Trail Conditions
-  + Does anyone know if the trail is snow covered today? (2-19-07)
Mainly from Weldon Spring to Defiance.
Discussion started 02/19/2007 03:21 PM by Katie - 2 replies (last reply by DougK at 02/20/2007 10:22 PM)Katie from OFallon, MO on 02/19/2007 03:21 PM
Does anyone know if the trail is snow covered today? (2-19-07)
Mainly from Weldon Spring to Defiance.
Anonymous on 02/20/2007 07:37 AM
Still snow covered in shaded areas, however, with a week of above freezing temps it should be just wet by the weekend, I'd guess. Saturday's rain could make for a lot of mud and wet spots.
DougK from Troy on 02/20/2007 10:22 PM
It was slushy on Monday, pretty wet around Weldon Springs. Fairly dry but still soft near Green Bottom but the trail is mostly exposed to the sun in that area.
Oct. weather on the Katy Trail
-  + Our bike club, Mid Ohio Bikers,(MOB), is considering a bike trip from west to east doing the entire Katy Trail. We are planning to ride and camp the week of Oct. 21st. What type of weather might we be...
Discussion started 02/14/2007 03:14 PM by Lynn - 4 replies (last reply by Jason at 02/15/2007 04:37 PM)Lynn from Mansfield, Ohio on 02/14/2007 03:14 PM
Our bike club, Mid Ohio Bikers,(MOB), is considering a bike trip from west to east doing the entire Katy Trail. We are planning to ride and camp the week of Oct. 21st. What type of weather might we be experiencing? We realize that anything can happen. We have the average temperature and precipitation information for Mo. in Oct. Just thought maybe someone might be able to enlighten us a bit. Here in Ohio we have about 12 inches of snow in the last 2 days so winter finally did arrive!! Lynn
sbikes from Kansas City on 02/14/2007 10:23 PM
October can be the perfect time to ride or it can be wet and cold and miserable. I get
together with friends for an October ride, usually the 2nd or 3rd weekend of October and the
past few years it has been very cold, very wet or all of the above. But, you never know...I love
the Trail in the fall, but sometimes you just need to be flexible. Winter finally came to
Missouri as well...here in KC at my house there is about 6 inches of new snow on the
ground...last week's snow had not melted yet and they are predicting more snow this week.
savage24 from KC,MO on 02/15/2007 06:57 AM
Sbikes pretty well covered it with "you never know". My first Katy ride was solo from Sedalia to St Charles in Oct. 2000, the first day was cold & wet but each day got better and it was a great ride. I've talked to others who have ridden the trail in Oct. and been cold & wet the whole time.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/15/2007 08:45 AM
You never know.....and if you don't like the weather in Missouri, just wait a few hours and it will graciously change for you. October is a great month to ride in. We have gone every year near the 15th for the past several years. The past two have been a bit early for optimal Fall color and bit on the chilly side. Halloween two years ago though, could not have better weather...but the leaves were all gone. I prefer the shotgun approach......plan often.....ride alot. That will put you on the trail many times....and some of those times with ideal weather.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 02/15/2007 04:37 PM
When we rode the trail the first week of October last year, we went from record highs of 95 the first few days to highs in the 80's, then to highs in the 50's, with lows around 25. All in 7 days! Needless to say, we ended up using all the clothing we brought!
Article from Boonville Daily News 2/8/07 "making Boonville bike friendly"
-  + I believe Mr Cannon posted here a year or two ago seeking ideas.
http://www.boonvilledailynews.com/articles/2007/02/08/news/news2.txt
Discussion started 02/09/2007 03:36 AM by savage24 - 6 replies (last reply by GC at 02/13/2007 12:27 PM)savage24 from KC,MO on 02/09/2007 03:36 AM
I believe Mr Cannon posted here a year or two ago seeking ideas.
http://www.boonvilledailynews.com/articles/2007/02/08/news/news2.txt
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/09/2007 10:13 AM
That is an interesting article, but I don’t necessarily agree with their perception of themselves. We have found the folks in Booneville to be very accommodating.
The Comfort Inn has let us take our bikes to our room. And I’ve left my car in their parking lot while we were out on the trail for a few days.
