horses on the Katie Trail
- + I think that it is a shame that you can only ride your horse on certin parts of the Katie Trail. It kindof limits those who don`t have that kind of transpertion to get there horse down to that area. T...
Discussion started 02/07/2007 03:56 PM by amanda - 10 replies (last reply by Jm Doyle at 03/04/2007 08:11 AM)amanda from st.charles on 02/07/2007 03:56 PM
I think that it is a shame that you can only ride your horse on certin parts of the Katie Trail. It kindof limits those who don`t have that kind of transpertion to get there horse down to that area. The Katie trail is less them 3 miles from my house, and alot of people are not aloud to ride there horse on it for the fear of getting in trouble bye the concervation department, or even the law! I wish that changes would be made for those of us who have horses; Could ride the historic Katie trail. Not just in that one area. I have seen other areas on the Katie Trail that could accomadate horses, and there trailers. If there is something that I can do to get this accomadation to ride my horse the katie trail. Please let me know. I thank you for you time.........Amanda
Nails on 02/07/2007 04:14 PM
Silly suggestion aside, this sounds like a bogus post to entice flaming. It's full of misspellings that'll act as a convenient accelerant for the stereotypical Molotov cocktails that would be lobbed at it. IMHO, there are too many misspellings to be real.
Missouri Joe from O'Fallon, MO on 02/07/2007 07:26 PM
Maybe it was written by a kid.
Mom who rides with her daughters from Lee's Summit on 02/10/2007 04:59 PM
I would have no problems with horses, if the owners would be responsible about the droppings. Her in is the problem. The KATY trial is for hiking/biking and you are lucky that you can ride parts of it. Those of us that ride, do not want to be dodging droppings or driving thogh them. That is the main issue and it is why horses are nt allowed on msot the trail. There are so many horse trails around, that I don't see why there can't be specific bike trails where we do not have to deal with horse refuse or whatever you call it, as I have never seen it picked up.
Sedalian from Sedalia on 02/13/2007 05:55 PM
I think the main problem with horses, from a cyclist's point of view, is not the droppings, but the hoof imprints in the trail surface. If the trail is the least bit soft, the hooves cause indents which cause difficulties for bikers. Maybe the parks dept could drag those parts of the trail on a more frequent schedule and that woould solve the problem.
I'd like us all to share the trail, so I wouldn't want to exclude horses, but I think they ought to be trained to accept others using the trail normally.
Anonymous on 02/13/2007 06:19 PM
another one of the problems from what i have read on this forum is that the horse back riders take up the entire width of the trail riding side by side, instead of end to end, not letting the cyclists by, and showing no respect towards the bicyclists. i personally have no quarms with the ones riding the horses, but show the same respect towards the cyclists that the horse riders want. it is that simple.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 02/16/2007 09:41 AM
I have no issue with horses or the people that ride them. The simple fact of the matter though, is that horses and cyclists/walkers simply do not belong on the same trail together. I live in Alabama and we have our fair share of horses. I ride dirt bikes (i.e. motorcycle) also and come across horses quite a bit on "multi-use" trails. The dirt bikes terrify the horses and create all kinds of problems. Bicycles invoke some of the same emotion in horses and thus, does not create a pleasant situation. I have run across lots of people on horseback and my experience has been that the majority of them feel like they own the trail and do not want to get out of the way. The fact that they are on a multi-use trail does not support their attitude, especially when there is a horse only trail 2 miles down the road. Horses are dangerous creatures and can/will act very different around bicycles, dirt bikes, people, etc. Not to mention the fact that they do leave large hoof prints and droppings. My opinion is let the cyclists/walkers have their trail, the dirt bikers have their trail, and the horses have their trail. This is the safest and best way to go all around.
Wayne from OH on 02/17/2007 06:13 AM
I have been on many trails that are shared by horses, the damage I saw on the KATY was minimal compared to some I have been on. There are some trails in OH and WV that are difficult to ride because of the hoof prints.
