which bike should i take?
- + i've looked at the photographs of the trail surface, and i've checked through the FAQ and comments...i'm still not sure if i should be taking my mountain bike or my road bike on the katy trail. any h...
Discussion started 10/16/2006 12:45 PM by godad44 - 13 replies (last reply by DKJ at 03/28/2007 08:31 AM)godad44 from ashland, kentucky on 10/16/2006 12:45 PM
i've looked at the photographs of the trail surface, and i've checked through the FAQ and comments...i'm still not sure if i should be taking my mountain bike or my road bike on the katy trail. any help from trail veterans would be appreciated.
thanks.
El Toro on 10/16/2006 02:41 PM
I rode a cycle-cross bike from Clinton to St. Charles last Thursday-Saturday and thought it was perfect. I realize it is kind of in-between your mountain bike and your road bike. I would not take a road bike on the trail unless I fitted it with some heavier duty wheels and tires that were at least 28-32 cm. I rode 32 nobbies on my cross bike and thought they were just about right. I found the trail to be in great condition, but a couple days of rain right before or during the ride would soften it up considerably I think. Have a great trip!
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 04:15 PM
I just rode the trail a couple weeks ago on my Fuji road bike. I used 700x28cc tires. For the most past, they worked just fine. But, there were probably 10 times (in 283 miles) that I almost went down because of having skinny tires. My brother was using 700x32 tires and didn't have near the problems I did. I think that it all depends on your level of riding. I think that more experienced riders can get away with a 28cc, but beginner to moderate riders should not go that small. Hope this helps!
sbikes from Kansas City on 10/16/2006 07:32 PM
Your mountain bike is the better choice. Put some skinnier/smoother tires on it for a faster
ride because you really don't need the wide knobby tires. Your road bike is not designed for
riding on gravel. While most of the Trail is fairly smooth, there are inevitably ruts, loose
gravel and rough spots that your mountain bike will just handle better. I would not take my
road bike on the Trail.
Damon from Kansas City, Missouri on 10/16/2006 08:29 PM
Back in May a buddy and I rode 180 miles using our Roadies with 700x25 tires. These were the biggest tires we could fit on our race bikes. I don't get why so many people think they don't work good on the Katy Trail. We each had 1 flat and that was it. It was a complete soaker the entire first day we rode and our bikes worked great. No complaints what so ever. I have ridden the trail several times before using my Trek 4500 Mtn bike and I have to say as far as spending all day in the saddle, I liked my Roadie better. All my riding/training is done on my roadie so I naturally feel at home on it. I think anyone who spends much time on a road bike would prefer it on the Katy as well. Either way you choose, enjoy your ride!!
runkentrun from Denver on 12/22/2006 10:27 PM
I did Sedalia to St. Charles and back in early June, on a road bike with 700x25 tires, bigger than what I usually ride with. If speed is a necessary ingredient to the overall success of your ride, then this setup is fine--just bring the slime tubes and a co2 cartridge. I had one flat and was on my way in about 3 minutes. That said, I have recently put less gnarly tires on my mountain bike, and find I can have reasonable speed and terrific security. I would recommend the latter if you are uncomfortable with fixing flats.
Pistolero45 from Columbia, MO on 01/24/2007 03:55 PM
I've used both a road bike and a mountain bike on the trail. The former lacked a little bit of control in the loose stuff, and the latter tires seemed a little bit too aggressive for the trail surface. I am not an expert on tires, but will guess there are some good compromises between those 2 extremes which would be better suited for the trail surface.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 01/25/2007 12:01 PM
A mountain bike with "city tires" would make an excellent choice. Or, you can get wider, more aggressive tires for a road bike, depending on the style of road bike. Some road bikes will only allow for a 700x28 tire before it hits the brakes or frame.
Paulie from Knoxville on 01/26/2007 04:13 AM
Just ride the bike your most comfortable with and adjust the tires accordingly. Myself, I used my mountain bike with 3" of travel and a semi slick 1.9 tire. I carried everything I had in my seatpost pack and stayed in Motels/B&B's along the way.
Good Luck, Paulie
dale from springfield, mo on 02/05/2007 12:36 PM
I'd like to make the following observation:
I rode the trail on a le monde road bike with 700 x 28 tires.
have since switch to 23cm tires.