The Riverside Diner people are very friendly. I’ve been there with a group of riders, as a group of two, and by myself. Each time it was very obvious that we were biking. We were treated kind….just like everyone else.
On a solo ride last May I rode beside an elderly gentleman and then a 40’ish woman as they were on a morning walk. I quizzed them about their town and infamous Lard Hill. They each were very friendly and openly shared their knowledge of Booneville. In turn they each quizzed me about my trip wondering about the gear I was hauling and how long I’d been on the trail.
On our first trip to Booneville we found it very confusing getting from the Comfort Inn/Holiday Inn Express area to the Katy. I’m not sure that we would have found the motel had we been arriving from the Katy. It is not clearly marked going either direction. Directional signs may help, but I’d really hate to see billboards along the Katy.
Having crossed the river bridge several times, it seems that often times the bike lane has plenty of broken. Glass is a concern on most roads though. It would be nice to be able to ride the bridge without broken glass, but I don’t expect anyone to be out there every morning sweeping off the bike path.
We seem to migrate to points between Rocheport and Hermann. But we like Booneville and have included them many times on our trips and will continue to do so because we’ve found them to be biker friendly.
It’s nice to know that the town folks are concerned, but don’t be too hard on yourself Booneville.
Wayne from OH on 02/09/2007 07:03 PM
I certainly did not see Boonville as being unfriendly or abnormally confusing. However having said that IMO all of the trail towns could possably enhance business from the trail if they posted a useable map at the trail head. We often did not depart from the trail because of not knowing the direction or distance of a particular store, resturant, etc.
Because of the excellent instructions posted here by Trek Biker we had no problem finding the Comfort Inn, however without those instructions we would have never found it. Our experience there was not the high point of the trip. This was the only lodging that penalized us for not taking up space in their parking lot. I had to pay $5 (don't remember if that was per bike or just a flat fee) to store the bikes in our already small room. Several other hotels went out of their way to accomodate our bikes including the Comfort Inn in Sedalia, The pool was cold, the hot tub jets didn't work and the AC was marginal. On the up side the hosts were polite and did offer us a ride into town.
These are just my observations. If I were to (when I do) plan another trip on the KATY I would probably stay in Boonville again, though I would most likely find a different place to lodge.
savage24 from KC,MO on 02/10/2007 07:36 AM
I figure it's the Daily News' attempt at 'provocative journalism', a more accurate headline would have read "...making Boonville more bike friendly". Anyway, I think Mr Cannon has some good ideas.
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 02/10/2007 05:57 PM
I like the idea of a kiosk at the end of the bridge, and more signage. That being said, I have found Boonville to be just fine in terms of being "trail-friendly."
As is my usual suggestion, I would love to see water available somewhere between the end of the bridge and where it turns back onto the original railbed. There is a little turnoff that would be a nice spot for a faucet
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/11/2007 08:44 PM
"I would love to see water available somewhere between the end of the bridge and where it turns back onto the original railbed." ???
If you are traveling east to west on the trail and cross the MO river.....there is water at the trailhead (and a gas station/C Store) just about 1/2 mile on down the trail.
If you are traveling west to east on the trail and are fixin to cross the MO river....you would have just past water at the trailhead (and a gas station/C Store) just about 1/2 mile back.
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 02/13/2007 12:27 PM
That's true, Trek. My bad.
Since I am a walker, I was recalling a hike from Rocheport to Boonville in August. I had left New Franklin/Franklin and trudged the three miles or so in 100-degree weather in full sunlight.I got to the turnoff that heads for the Boonslick Bridge and had just chugged another 1.5 liters of water and was hoping for a place to refill, to no avail. It was a hot, dry walk into Boonville.
Days like those sure make me envy you riders.
Tour of Missouri 2007
-  + If your interest in cycling expands beyond the Katy Trail into the world of professional cycle racing, The Tour of Missouri may be of interest. The first Tour will be September 11 – 16, 2007 and will ...
Discussion started 02/12/2007 11:17 AM by Trek Biker - 0 repliesTrek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/12/2007 11:17 AM
If your interest in cycling expands beyond the Katy Trail into the world of professional cycle racing, The Tour of Missouri may be of interest. The first Tour will be September 11 – 16, 2007 and will showcase several Missouri cities, including Kansas City, Springfield, Branson, Columbia, Jefferson City, St. Charles, and St. Louis.