I do however have a question, Most every trail that I have shared with horses (KATY included if I recall correctly) have a yield progression sign. The bicyclist is at the bottom of the food chain yeilding to both the walker and the horseback rider. I understand the concept when approaching a horse traveling the opposite direction. However how is the progression susposed to work when approaching (overtaking)a horse traveling in the same direction as the cyclist? I have had this question ever since I began using multi-use trails four years ago, after seeing we have civil discussion on the subject here I thought it safe to ask my question .
missouri tourist on 02/17/2007 01:26 PM
wayne, the way i understand it, and i could be incorrect, the horses and their owners / riders should allow the cyclist to pass so as not to spook the horses, basically, being respectful to each other. problem is, from what i have read, the horse owners on the western end of the katy trail kinda thinx they own the trail and will not allow the cyclists to pass. they ride side by side instead of end to end. basically, the cyclists is stuck behind the horses as long as the owners / riders want them back there.
i have ridden my motorcycle past horses in the past in my home town, and with out problems. each simply respected the others area, and i turned my motorcycle off as i passed, recieving thanx from the horse owners and the horses weren't spooked.
simply put, respect each other and there will be no problems. but it has to go both ways.
happy bikin folks
Anonymous from Jonesboro, AR on 02/23/2007 11:54 AM
I've ridden both horses and bicycles most of my life. They do not mix. My experience with the horses and their riders on the west end of the KATY was very unpleasant. The riders were rude, arrogant, and totally blocked the trail. It will keep me from ever biking that portion again.
Jm Doyle from Eastern Kansas on 03/04/2007 08:11 AM
Horses and their riders rarely mix with foot and cycle traffic. They could, but I really don't think they care about the rest of us users (bikes are viewed as mechanized travel instead of the hiking accessory they really are). My local experience has been a lot of trail destruction by heavy footed users (bikes pack by rolling the trail - horses make a deep chop), very little assistance for trail maintenance, and a lobby that is formidable. If the horse lobby wants the KATY they will probably get it over time. I plan to ride it end to end again this year. Once horses take it over, I'll take my money elsewhere. BTW, I we two horses ridden responsibly by my wife and daughter. Fences, hooves, and hay maintained by me. Please keep the KATY clean and smooth.
Ultimate Katy Trail Bike...
- + I often read with great curiousity all of the questions, comments and debate about the best bike for the Katy Trail. I have ridden hundreds of miles on the Katy,including end to end last year in 3 day...
Discussion started 02/12/2007 03:36 PM by Mark - 4 replies (last reply by bmph8ter at 03/03/2007 04:30 PM)Mark from Iowa on 02/12/2007 03:36 PM
I often read with great curiousity all of the questions, comments and debate about the best bike for the Katy Trail. I have ridden hundreds of miles on the Katy,including end to end last year in 3 days, and many other bike trails of a similar surface. Mountain bikes tend to be overkill, too heavy and slow and upright, while road bikes are a little too fragile and most wont accept a 32 to 35c tire which I feel is ideal for this type of surface. So I have discovered a cyclocross bike to be perfect! Light, fast, sturdy with dropped bars for comfort and speed, and also able to accept a 35c kevlar belted slick for puncture protection.I have never had a flat with these tires.A Cyclocross bike is the ideal rail trail bike!
Steve K from Saint Louis on 02/13/2007 12:49 AM
What about recumbent bikes on the Katy or similar trails? If desired, can these bikes usually be retrofitted with heavy duty tires and heavier rims? I intend to talk to a dealer here shortly, and any feedback would be appreciated
sbikes from Kansas City on 02/13/2007 06:05 AM
Recumbent bikes are great fun on the Trail. Call the folks as the Cycle Depot who sell Cycle
Genius recumbent bikes which are great bikes at a good price. I have ridden these bikes on
the Trail and they are great. Pam and Mark know the Trail well and can set you up with a
good bike for the Trail. The Cycle Depot has recently moved from Hartsburg to Jeff City.
Their phone number is 573-636-9599. http://hartsburgcycledepot.com/
hartsburg_cycle_depot_001.htm
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 02/13/2007 04:32 PM
Mark,
I agree 100% with what you said. Mountain bikes are overkill, road bikes are not enough. An in-between bike is perfect!
bmph8ter from Little Rock, AR on 03/03/2007 04:30 PM
I've done it on a mountain bike with slicks (Santa Cruz Blur) and pulled a Bob trailer and it was fine. That was my first trip. Last year, I (wife and I actually) did it on old road bikes converted to fixed gears (no freewheel) with racks and panniers. That was fine too, maybe even a bit more fun. Our friends had really good luck on hybrid/comfort bikes; a Giant Sedona or Cypress.