I found the trail to be just fine with the 28's. HOWEVER.....I want to point out, it's not so much the tire.. more so, it's the skill of the rider AND the condition of the trail.
The trail is GREAT. No doubts about that but,.....now and then ruts appear in the trail surface. AVOID these at all costs. no tire size is safe from these treacherous cracks.And they happen; it's just a natural element of life in a chat trail.
Loose gravel slides occur too, usually at the intersections of the trail and access roads. Please be careful, observant, and please don't try to speed the trail. It's meant to be enjoyed at a moderate pace, it's not a raceway.
Anonymous on 02/08/2007 02:43 PM
I generally agree with the above comments which say either a mountain bike with narrow tires or a road bike with wide tires are just fine. The only thing I would add is that mountain bikes are often geared so low for climbing that you will be happier with a road bike. The eastern 2/3 of the trail is some of the flattest riding you will find anywhere, so it's pretty easy to maintain a nice cruising speed with a road bike.
The trail is just a little too rugged for riding with a racing bike or other frail high dollar rig, though. Don't ride something that can't get real dusty and/or scratched. There are lots of twigs and sticks on the trail and if there is a storm, you might have to portage your bike over/through a downed tree. That happened to us a couple times last year.
Malva from Mpls on 03/17/2007 10:45 PM
I am a little confused. We are planning a ride, taking a bike trailer (Burley lite) for our 3 year old, and the bike we now use with that has tires that have printed on them 28 x 1 1/4. Can anyone help me figure out how these numbers relate to the recommendations I am seeing for 28 or 32 tires? Also, would the Burley lite make a difference? We usually use this on a paved trail. The tires are almost new and I don't really want to change them but will if they aren't safe on a crushed limestone trail. Thanks! We'll be going at the end of March and the first week in April.
Nails on 03/18/2007 11:28 AM
The 23, 25, 28, 32 you see us continually refer to are the section width of the tires in millimeters. Since there are 25.4 mm per inch, your 1-1/4" tires are 32s. You should be fine with or without the trailer. Although I recommend they have kevlar belts for puncture resistance. BTW, I know it can be hard to read those small black on black letters on tires, but I'll bet your tires are 26 x 1-1/4, not 28.
DKJ from Springfield,Mo. on 03/28/2007 08:31 AM
I have ridden the Katy full length four times and will be doing it again in May. I have a Bianchi Volpe and pull a Burley trailor with camping supplies and it works great. The tires are 32's.I do a lot of long rides including the RAGBRAI but the KATY is one of my favorites!
Dutzow Deli & Restaurant (Dutzow)
- + Good food and service
Discussion started 03/18/2007 07:43 PM by elsutton - 8 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/28/2007 08:19 AM)elsutton on 03/18/2007 07:43 PM
Good food and service
elsutton on 03/18/2007 07:43 PM
Good food and service
DougK from Troy on 03/22/2007 10:21 AM
Get the Katy sub, it's awesome. The service is prompt and the locals ar possibly the nicest people I've ate.
DougK from Troy on 03/22/2007 10:21 AM
Get the Katy sub, it's awesome. The service is prompt and the locals ar possibly the nicest people I've ate.
Lynn from Mansfield, Ohio on 03/22/2007 01:32 PM
Lord have mercy!!!! They actually serve local people on plates???? Ha Ha!!! Just a little humor here. Lynnrbiker, OH.
Lynn from Mansfield, Ohio on 03/22/2007 01:32 PM
Lord have mercy!!!! They actually serve local people on plates???? Ha Ha!!! Just a little humor here. Lynnrbiker, OH.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 03/22/2007 02:25 PM
I've heard that the locals are more tender than out of towners. ;-)
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 03/22/2007 02:25 PM
I've heard that the locals are more tender than out of towners. ;-)
DougK from Troy on 03/22/2007 08:15 PM
Ya,ya,ya. I re-read my post and am still scratching my head. What I meant was: Order the Katy, it's awesome. The service is great and the people are quite possibly the nicest you'll ever meet. I know that I'll get abuse from you guys for a long time. Can't wait till someone else messes up, it takes the heat off me.