For more information:
http://www.tourofmissouri.com
Trip with kids
-  + We are wanting to plan a trip with kids ages 15 - 10. Does anyone have a suggestion on start/stop points and towns/places of interests? Planning on 3 days of biking - (kids and dad love to fish)
Discussion started 12/27/2006 09:27 PM by L Singer - 5 replies (last reply by Rhona Lococo at 02/11/2007 04:33 PM)L Singer from Dallas, TX on 12/27/2006 09:27 PM
We are wanting to plan a trip with kids ages 15 - 10. Does anyone have a suggestion on start/stop points and towns/places of interests? Planning on 3 days of biking - (kids and dad love to fish)
Anonymous on 12/29/2006 10:43 PM
trip with kids, i would suggest anywhere rocheport then east. thats the nicest section. have fun.
savage24 from KC,MO on 12/30/2006 03:44 AM
Are you camping? Will you have a support vehicle following along?
ET from Columbia on 01/11/2007 11:52 AM
What time of year are you going, and are you planning to camp or stay in B&Bs? We do an annual ride with our kids, now 10 and 12, and I can give you some suggestions if I know more (actually, I made an entry on another thread somewhere about this--maybe Ray could link to it!)
Ray (webmaster) on 01/11/2007 12:12 PM
ET, I think you're referring to the Family ride thread, or possibly the Swimming near the trail thread. Good info.
One other thing - here's a list of points of interest along the Katy Trail. This is a catch-all category for interesting spots along the trail that you and/or the kids may want to see, to break up the routine of riding.
Rhona Lococo from St. Charles Mo. on 02/11/2007 04:33 PM
St. Charles is an exellant place to start your bike ride ---- or to finish your ride ------Momentum bike shop is right on the trail ---- we (Lococo House ll, Bed & Breakfast) is just three blocks off the trail ---- we have overnight accomodations, breakfast, hot tub, shuttle service and info for you ------- call 636-946-0613 ----or check out the site www.lococohouse.com
proper training for a ride
-  + I'm new at biking and am curiuos as to how much training I would need to do and what type if I was interested in a 150-200 mile roundtrip ride. Plus, how long would it take to bike roughly 75-100 mil...
Discussion started 02/04/2007 02:20 PM by Jason M - 6 replies (last reply by Mom who rides with her daughters at 02/10/2007 05:02 PM)Jason M from Springfield, mo on 02/04/2007 02:20 PM
I'm new at biking and am curiuos as to how much training I would need to do and what type if I was interested in a 150-200 mile roundtrip ride. Plus, how long would it take to bike roughly 75-100 miles one way? Any insight to a novice would be appreciated. I'm looking at riding from Clinton to Boonville and back.
Robert from Columbia on 02/05/2007 09:20 AM
You just need to ride until you can do that in practice. The main piece of advice that
anyone could give you is to eat something every hour. You cannot replace the amount of
calories you will burn while riding but if you eat something every hour it will keep your
blood sugar from depleting and will keep you from "bonking."
J&K from Drexel MO on 02/05/2007 10:18 AM
Water. Be sure you always carry water with you and force yourself to drink 20 to 24 ozs every hour.(the average water bottle) If it is a very hot and humid day, you will want to also drink some Powerade. You should also ride a few short training rides on the trail to get used to the trail surface (slower than pavement, more resistance), and the continual pedaling...no hills! Most of all, don't make it too technical, just enjoy!!!
