more of the scenery. But if you're buying a bike, buy either a hybrid or a recumbent. I ride a hybrid and it's been perfect---the trail conditions never bothered me. My wife rides a recumbent and it has been ideal for her.
Jeff Grigg from Manchester, MO on 05/24/2007 10:26 PM
"Mountain" or any bike with relatively wider tires and an upright riding posture. The Katy trail is fine packed gravel; very narrow tires are generally OK, but sink slightly into the trail should it rain, which can be frustrating. The very low gearing of a true mountain bike isn't needed, as the Katy trail is very flat. Just about any reasonable bike will do fine.
Augusta to McKittrick
- + My fiance and I want to ride the Katy Trail this weekend for the very first time. We are not normally bikers, both 31 yrs old and in good health, but I am unsure how long of a ride would be reasonabl...
Discussion started 05/23/2007 08:14 PM by RV - 2 replies (last reply by Murf at 05/24/2007 09:15 PM)RV from St Louis on 05/23/2007 08:14 PM
My fiance and I want to ride the Katy Trail this weekend for the very first time. We are not normally bikers, both 31 yrs old and in good health, but I am unsure how long of a ride would be reasonable for us. We are both fairly athletic but have been pretty lax in our workouts due to hectic work schedules.
I am considering Augusta to McKittrick or Marthasville to McKittrick, then back the following day. The difference is a 34 mile trip versus a 20+ mile trip.
What would anyone suggest for two amateurs? Thanks!
Norm from Raymore, MO on 05/23/2007 10:04 PM
It's hard to judge what someone else can do, especially riding a rail-trail like the KATY. However here are some things to consider in your determining how far you can go. First; do you have an odometer on your bikes or bike computer to tell how far you have ever ridden before? If you have this computer, how fast was your average speed? For what time duration have you ridden before, with only short stops or breaks? All these can factor into your ability to go longer distances without wearing down.
Some other things to consider are the characteristics of riding a rail-trail. Although it's flat for the most part there are some small grades and if you are riding into the wind it can be like climbing a steep hill. You should carry plenty of water and perhaps some sports drink to replenish your electolytes and energy bars if you like. Emergency equipment like a cell phone and first-aid kit are a good idea.
If you plan ahead and expect to go the distance, I'm sure you'll be alright and enjoy being out in the country.
Murf from Jeff City on 05/24/2007 09:15 PM
If you are somewhat athletic and have all day, you should be able to go the 34 miles in one day and then do the reverse the next day. Just don't try to do it all at once. Take several breaks. If you're not used to riding bikes, your sitter will get sore, but your legs should be able to take it. Just take your time, don't make it a race, and enjoy the trip.
USA Inn (Clinton)
- + Total crap. Try calling someone who is staying there, the lady may or may not transfer you to their room depending on her mood, or she will deny that the room they are staying in even exists. Also has...
Discussion started 05/23/2007 11:16 PM by Yeah - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 05/24/2007 06:15 PM)Yeah from Clinton on 05/23/2007 11:16 PM
Total crap. Try calling someone who is staying there, the lady may or may not transfer you to their room depending on her mood, or she will deny that the room they are staying in even exists. Also has roaches.
Yeah from Clinton on 05/23/2007 11:16 PM
Total crap. Try calling someone who is staying there, the lady may or may not transfer you to their room depending on her mood, or she will deny that the room they are staying in even exists. Also has roaches.
Anonymous on 05/24/2007 06:15 PM
I don't know what you are talking about, this motel was great.
Anonymous on 05/24/2007 06:15 PM
I don't know what you are talking about, this motel was great.
USA Inn (Clinton)
- + Great!!! This is the best motel in Clinton. They had reasonable rates, great service, very clean room, and front desk lady was very nice.
Discussion started 05/24/2007 06:14 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 05/24/2007 06:14 PM
Great!!! This is the best motel in Clinton. They had reasonable rates, great service, very clean room, and front desk lady was very nice.
Anonymous on 05/24/2007 06:14 PM
Great!!! This is the best motel in Clinton. They had reasonable rates, great service, very clean room, and front desk lady was very nice.
Augusta
- + Lindenhof is probably the nicest B & B we have ever stayed in. The host, Debbie, is very accommodating and the surroundings are VERY relaxing. We have stayed in two other B & B's in Augusta and this...
Discussion started 05/24/2007 02:40 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous from Warrensburg on 05/24/2007 02:40 PM
Lindenhof is probably the nicest B & B we have ever stayed in. The host, Debbie, is very accommodating and the surroundings are VERY relaxing. We have stayed in two other B & B's in Augusta and this one wins, hands down. We were riding the KATY trail from Sedalia to St. Charles.
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Tunnels open on Columbia MKT spur!
- + Finally, after what seems like years of construction, the Columbia spur goes right to downtown without any road crossings. There are now tunnels under Stewart, Providence, Locust, and Elm streets. T...