DougK from Troy on 03/22/2007 08:15 PM
Ya,ya,ya. I re-read my post and am still scratching my head. What I meant was: Order the Katy, it's awesome. The service is great and the people are quite possibly the nicest you'll ever meet. I know that I'll get abuse from you guys for a long time. Can't wait till someone else messes up, it takes the heat off me.
missouri resident on 03/22/2007 08:44 PM
good one doug, happens to the best of us. next time it'll be some one else.
missouri resident on 03/22/2007 08:44 PM
good one doug, happens to the best of us. next time it'll be some one else.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 03/26/2007 02:14 PM
Just playin' with ya Doug...gotta keep the forum humorous. :)
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 03/26/2007 02:14 PM
Just playin' with ya Doug...gotta keep the forum humorous. :)
Lynn from Mansfield, Ohio on 03/26/2007 02:38 PM
Doug, I think that laughing is a very good medicine and we all need to work on good health. It sounds like you were not offended and my intention was certainly just to draw a little attention to an opportunity to put a smile on more faces. Thanks!!! Keep up the good work. Who knows, I'll probably be next!!! Lynn
Lynn from Mansfield, Ohio on 03/26/2007 02:38 PM
Doug, I think that laughing is a very good medicine and we all need to work on good health. It sounds like you were not offended and my intention was certainly just to draw a little attention to an opportunity to put a smile on more faces. Thanks!!! Keep up the good work. Who knows, I'll probably be next!!! Lynn
Anonymous from Springfield,Mo. on 03/28/2007 08:19 AM
Dutzow Restaurant is a great place for breakfast. I camp over at Steamboat Junction and bike to Dutzow for breakfast.
Anonymous from Springfield,Mo. on 03/28/2007 08:19 AM
Dutzow Restaurant is a great place for breakfast. I camp over at Steamboat Junction and bike to Dutzow for breakfast.
Lodging for family reunion
- + We're looking for a guest house with at least four bedrooms for a family weekend in August 2007. There will be eight adults and one small child. We would prefer to have a kitchen and do our own cook...
Discussion started 02/05/2007 06:11 PM by mk - 3 replies (last reply by Rhona Lococo at 03/23/2007 10:51 PM)mk from athens on 02/05/2007 06:11 PM
We're looking for a guest house with at least four bedrooms for a family weekend in August 2007. There will be eight adults and one small child. We would prefer to have a kitchen and do our own cooking. Please comment if know of a place that would accomodate us.
Mike from Rocheport on 03/21/2007 09:17 PM
Try the Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest - they have opened a three bedroom, two bath "tree house" just south of the trail. Think it requires a two-night minimum - you can find their website by clicking on the Rocheport information on this website . . .
MAH from Blue Springs MO on 03/22/2007 12:40 PM
The Doll House B&B in Rhineland would also be a nice choice that may fill your needs. We stayed there last fall and it was exceptionally nice.
Rhona Lococo from St. Charles Mo. on 03/23/2007 10:51 PM
Check out Lococo House ll, in St. Charles ----3 blocks from the Katy trail head ---- 5 bed rooms, good locations,resonable rates ---check out www.lococohouse.com ------shuttle service and hot tub -----great for family gatherings
post office/general delivery possibilitys
- + has anyone had any experience in using the post office in some of the towns for a resupply point?
thru hikers use this method for extended trips that help lighten the load, shipping themselves clot...
Discussion started 01/23/2007 05:21 PM by jsaon - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/23/2007 03:16 PM)jsaon from Eureka Springs AR on 01/23/2007 05:21 PM
has anyone had any experience in using the post office in some of the towns for a resupply point?
thru hikers use this method for extended trips that help lighten the load, shipping themselves clothing, food, medicine, ect.
I am planning a there and back from clinton camping and would like to travel light for ten days or so.
I have called some of the post offices and they don't seem to have the experience with this that the P.O.'s on the Pacific coast trail or the appalation trail.
any thoughts?
Jack from Los Angeles on 03/14/2007 10:53 PM
You should be able to use General Delivery. The will only hold for up to thirty days.
Anonymous on 03/23/2007 03:16 PM
Jason I have asked the post master on the proper way to send mail and this is what he said
Your name( Jason????)