J&K from Drexel MO on 02/05/2007 10:30 AM
Jason, I just remembered there is a "newer" rail trail in your area you could train on, it is the "Frisco Highline Trail". It runs from Springfield to Bolivar, and would be a great place to practice. It is not as well used or maintained as the Katy, so don't get discouraged about Rail Trails.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/05/2007 11:19 AM
To my knowledge the Frisco runs to Morrisville......the bridge crossing the Little Sac River was torched last summer. Stil may be a good ride from Springfield to there......just hit the brakes before the bridge!
http://www.friscohighlinetrail.org/
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 02/05/2007 12:22 PM
A lot of it depends on how far you want to ride at a time. A novice rider on a decent bike can average about 10 mph on the trail. With that in mind, it would take a good 8 hours just to ride 80 miles, not accounting for breaks. Aside from the being in shape part, that long on the saddle will kill most people who are not cyclists. My advice would be to decide how far you would like to go at a time and then just start training. My training routine for last October when I did 293 miles on the trail in 6 days was pretty basic. I rode during the work week about 3-4 nights a week and would try and get in about 20 miles. On the weekend, I would try and do at least aa 40 or 50 mile ride, both weekend days if possible. This will get you used to being in the saddle. You'd be surprised how much your body can do. As previously mentioned...just be sure to eat and drink a lot before and during the ride. Good luck...you will love it!
Mom who rides with her daughters from Lee's Summit on 02/10/2007 05:02 PM
My girls and I used to do about 40 miles in a short day..meaning we leaft late, took our time and played a lot.
We probably could have pushed more, but we went for the fun.
The Katy Trail Bike Ride 2007
-  + I would like to do about a 3-day ride on the Katy Trail with some out-of-town relatives this summer. They would need to rent bikes and we would need lodging. Any suggestions on how I get started plann...
Discussion started 02/04/2007 08:11 PM by Cathy Hackman - 5 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 02/10/2007 12:26 PM)Cathy Hackman from O'Fallon, Missouri on 02/04/2007 08:11 PM
I would like to do about a 3-day ride on the Katy Trail with some out-of-town relatives this summer. They would need to rent bikes and we would need lodging. Any suggestions on how I get started planning?
Thank you, Cathy
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 02/05/2007 12:25 PM
You are in the right place for planning a KATY ride. This website has a wealth of information. I would decide where you want to start the ride and try and map out how far you would go each day. Then just click on the towns on this website and it will let you know about lodging. Several of the towns have shops that rent bikes. Trailside Bike Shop in Rocheport has a wide selection of rental bikes are they are very friendly. This may be a good place to start as the eastern side of the trail is typically the most beautiful. Good luck!
Anonymous from Jonesboro, AR on 02/06/2007 12:04 PM
Another good place to rent bikes is Scenic Cycles in Marthasville.
292 Boone Monument Rd
P.O. Box 41
Marthasville, MO 63357
636-433-2909 / fax 636-433-5131
www.scenic-cycles.com
Ed F from Sparks, NV on 02/06/2007 01:53 PM
I seems to remember that Scenic Cycles have moved to Jefferson City but not sure of that.
I am sure that the web site is gone:
scenic-cycles.com expired on 01/20/2007 and is pending renewal or deletion.
Anonymous on 02/07/2007 09:31 AM
the cycle-depot in hartsburg has moved to jefferson city. no idear on scenic cycles.
Ray (webmaster) on 02/10/2007 12:26 PM
I just spoke to Terry at Scenic Cycles. Although their website is down for now, they are still in business and still located just east of Marthasville. They're operating on winter hours this time of year.
Katy Trail song
-  + The Katy Trail inspires lots of people in lots of different ways. I recently received this song, which was written by Dennis Carroll.
Katy Trail Song
To the tune of “The Caiss...
Discussion started 02/08/2007 09:07 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 02/08/2007 09:07 AM
The Katy Trail inspires lots of people in lots of different ways. I recently received this song, which was written by Dennis Carroll.
Katy Trail Song
To the tune of “The Caissons Go Rolling Along”
Over hill, over dale as we hit the Katy Trail,
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
In and out, hear us shout, “Katy Trail’s what we’re about.”
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
Refrain:
We have filled our sacks with fruit and healthy snacks,
To make sure our legs keep pedalin’ strong.
Our strength will not fail as we ride the Katy Trail,
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
Smell that fresh country air; it is sometimes hard to bear.
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
Rain or shine, here’s our line: Katy Trail is mighty fine.
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
Refrain:
We have filled our sacks with fruit and healthy snacks,
To make sure our legs keep pedalin’ strong.