Critter Cottage Bed & Breakfast (Marthasville)
- + I can't believe what an amazing place Critter Cottage is. It is the ultimate romantic get away. The difference is the special touches provided by the owners, Bob and Judy. From the jacuzzi tub to the ...
Discussion started 12/31/2006 11:55 AM by Tracia Langowski - 1 reply (last reply by FloridaGirl at 02/28/2007 04:35 PM)Tracia Langowski from New Orleans on 12/31/2006 11:55 AM
I can't believe what an amazing place Critter Cottage is. It is the ultimate romantic get away. The difference is the special touches provided by the owners, Bob and Judy. From the jacuzzi tub to the period decor, the inviting bedding, the cheese tray and very delicious breakfasts, i can't say enough about critter cottage. I am anxious to return.
Tracia Langowski from New Orleans on 12/31/2006 11:55 AM
I can't believe what an amazing place Critter Cottage is. It is the ultimate romantic get away. The difference is the special touches provided by the owners, Bob and Judy. From the jacuzzi tub to the period decor, the inviting bedding, the cheese tray and very delicious breakfasts, i can't say enough about critter cottage. I am anxious to return.
FloridaGirl from Melbourne, FL on 02/28/2007 04:35 PM
How was the ride from the trail to the cottage? Did you pay extra for dinner? Was the food good?
FloridaGirl from Melbourne, FL on 02/28/2007 04:35 PM
How was the ride from the trail to the cottage? Did you pay extra for dinner? Was the food good?
Not your usual lawn mower and bike shop (Clinton Mower & Saw)
- + Don't let the name fool you. The proprietor knows bicycles. In fact when I bought a tube, I somehow or another got a free tune up.
Discussion started 09/19/2004 10:05 PM by Paul Marlin - 3 replies (last reply by joedav at 02/25/2007 04:09 AM)Paul Marlin from Quincy, Il on 09/19/2004 10:05 PM
Don't let the name fool you. The proprietor knows bicycles. In fact when I bought a tube, I somehow or another got a free tune up.
Paul Marlin from Quincy, Il on 09/19/2004 10:05 PM
Don't let the name fool you. The proprietor knows bicycles. In fact when I bought a tube, I somehow or another got a free tune up.
Paul Marlin from Quincy, Il on 09/19/2004 10:05 PM
Don't let the name fool you. The proprietor knows bicycles. In fact when I bought a tube, I somehow or another got a free tune up.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/19/2004 11:41 PM
The proprieter of Clinton Mower & Saw is Sam Baugh, who is semi-famous for having ridden the entire Katy Trail in one day. He really helped me out once when I was in a bind - here's
the story.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/19/2004 11:41 PM
The proprieter of Clinton Mower & Saw is Sam Baugh, who is semi-famous for having ridden the entire Katy Trail in one day. He really helped me out once when I was in a bind - here's
the story.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/19/2004 11:41 PM
The proprieter of Clinton Mower & Saw is Sam Baugh, who is semi-famous for having ridden the entire Katy Trail in one day. He really helped me out once when I was in a bind - here's
the story.
savage24 from Kansas City on 10/08/2004 03:31 AM
Ray, I enjoyed your story and I'm relieved to know I'm not the only one who has done this. I roasted my front tire between KC and Hermann a few years ago. I have met Sam and his mom (I should know her name, but I'm not going to 'guess' and get it wrong) through the Warrensburg Cycling Club - they're good people!
savage24 from Kansas City on 10/08/2004 03:31 AM
Ray, I enjoyed your story and I'm relieved to know I'm not the only one who has done this. I roasted my front tire between KC and Hermann a few years ago. I have met Sam and his mom (I should know her name, but I'm not going to 'guess' and get it wrong) through the Warrensburg Cycling Club - they're good people!