Attention on the Katy Trail
General delivery
Hartsburg Mo, 65039 (or to the post office of your choice)
hope this helps
Transportation from Sedalia to Clinton
- + Amtrack will take us and our bikes from St. Louis to Sedalia. Is there a service to transport riders and bikes from Sedalia to Clinton? We would hate to miss 35 miles of the trail.
Discussion started 03/13/2007 01:11 PM by Wil - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/23/2007 11:51 AM)Wil from St. Louis on 03/13/2007 01:11 PM
Amtrack will take us and our bikes from St. Louis to Sedalia. Is there a service to transport riders and bikes from Sedalia to Clinton? We would hate to miss 35 miles of the trail.
missouri on 03/13/2007 05:31 PM
wil, st. louis, look for shuttle services on this web site and call them. thats bouts the best way to find out. have fun.
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 03/16/2007 12:05 PM
I rode the trail in 2005 riding the Amtrack to Sedalia, and spent the money for a shuttle ($50) from Sedalia to Clinton. Unless you just want say you rode the entire trail, I would not waste the time and money on the Clinton to Sedalia part. The scenery is boooooring (mostly pastureland) and horses are allowed on this portion of the trail. Bicycles have to yield to horses, and the horseback riders I ran into were extremely rude and abrasive.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 03/16/2007 02:21 PM
I agree that the portion from Clinton to Sedalia is pretty boring. If you want to say that you did the whole trail, then obviously you would need to cover this part of the trail. If you are wanting to ride this section for its beauty, I wouldn't worry about it. Don't get me wrong...it's not bad or ugly, just not as beautiful as other pasts of the trail.
DougK from Troy on 03/22/2007 08:18 PM
trinjboro,
Which shuttle service did you use?
Anonymous on 03/23/2007 11:51 AM
Don't remember for sure. It was a local Sedalia cab service that I got from the internet yellow pages. I'm not sure if they are still in business. You might try B & L Airport Shuttle, Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 221-4406
Best Value Inn Summit Plaza (N. Jefferson)
- + We book a room here last october during our ride. While reserving the room I asked about the cancellation policy, just in case we didn't make it. When we showed up they already cancelled our reserva...
Discussion started 03/22/2007 03:10 PM by Dave - 0 repliesDave from Sedelia on 03/22/2007 03:10 PM
We book a room here last october during our ride. While reserving the room I asked about the cancellation policy, just in case we didn't make it. When we showed up they already cancelled our reservation and filled our room because they said they didn't think we would be showing up.
Dave from Sedelia on 03/22/2007 03:10 PM
We book a room here last october during our ride. While reserving the room I asked about the cancellation policy, just in case we didn't make it. When we showed up they already cancelled our reservation and filled our room because they said they didn't think we would be showing up.
Fishing?
- + My 12 year old son and I are planning an easy ride from Rhineland to St. Charles, and we were wondering about opportunities for fishing...
Are there places to fish? Can you fish the Missouri Ri...
Discussion started 03/19/2007 02:46 PM by DPN - 1 reply (last reply by Arkie at 03/21/2007 06:04 PM)DPN from Paragould, AR on 03/19/2007 02:46 PM
My 12 year old son and I are planning an easy ride from Rhineland to St. Charles, and we were wondering about opportunities for fishing...
Are there places to fish? Can you fish the Missouri River, and can you get to the water, or is it private property?
Also, any problems with dogs in that stretch?
Thanks,
DPN
Arkie on 03/21/2007 06:04 PM
There is access to the river along the way but not always the easiest to traverse. There are also several sloughs and backwaters that look to be infested with crappie maybe?
RIding with a Burley lite and child - tires and suggestions
- + We are planning to ride in late March and the first week in APril with a bike that has tires that say 28 x 1 1/4, with a Burley lite attached. I am having trouble interpreting the size of these tires...
Discussion started 03/17/2007 10:55 PM by Malva - 4 replies (last reply by Norm at 03/20/2007 04:24 PM)Malva from Mpls on 03/17/2007 10:55 PM
We are planning to ride in late March and the first week in APril with a bike that has tires that say 28 x 1 1/4, with a Burley lite attached. I am having trouble interpreting the size of these tires as compared with peoples' recommendations for tires that are 32 or 28. Can anyone help me ? WIll it make a difference that I am hauling the Burley lite behind the bike? How do my tires compare with 32 tires? And does anyone have expereince with taking a )? Thanks.