Our strength will not fail as we ride the Katy Trail,
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
Lyrics by Dennis Carroll
May, 2006
East half vs. whole trail
-  + We are debating if we should ride the trail from Sedalia to St. Charles or ride from St. Charles to Jeff City roundtrip. Is the West half more scenic? Will we get plenty of scenery if we stick to the ...
Discussion started 02/04/2007 01:57 PM by FloridaGirl - 5 replies (last reply by Wayne at 02/06/2007 05:55 PM)FloridaGirl from Melbourne, FL on 02/04/2007 01:57 PM
We are debating if we should ride the trail from Sedalia to St. Charles or ride from St. Charles to Jeff City roundtrip. Is the West half more scenic? Will we get plenty of scenery if we stick to the East half?
savage24 from KC,MO on 02/04/2007 03:09 PM
That's a tough one, FloridaGirl. I think the most scenic area is east of Rocheport and I highly recommend riding it. You would miss that area if you turned around at Jefferson City, but if you are planning to ride Amtrak to Sedalia you will need to be extremely patient and flexible with your schedule.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 02/05/2007 12:27 PM
I enjoyed both ends of the trail, each for it's own beauty. I would have to say though, that the eastern end is more scenic and also more heavily travelled. Have fun wherever you decide to ride!
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 02/06/2007 07:11 AM
It really depends on what you want to see. The western leg (Clinton to Boonville) is farmland, rolling hills, long stretches across prairies and through woods. The eastern leg (New Franklin to St. Charles) is entirely in the river bottoms, with lots and lots of corn and soybean fields on one side, broken up by views of the river, and some pretty majestic river bluffs on the other. You really should see it all.
If I had to chose, though, I would hit the trail in the Boonville/Rocheport area and head east to at least the McKittrick/Augusta area
Anonymous from Jonesboro, AR on 02/06/2007 12:01 PM
I agree with GC, don't waste your time with Clinton to Sedalia (unless you like boring farmland and dodging horse manure). I do, however recommend Sedalia to St. Charles, because you get to see all the good parts of the trail.
Wayne from OH on 02/06/2007 05:55 PM
We enjoyed the entire trail, I would recommend doing as much of the it as possable. Personally I found as much or more "boring farmland" East of Booneville as I did West of Booneville but it was all beautiful. The "personality" of the trail changed several times over the course of the ride. I would like to return and ride it again this summer, but my wife says other trails need ridden as well.
Best weeks to bike the trail
-  + I will be biking the trail and am wondering about the weather in August. How hot is it in Missouri at that time? Any suggestions?
Discussion started 12/22/2006 04:06 PM by Nelda - 8 replies (last reply by dale at 02/05/2007 12:43 PM)Nelda from Trempealeau on 12/22/2006 04:06 PM
I will be biking the trail and am wondering about the weather in August. How hot is it in Missouri at that time? Any suggestions?
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 12/22/2006 09:16 PM
Check this link from this website:
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/weather.asp
It is hot in August.....I'm native and used to it so to me it's not unbearable. Prime time tho is Spring and Fall when it's a tad cooler.
savage24 from KC,MO on 12/23/2006 01:59 AM
What Trek Biker said... it can be HOT in August, especialy early in the month. I would plan on starting as early as possable each morning to get most of your riding in before 2pm. Many areas are shaded in the morning due to trees and/or bluffs next to the trail. Top off your water bottles whenever you have the opportunity. Are you in Wisconsin?
Missouri Joe from O'Fallon, MO on 12/23/2006 08:37 AM
Yep, August can be hot and humid. While the actual temp can do you in the humidity can be a big factor too. Sweat does not evaporate as quickly in humid air and the body can not cool itself as well. I've seen larger-sized folks suffering from heat exhaustion even in the shade (greater mass = more heat retention). Bring plenty of water, not only to drink but to pour on your head to cool you off. Be sensible and you should be OK, I bike almost year 'round and my least favorite time is Spring when the pollen is flying...
