Katy Trail Forum

Sunday September 17, 2006 we had lunch at Lucy's Bar and Grill. There were 11 in our group of gals. We rode bikes on the trail from Rocheport to McBaine to have lunch at Lucy's and enjoy the Live Blue Grass Music that started at 1:30. Had a wonderful time and really appreciate the warm hospitality, the delicious food and the Cold, Cold Beer. Can't wait to go back!!!!!!!

Sunday September 17, 2006 we had lunch at Lucy's Bar and Grill. There were 11 in our group of gals. We rode bikes on the trail from Rocheport to McBaine to have lunch at Lucy's and enjoy the Live Blue Grass Music that started at 1:30. Had a wonderful time and really appreciate the warm hospitality, the delicious food and the Cold, Cold Beer. Can't wait to go back!!!!!!!

Wish we would have had the good fortune the other riders had at Lucy's. We stopped there on Sept. 28, 2006, for just pie and coffee. Had to wait nearly 20 minutes and the wait was not worth it. Neither the pie or coffee was very tasty. Guess we should have had a beer.

Wish we would have had the good fortune the other riders had at Lucy's. We stopped there on Sept. 28, 2006, for just pie and coffee. Had to wait nearly 20 minutes and the wait was not worth it. Neither the pie or coffee was very tasty. Guess we should have had a beer.

This is a great place to stay. It is comfortable and quiet. The breakfasts are good and the proprieter is very friendly. Located midway between the trail and Stone Hill Winery and its delicious restaurant.

After reading a couple of less than positive comments about Mokane, and in particular its country market, I find I must respond. As a displaced New Englander who has lived many years in small, rural Maine towns, I feel quite at home in the Mokane market. In fact, one of my wife and my favorite rides is the Bluffton to Mokane round trip, with lunch in the Mokane Market. Not only is the ride pretty and secluded, with plenty of the route directly along the Missouri River and very little anywhere near the highway, it takes us to a wonderful, if simple lunch at the market. The proprietors certainly don't cater to cyclists because they are focused on serving their farm community customers who come and go in a constant stream. But we always get our to-order sandwiches cheerfully made, pay a very modest price, and then contentedly eat them at the little tables in the window, watching the flow of people into and out of the store. Listening to the snatches of conversation between the people, and reading their community bulletin board, we get a good sense of life in the bustling, down to earth town. We don't expect them to take any particular notice of us, and I must say, it seems a bit self centered to do so. They serve a small farming community, and well, so it appears. I highly recommend this ride, and this stop. But I'll add this caveat. In the tiny town of Orland on the Maine coast, there is a popular local restaurant called Duffy's. Mr. Duffy has posted the following sign prominently outside his door: "We here at Duffy's are a family oriented restaurant. We aren't fussy, and we certainly aren't fancy. If you are, Bucksport is 11 miles west, and Ellsworth is 13 miles east." This might be the Mokane store. As for me, I fully intend to keep going back.

I grew up in Mexico, MO not too far from Mokane. I remember going to/through Mokane to fish on the Missouri River as a kid. I'm doing an end-to-end KATY ride next week. I look forward to passing through Mokane and comparing it to my childhood memories.

My experience at the Mokane Market was less than memorable. No breakfast type food available. The local fellows had no interest in chatting, not even to be polite. I ate my deli sandwich and moved on. I thanked one of the employees on the way out the door and she did not even acknowledge me. I especially found charming the peeling paint from the ceiling above the food prep area and the dude who made my sandwich without using plastic gloves. I guess the health department does not get to Mokane very often.

We have been planning this trip for 2 years and it is finally time. We will be starting in Prarie Lick and riding to the western end of the trail and then all the way back to the eastern end, camping each night. Looks like the weather might be really nice. If you're going to be on the trail that week, have a great trip and we might see you there!

Jason, I couldn't believe the similarities when I read your post! My wife and I have been planning an end to end ride of the Katy for about a year now, and we will be on the trail the same days as you.(Oct. 1st-6th) As time went on, our trip has been changed several times. We now plan to ride across most of the state starting near Merwin (on the west side of MO) and riding to Clinton the first day. The second day on, we'll be riding the trail. We will be the goofy couple on recumbents with big smiles on our faces! Hope to see you headin' east!

A buddy of mine and I will be starting at Clinton on Thursday, 05 Oct and riding to St. Charles in 3 days. We'll keep our eyes open for you. We're staying with family in Columbia on Thursday night and at the Rendleman Home B&B on Friday night. See you out there. We're 2 40ish men on MTBs.



Ken

Sounds good! I'll keep my eyes open! I have a feeling that the trail is going to be pretty crowded next week. Should be fun though. I ride a Fuji and my brother rides a Novara. We will be the ones with WAY too much stuff on our bikes. Have fun!