Norm from Raymore, MO on 03/18/2007 07:49 PM
The 1-1/4 tires you have are the same breadth as 32, the former being inches and the latter in millimeters. These tires should do fine on any part of the KATY Trail, being in the larger cross-sectional size range. The type of tread can make a difference though. On the trail you don't need knobby tires and they will slow you down. It would be worth changing to a smoother tread in the same 1-1/4 size. I'm not familiar with the trailer you're carrying, but the tire size on it isn't as important as it is on the bicycle, which is carrying the load and providing steering and maneuvering. Have a great ride!
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 03/19/2007 12:13 PM
I agree with Norm about the tread. I rode the KATY my first time on a mountain bike with knobby tires. They were overkill and really slowed down my speed. I would have changed to a smoother tread if I'd known how much the knobbies would affect my time on the trail.
Malva from Mpls on 03/20/2007 12:23 PM
tires for 9-year-old and Burley for 3-year-old. The word Burley lite was left off my comment.
I also meant to ask if anyone had taken a young child (ours is 3) on the trail in a trailer and
what their experience was like. Also, our 9 year old does have knobby tires on his bike and
does ride slower than we do. We are already spending a lot on tuneups, tires, overhauls and
I'd rather not get him new tires since he'll probably grow out of the bike after this coming
season. Do people think we really should invest in new tires for him for this ride? Thanks
Norm from Raymore, MO on 03/20/2007 04:24 PM
Your entry today sheds a whole new light on tyour situation. With your 9 year old riding what is perhaps a smaller bike with knobby tires (and probably one-speed) this will set the pace for your riding the trail. I know from experience; my grandsons at 11 years old on their "buzz" bikes couldn't keep up with me on my hybrid 24-speed. So the tire sizes shouldn't be that much of a factor or the treads. You might want to take some practice rides at home to see how far you can go in a given amount of time and how soon everyone is ready to stop. I have ridden from a trailhead out to the point where I feel that I'm halfway to being worn out, then turn around and go back to the trailhead. My very first time on the KATY Trail I rode solo 35 miles from Rocheport to Jefferson City. It was quite an experience and I learned a lot from it.
Rumples Pub (St Charles)
- + This is the coolest bar! I love the atmosphere, the food(great steaks!), and the music is fantastic...easy on the ears! We are there at least once a week. If you are looking for a great place that off...
Discussion started 03/19/2007 11:48 AM by regular @ rumples - 0 repliesregular @ rumples from St. Charles Mo. on 03/19/2007 11:48 AM
This is the coolest bar! I love the atmosphere, the food(great steaks!), and the music is fantastic...easy on the ears! We are there at least once a week. If you are looking for a great place that offers everything from food to music, Rumples is it!
regular @ rumples from St. Charles Mo. on 03/19/2007 11:48 AM
This is the coolest bar! I love the atmosphere, the food(great steaks!), and the music is fantastic...easy on the ears! We are there at least once a week. If you are looking for a great place that offers everything from food to music, Rumples is it!
Easter in Rocheport?
- + We'll be spending Easter Sunday in Rocheport - anyone aware of a church in the area?
Discussion started 03/15/2007 08:31 PM by elonalum - 4 replies (last reply by savage24 at 03/18/2007 01:18 PM)elonalum from Kansas City on 03/15/2007 08:31 PM
We'll be spending Easter Sunday in Rocheport - anyone aware of a church in the area?
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 03/15/2007 10:15 PM
Click the "Rocheport" link above in the map.....click on the link for http://www.rocheport.com.....a wealth of information there about Rocheport.....including church info. Enjoy!
savage24 from KC,MO on 03/15/2007 10:25 PM
Any particular denomination? I think there is a Baptist church on Lewis street.
elonalum from Kansas City on 03/17/2007 09:19 AM
Catholic but whatever is there will be fine - doesn't seem to be a catholic church in Rocheport. Thanks again for the info.
savage24 from KC,MO on 03/18/2007 01:18 PM
I have friends who are members of the Catholic church in Boonville. They used to live near Rocheport but are in Boonville now. There may be members who live in or very near Rocheport who would be happy to provide transportation for your family on Easter Sunday. Why not give the church a call and ask?