savage24 from Kansas City on 10/08/2004 03:31 AM
Ray, I enjoyed your story and I'm relieved to know I'm not the only one who has done this. I roasted my front tire between KC and Hermann a few years ago. I have met Sam and his mom (I should know her name, but I'm not going to 'guess' and get it wrong) through the Warrensburg Cycling Club - they're good people!
joedav from O'Fallon, IL on 02/25/2007 04:09 AM
I too roasted a front tire the same way I hate to say. Mine didn't completely melt or even blow out the tire but it did damage the tire cord to the point that the tire wasn't rideable any more. I too met Sam in 2003. MoDNR had him meet with the riders of the 2003 DNR ride in June 2003 at the pre ride meeting.
joedav from O'Fallon, IL on 02/25/2007 04:09 AM
I too roasted a front tire the same way I hate to say. Mine didn't completely melt or even blow out the tire but it did damage the tire cord to the point that the tire wasn't rideable any more. I too met Sam in 2003. MoDNR had him meet with the riders of the 2003 DNR ride in June 2003 at the pre ride meeting.
joedav from O'Fallon, IL on 02/25/2007 04:09 AM
I too roasted a front tire the same way I hate to say. Mine didn't completely melt or even blow out the tire but it did damage the tire cord to the point that the tire wasn't rideable any more. I too met Sam in 2003. MoDNR had him meet with the riders of the 2003 DNR ride in June 2003 at the pre ride meeting.
Katy Trail/Route 66
- + I biked the Katy Trail 6 years ago and really enjoyed it. This year I am planning to take the train to Warrensburg (thank you forums for the great idea), and bike the trail back to St. Charles. Then...
Discussion started 02/19/2007 08:48 AM by Mike - 6 replies (last reply by Nails at 02/23/2007 07:43 AM)Mike from St. Joseph MI on 02/19/2007 08:48 AM
I biked the Katy Trail 6 years ago and really enjoyed it. This year I am planning to take the train to Warrensburg (thank you forums for the great idea), and bike the trail back to St. Charles. Then, my plan is to hook up to the new Route 66 Bike Route and ride it to Chicago, then on to Michigan. Thanks to the posters for the routes, and variations to get to downtown St. Louis from St. Charles. I will be doing the trip in September so I will continue to follow the posts here to stay up on news of the trail. Great website. Tons of good info.
Brad W from St Louis on 02/22/2007 11:54 AM
What's your source for the Route 66 bike route? Sounds like a possible trip in my future. I'm mostly interested in the Illinois sections.
Thanks.
Nails on 02/22/2007 12:40 PM
Google is a wonderful thing.
http://bikelib.org/route66/index.htm
Brad W on 02/22/2007 01:15 PM
Providing an answer is a wonderful thing.
Thanks for providing an answer.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/22/2007 01:21 PM
Google often....like it's your job. Google IS the answer.
brad w on 02/22/2007 01:35 PM
Strange - I googled last night with the right words, but only found some old articles about a possible route 66 bike trail. So, for whatever reason, my googling yielded nothing helpful in the first few pages of results. Maybe I misspelled bike :->
Assuming that a person asking a question hasn't done any work isn't a wonderful thing.
Nails on 02/23/2007 07:43 AM
google (as if it was some kind of verb) "route 66 bike route" and hit "I'm feeling lucky".
The secret to success in this country is to do nothing but ask questions as a means of delegating and calling it empowering. Then rely on people like me to do the genuine work. And boy, it is tough work banging away on this keyboard all day.
Bike rentals in Rocheport
- + Does anyone know where my husband I might rent a tandem recumbent bike? He is a biker, but I never learned to ride a bike, so I need a recumbent tandem or a three wheel bike.
Discussion started 02/19/2007 12:00 PM by jp - 4 replies (last reply by Trek Biker at 02/22/2007 11:38 AM)jp from Centennial, Wyoming on 02/19/2007 12:00 PM
Does anyone know where my husband I might rent a tandem recumbent bike? He is a biker, but I never learned to ride a bike, so I need a recumbent tandem or a three wheel bike.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/19/2007 01:16 PM
To my knowledge......not in Rocheport. Although you can rent a three wheeler, a tandem, or a recumbent at the Trailside.