Hey Jason and J&K-I'm leaving Tuesday Oct. 2 from Sedalia and on to St. Charles. I've been planning this ride for months. I'm totally pumped up and can hardly wait. See ya on the trail !



Paulie

I offer a few comments to those of you who are planning a trip (thru-bikers)along the KATY. One thing to be aware of is the haphazzard hours of operation of some of the businesses along the trail, especially during the week. Tip: be self sufficient. Do not count on any businesses being open. If they are...that is a bonus for you and you should take advantage. Otherwise you are on your own. Take your guidebook and call ahead. Cooper's Landing...skip it. He caters to river rats and hoosiers and merely tolerates bicyclists because they usually have money to spend. Ride on by. Dotty's in Hartsburg is great. She invited us in for breakfast even though she did not officially open for another 90 minutes. The KATY Shelter in Tebbetts is reliable and adequate...the key is on the telephone pole outside. Be sure to go to Jim's Bar across the street...great hospitiality. Steamboat Junction at Bluffton is a good camping option. Rhineland has a great cafe/bar/grill...don't miss it. Eat there instead of going into Hermann. McKittrick to Treloar is a long stretch without services...be prepared with snacks and water. Camp at Klondike Park! (Between Augusta and Matson with access off the trail.) A great spot. Do not ride up the big hill into the park...take the trail from the boat ramp...it is a little out of the way but easier to manage with a loaded bike. The hill is very steep, no kidding. The people at the Dutzow Deli were very friendly and the food was top notch. Trailheads on the eastern half of the trail do not have water available, plan accordingly. Generally speaking the trail is better maintained on the western half (Sedalia to N. Jefferson). Be careful when the trail intersects with a drive way or gravel road...some very rough crossings here and there. Local attitudes about the trail and trail users seem to be about the same as the last time I rode through these towns...some like it, some do not.

I could have had lunch at the suburban style supermarket and deli located on the highway near the McKittrick trailhead. But I opted for genuine Katy Trail fare at the Treloar Bar and Grill 16 mile down the trail. Unfortunately, it was closed and the sign said it does not open until 4:00pm Tueseday throught Friday.

I could have had lunch at the suburban style supermarket and deli located on the highway near the McKittrick trailhead. But I opted for genuine Katy Trail fare at the Treloar Bar and Grill 16 mile down the trail. Unfortunately, it was closed and the sign said it does not open until 4:00pm Tueseday throught Friday.

Thank you for posting the comments about discrepancies you found in the hours of businesses along the trail. For most of those, I had gotten the hours back in May. Some of these places really drive me nuts with how they change their hours around - some change by the season, but others just seem to change their hours on a whim. I appreciate you passing along the correct info, so I can update the website. I hope you enjoyed your trip, other than the unexpected CLOSED signs you encountered!

Thank you for posting the comments about discrepancies you found in the hours of businesses along the trail. For most of those, I had gotten the hours back in May. Some of these places really drive me nuts with how they change their hours around - some change by the season, but others just seem to change their hours on a whim. I appreciate you passing along the correct info, so I can update the website. I hope you enjoyed your trip, other than the unexpected CLOSED signs you encountered!

Stopped at the bar and grill on 10/21/05. Nice people and good food. There may be nicer places on the trail, but after 16 cold and wet miles, I was happy the Treloar Bar and Grill was there and open.

Stopped at the bar and grill on 10/21/05. Nice people and good food. There may be nicer places on the trail, but after 16 cold and wet miles, I was happy the Treloar Bar and Grill was there and open.

We went to the Trelor Bar and Grill and had one of the best times of our time on the trail. The hostess (owner) was great, the food was good ol' grill food that filled our stomachs and did not empty our wallet and the Root Beer floats (root beer schnapps and beer) were a hit of the evening. Just don't come in with an attitude. These were thee greatest peole we met...

I can't wait to see them again and have another steak..

We went to the Trelor Bar and Grill and had one of the best times of our time on the trail. The hostess (owner) was great, the food was good ol' grill food that filled our stomachs and did not empty our wallet and the Root Beer floats (root beer schnapps and beer) were a hit of the evening. Just don't come in with an attitude. These were thee greatest peole we met...

I can't wait to see them again and have another steak..

We stopped there after a beautiful ride to and from McKindrick. The food was excellent. We sat in the back room where it wasn't so smokey.

We stopped there after a beautiful ride to and from McKindrick. The food was excellent. We sat in the back room where it wasn't so smokey.

Stopped in on 10/26/06 and had a couple of beers. I can't remember the young lady’s name working the bar but she was really nice. She was able to tell us a lot about the bar and the local area. Good place for a beer and sandwich.