S.S. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Boonville, MO 660-882-6468
Cat Nap Inn on BikeKaty Trail.com
- + I am interested in listing our B&B on the Hermann page, and was just wondering how much it costs ... thanks for any info. Also, I would like to link you to our page, and didnt know if it was possible...
Discussion started 03/17/2007 10:36 PM by Kathy Durham - 0 repliesKathy Durham from Hermann, Mo. on 03/17/2007 10:36 PM
I am interested in listing our B&B on the Hermann page, and was just wondering how much it costs ... thanks for any info. Also, I would like to link you to our page, and didnt know if it was possible to do that. Thanks, Kathy Durham Cat Nap Inn.
camp grounds
- + hey folks, my son and his cub scout troop is wanting to do a bike ride and campout over night and bike ride back the next day.. maximum 15 miles one way. where would be the best place to camp that c...
Discussion started 03/17/2007 05:29 PM by donna lucas - 1 reply (last reply by savage24 at 03/17/2007 09:52 PM)donna lucas from de soto, mo on 03/17/2007 05:29 PM
hey folks, my son and his cub scout troop is wanting to do a bike ride and campout over night and bike ride back the next day.. maximum 15 miles one way. where would be the best place to camp that can hold 10 to 15 cub scouts plus dads. any help is appreciated.
savage24 from KC,MO on 03/17/2007 09:52 PM
Hi Donna,
See the thread titled 'Scout trip' started by Tom, from Overland Park on Jan. 19 2007. (about halfway down page 3 right now)
First Time Ride
- + What would folks recommend for a first time ride? My mother has always wanted to ride the trail. So it will be my mom, wife, and myself. I have a year of road bikin under me but the women folk are ...
Discussion started 03/12/2007 08:51 PM by Mike - 3 replies (last reply by Norm at 03/14/2007 09:43 PM)Mike from Dallas on 03/12/2007 08:51 PM
What would folks recommend for a first time ride? My mother has always wanted to ride the trail. So it will be my mom, wife, and myself. I have a year of road bikin under me but the women folk are not big cyclists. Since we are flying in from St. Louis and mom will meet us there can you give us ideas?
Cliff from Edwardsville Kansas on 03/13/2007 11:47 AM
I would recommend the Rocheport area. I know it's a long drive from St. Louis but definetly worth it. You could ride east along the bluffs and river, I think it is the most scenic ride on the trail. The trail is flat and very easy to ride. Last fall we rode from Rocheport to Hartsburg {28 miles} which would be a nice ride for first time trail riders. We stayed at the Hartsburg Inn, nothing fancy but very clean and nice. We ate at the Summit Hill Winery and Dotties Cafe, both places were very good. You could go on east or ride back to Rocheport. The Katy Trail Bed and Breakfst was very nice in Rocheport and I would recommend the Rocheport General Store for a meal. If you ride on east I would suggest Herman. The people that own the Bike shop in Herman also own a Bed and Breakfst called the Secret Vine and they would come and pick you up on the west side of the bridge in Herman. I hope this helps. Have a great ride!
missouri on 03/13/2007 12:59 PM
mike from dallas, pretty much what cliff, from edwardsville, kansas said. don't forget the rocheport tunnel that is a must. defiance to augusta is a nice ride also and not quite as far as rocheport from st. louis, and with some nice rest stops in between. though not quite as scenic, it is still a nice ride, with snack shops on both ends. also there are some b & b's in augusta i believe. any which way, have fun.
Norm from Raymore, MO on 03/14/2007 09:43 PM
I agree with the Rocheport area for a first ride. At about age 56, when I took my first ride 15 years ago I rode from Rocheport to Jefferson City (about 35 miles). It turned out to be more than I had expected and I was really exhausted when I met my wife at the end. Since then I have taken shorter trips and enjoyed them more, taking pictures and just enjoying the outdoors. I've also learned to turn around and head back BEFORE I start getting tired. Enjoy the Katy Trail!