Discussion started 05/18/2007 01:15 PM by ET - 3 replies (last reply by ET at 05/24/2007 01:38 PM)ET from Columbia on 05/18/2007 01:15 PM
Finally, after what seems like years of construction, the Columbia spur goes right to downtown without any road crossings. There are now tunnels under Stewart, Providence, Locust, and Elm streets. There is one still-unpaved section of the new trail, between Elm and Locust, but it is very rideable, with chat similar to the Katy trail (if a little looser). The tunnels share box culverts with Flat Branch Creek, so would be impassable in very high water, but clear out very quickly after rain storms, so far anyway. They make a really pretty, interesting, and relaxing entry to Columbia.
condean from Council Bluffs IA on 05/23/2007 10:07 PM
any recommendations on lodging in Columbia? 4 couples riding the Katy.
coming from Boonville. close to trail, biker friendly.
Thanks,
connie
Steve K from Saint Louis on 05/24/2007 03:42 AM
When I ride the trail later this year, I am thinking of staying at the Campus Inn, which is the closest I could find to the trail. Supposedly, it is a bit of a dump, which does not bother me.
Most of the hotels in Columbia are on the North side of town, which will require you to leave the trail and bike on the streets.
ET from Columbia on 05/24/2007 01:38 PM
Not many great options near the trail. The Campus Inn is currently a hole in the ground, but is being rebuilt as a Hampton Inn, and I expect will be pretty nice. No idea when it will open, though. The best way to get to it would be to take the Columbia spur to about 2.5 mile marker, then right on the University recreation trail to the mulch site at Capen Park, then up the VERY steep hill on Rock Quarry Road. The hotel will be on your left before you get to the lights on Stadium. Your other option, hotel-wise, is the Regency, which is a bit dumpy, but right downtown, so good location for restauarants, etc. There is only one B and B that I know of still in business, and that's University Place. Also pretty easy to get to, and near downtown. There's a rumor that the Tiger Hotel is going to reopen as a real hotel, but that's not in the near future.
Cooper's Landing
- + We are planning a ride from Columbia to St. Charles this weekend. Does anyone know whether Cooper's Landing is fully open for business--in particular we are hoping the Thai food is available. I know...
Discussion started 05/23/2007 08:49 AM by ET - 1 reply (last reply by MAH at 05/23/2007 04:16 PM)ET from Columbia on 05/23/2007 08:49 AM
We are planning a ride from Columbia to St. Charles this weekend. Does anyone know whether Cooper's Landing is fully open for business--in particular we are hoping the Thai food is available. I know they were closed due to the flooding. Thanks.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 05/23/2007 04:16 PM
We rode from New Franklin to Coopers Landing this past Sunday and the store was open and the seating area outside the store was clean and back in business. Campground had been under and looks to still be be "out" but he had a tractor going and looked to be working on getting it back in order. I don't think the Thai place was open. According to his web site, it's still down.
Have fun!
Tony's on Main (St Charles)
- + Tony's is not American food- Italian! Moderatly to higher priced, nice atmosphere, nice bar.
LG
Discussion started 11/12/2005 05:16 PM by Local Guy - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 05/23/2007 01:19 PM)Local Guy from St. Charles MO on 11/12/2005 05:16 PM
Tony's is not American food- Italian! Moderatly to higher priced, nice atmosphere, nice bar.
LG
Local Guy from St. Charles MO on 11/12/2005 05:16 PM
Tony's is not American food- Italian! Moderatly to higher priced, nice atmosphere, nice bar.
LG
Anonymous on 05/23/2007 01:19 PM
You are talking about Tony's in downtown St. Louis.
Tony's on Main in St. Charles is American food, is moderately priced, and is located at 132 North Main Street in St. Charles MO.
Anonymous on 05/23/2007 01:19 PM
You are talking about Tony's in downtown St. Louis.
Tony's on Main in St. Charles is American food, is moderately priced, and is located at 132 North Main Street in St. Charles MO.
Tibbetts to McKittrick or Dutzow to McKittrick?
- + This is our first ride on the Katy, and wonder if someone could give us some advice. We're going to either ride from Tibbetts to McKittrick or from Dutzow to McKittrick. Which of these segments do y...
Discussion started 05/22/2007 06:56 PM by Ed from the other St. Charles - 1 reply (last reply by GC at 05/23/2007 12:01 PM)Ed from the other St. Charles from St. Charles, IL on 05/22/2007 06:56 PM
This is our first ride on the Katy, and wonder if someone could give us some advice. We're going to either ride from Tibbetts to McKittrick or from Dutzow to McKittrick. Which of these segments do you think is most scenic? Thanks.
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 05/23/2007 12:01 PM
My vote would be Tebbetts to McKittrick. But both are good