sbikes from Kansas City on 12/23/2006 08:49 PM
It is hot in August...and very easy to get dehydrated, regardless of your size. My favorite
times of the year to ride the Trail are in early May and October...I enjoy the changing seasons
and the weather is usually more temperate. If you go in August, drink lots of water and mix
in some Gatorade to help replace the electrolytes you sweat out. Sharon
mh from Missouri on 01/23/2007 04:03 AM
I biked the trail in August of 2006. The temperature hovered right around 100 degrees the entire ride, topping out at 104. The first two days were torture because I drastically underestimated my fluid needs. But the last two days were cake once I figured out a hydration method that worked for me. I stuffed my camelbak and two spare bottles completely full of ice, then filled up with water and powdered gatorade. I put the bite valve in my mouth and didn't let it drop until I stopped riding. I drank slow small sips constantly all day. I never went more than a few second without taking a sip. I think that going solo helped me to stay better hydrated than people riding in groups, because I didn't have to worry about talking to anybody. I could keep the bite valve in my mouth all day without it ever getting in the way of a conversation. I topped off at every trailhead to assure I wouldn't run out. I tried alternating one camelbak of gatorade with one camelbak of water, but the water just didn't replenish me enough in such extreme heat. I felt much better when I stuck to gatorade, so I drank it constantly when I was pedaling and switched to water after I stopped for the day. Believe me, if you hydrate yourself correctly, you will be amazed at what you can do! During those last two days of 100 degree weather, I rode faster than I ever have before and barely seemed to notice the heat or the miles slipping by.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 01/23/2007 03:00 PM
We rode the trail the first week of October last year. The first 4 days were around 95...record heat each day. The last days were cooler, but still not bad. My point is...you never know about the weather. I would make sure to be prepared for everything...hot, cold, rain, etc. Spring and fall are the best times to ride though...in general.
Sarafena from Kansas on 01/31/2007 10:41 PM
My husband and I rode during the third week of August. We had a great time (celebrated our 30th anniversary) and loved the weather! We were very disciplined about drinking water and replacement beverages. We started around 9am, we rode hard in the mornings, read most historical signs (good opportunity to hydrate), stopped in most towns, ate late lunches in restaurants/cafes, finished daily around 3 pm, stayed in B & B's. We almost had the trail to ourselves the entire time - 6 riders and 2 walkers...total! In my opinion - ride during August!
dale from springfield, mo on 02/05/2007 12:43 PM
august is usually ALWAYS hot.
one thing to remember.. many of the accomodations along the route are closed in the heat of summer due to low turnout/population of users.
you must keep that in mind for lodging, food and most importantly water.
while most of the trail markers have a water station, it's not cool/cold. and some markers are absent of water posts.
GOOD luck ...hope you enjoy it was much as i do
Amber House Bed & Breakfast (Rocheport) - LOVELY stay!
-  + Just recently, we returned from an absolutely lovely stay at the Amber House. After seeing some of the comments posted on this site, I felt compelled to write about our experience. The inn is absolu...
Discussion started 01/29/2007 05:36 PM by Gretchen - 0 repliesGretchen on 01/29/2007 05:36 PM
Just recently, we returned from an absolutely lovely stay at the Amber House. After seeing some of the comments posted on this site, I felt compelled to write about our experience. The inn is absolutely gorgeous. Our room was so comfortable - great bed (could have used a flatter pillow - but have you ever had to ask for a FLATTER pillow??!!), separate shower and air jet tub, in room fireplace, complimentary snacks, soda, coffee... wine and cheese at check-in. Just wonderful. I've not had such a relaxing weekend in a long time. I found the hosts to be quite friendly, but not intrusive on our privacy. Breakfast was delish. I will highly recommend this place to my friends, and definitely plan to go back. You should check it out!
Gretchen on 01/29/2007 05:36 PM
Just recently, we returned from an absolutely lovely stay at the Amber House. After seeing some of the comments posted on this site, I felt compelled to write about our experience. The inn is absolutely gorgeous. Our room was so comfortable - great bed (could have used a flatter pillow - but have you ever had to ask for a FLATTER pillow??!!), separate shower and air jet tub, in room fireplace, complimentary snacks, soda, coffee... wine and cheese at check-in. Just wonderful. I've not had such a relaxing weekend in a long time. I found the hosts to be quite friendly, but not intrusive on our privacy. Breakfast was delish. I will highly recommend this place to my friends, and definitely plan to go back. You should check it out!