J&K from Drexel MO on 02/21/2007 07:37 PM
Trailside Cafe & Bike Shop in Rocheport, do rent recumbents. The tandem recumbent they rented last year was not a true fore and aft tandem. It is two long wheelbase recumbent bikes attached side by side. I have seen them out on the trail numerous times, they seem quite popular. I think they open up for the season April 1st. Good luck!
Bobby from Independence, MO on 02/22/2007 02:53 AM
I do not know about renting a recumbent tandem, but I am avid in the tandem community. I ride a 3 person tandem with my wife and 5 yo daughter. From others' experiences and my own, you do not need to be able to ride a bike to be able to ride an upright tandem. You might want to practice for a few minutes before hitting the trail, but as long as the captain can ride well, then he/she will likely hardly notice any balancing issues with the stoker. As long as you can sit on the bike seat and pedal, you would be fine.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/22/2007 11:38 AM
Bobby,
Anyone you know of in KC riding a tandem Catrike? Looks like a good way to go perhaps, but haven't heard any tales from a rider.
Davidson Transportation (Sedalia)
- + Coming to Sedalia on May 25 or June 1. by train. Arriving Sedalia about 7pm. Need to be shuttled to Clinton when we arrive. There will be 3 riders with bikes. Need to know if this is possible, and al...
Discussion started 02/21/2007 04:11 PM by gary morgan - 3 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 02/21/2007 05:45 PM)gary morgan from decatur il on 02/21/2007 04:11 PM
Coming to Sedalia on May 25 or June 1. by train. Arriving Sedalia about 7pm. Need to be shuttled to Clinton when we arrive. There will be 3 riders with bikes. Need to know if this is possible, and also need to know the cost. Thanks
gary morgan from decatur il on 02/21/2007 04:11 PM
Coming to Sedalia on May 25 or June 1. by train. Arriving Sedalia about 7pm. Need to be shuttled to Clinton when we arrive. There will be 3 riders with bikes. Need to know if this is possible, and also need to know the cost. Thanks
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/21/2007 04:29 PM
Click on Sedalia above on the map......get the phone number for the shuttle services and give 'em a call. They can tell you if and when they can shuttle you and the cost.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/21/2007 04:29 PM
Click on Sedalia above on the map......get the phone number for the shuttle services and give 'em a call. They can tell you if and when they can shuttle you and the cost.
Wayne from OH on 02/21/2007 04:58 PM
I used Trailrider Sports (1-877-TRL-BIKE) out of Clinton for our trip last year. They were priced fairly, prompt, and accomodating.
Wayne from OH on 02/21/2007 04:58 PM
I used Trailrider Sports (1-877-TRL-BIKE) out of Clinton for our trip last year. They were priced fairly, prompt, and accomodating.
Ray (webmaster) on 02/21/2007 05:45 PM
Bad news - Trailrider Sports has gone out out business (both the bike shop in Clinton and the shuttle service). Try this link for a list of all shuttle services on the Katy Trail.
Ray (webmaster) on 02/21/2007 05:45 PM
Bad news - Trailrider Sports has gone out out business (both the bike shop in Clinton and the shuttle service). Try this link for a list of all shuttle services on the Katy Trail.
B & L Shuttle (Sedalia)
- + What would the fare be for 3 riders with bikes to be shuttled from Sedalia to Clinton. Will either be in the last week of May or 1st. or 2nd week of june. Will arrived be tain about 7pm on Saturday ni...
Discussion started 02/21/2007 03:54 PM by gary morgan - 0 repliesgary morgan from decatur il on 02/21/2007 03:54 PM
What would the fare be for 3 riders with bikes to be shuttled from Sedalia to Clinton. Will either be in the last week of May or 1st. or 2nd week of june. Will arrived be tain about 7pm on Saturday night. Would like to go to Clinton that night if possilbe.
gary morgan from decatur il on 02/21/2007 03:54 PM
What would the fare be for 3 riders with bikes to be shuttled from Sedalia to Clinton. Will either be in the last week of May or 1st. or 2nd week of june. Will arrived be tain about 7pm on Saturday night. Would like to go to Clinton that night if possilbe.
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!