Stopped in on 10/26/06 and had a couple of beers. I can't remember the young lady’s name working the bar but she was really nice. She was able to tell us a lot about the bar and the local area. Good place for a beer and sandwich.

I'm originally from St. Louis, but live in Alabama now. I have been coming to Mt Pleasant for years. I remember paying $5-$6 a bottle. Last weekend, I took my girlfriend on a driving tour of Missouri's wine region. We stayed Saturday night in Augusta and met old friends at Mt. Pleasant, but the experience was horrible and awful. First, they charge you for tasting. Second, they charge for sitting and drinking their wine. Third, around 3 PM, Security (SHOULD I SAY NAZIS) made us move from your table for a wedding party that never materialized-we had to sit on a brick wall. Fourth, the smell from the local pig farm was overwhelming. How can they charge $30 a bottle now is beyond me. All that I can say is that Mt. Pleasant desires that pig farm. I will never go back.

I'm originally from St. Louis, but live in Alabama now. I have been coming to Mt Pleasant for years. I remember paying $5-$6 a bottle. Last weekend, I took my girlfriend on a driving tour of Missouri's wine region. We stayed Saturday night in Augusta and met old friends at Mt. Pleasant, but the experience was horrible and awful. First, they charge you for tasting. Second, they charge for sitting and drinking their wine. Third, around 3 PM, Security (SHOULD I SAY NAZIS) made us move from your table for a wedding party that never materialized-we had to sit on a brick wall. Fourth, the smell from the local pig farm was overwhelming. How can they charge $30 a bottle now is beyond me. All that I can say is that Mt. Pleasant desires that pig farm. I will never go back.

I was wondering has anyone out there hiked the trail all the way? If you have how long did it take and how did it go? Details would be great. Thank you. Feel free to email me your response.

I have just finished my trail expedition. I was planning to go end to end, and started in Clinton on the Saturday before Labor Day. Unfortunately, my feet gave out at McKittrick -- Too many blisters. I am relatively new to long-distance hiking, and really need to invest in a better pair of shoes and figure out ways to reduce the weight of my backpack. It CAN be done, though. I ended up logging up about 160 miles with 60 left to go before I had to stop. I had a great time, and met some wonderfull people. I am still a little chagrined about having to stop, but I plan to return and finish the trail when my feet heal up and I can arrange the time to do it.

My best suggestion would be to make sure you have some sort of support person/crew. My mistake was in trying to carry too much on my back, hence my feet crapping out. I will be posting more on this in a while, and have been writing a blog, which I will add a link to a little later.



You should definitely go for it. It is something I will never forget!

I've added a link to GC's blog at the top of this page, where you can read about his 160 mile hike along the Katy Trail. It's great reading!

GC,

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the blog about your trip. It truly captured the flavor of the trail….walking or riding. I’m certain your pace let you enjoy many sites along the way that riders just zoom past on their way to somewhere.



We are great appreciators of nature and are most often passed while riding the trail. On our three day ride over Labor Day weekend, we enjoyed discovering a Buckeye tree near Hartsburg and Jack in the Pulpit in its brilliant fall color near Rhineland. On our annual family fall ride at Rocheport, we all take our turns predicting the severity of the winter by cutting open Persimmons that have fallen on the trail.



For us, a slow pace uncovers the essence of the trail. It allows the human species to connect, or reconnect, with the many wonders of nature. That for us is why the organization so aptly named, The Department of Natural Resources, has worked to establish and maintain the Katy. And so, I cringe at the mention of riders bringing business cards to pass out along the way as they ride in hopes of career discoveries while out networking.



I appreciate your pace and both commend and congratulate you!

Trek,

Thanks for your comments. I agree, I like the slower pace and I cringe when I hear cyclists ask questions like "Should I do the trail in three days or two?" While I respect their ability to pull something like that off, I also feel like they are missing so much of what the trail has to offer.

On the blog front, I need to do some updates. I am planning on knocking off the last 60 miles of the trail at some point in the not too distant future, plus, I want to post some more post walk thoughts. So stay tuned!

Thanks again for your note.

I need some advice on where to park in St. Charles long term. I want to ride my bike to downtown St Louis from St. Charles, take the Amtrak to Sedalia, then bike(over three days)back to St. Charles. I figure by the time I get to the end of the Katy the last thing I want to do is fight traffic back to my car.



Thanks, Paulie

I left mine for in the lot just to the right on the boathouse lot. It would be on the way to the casino there is a lighted lot right by the trail. It was there for six days without issue.

I'll second what Wayne said. You can park at the Katy Trail trailhead lot, or the large boathouse lot. Check out this earlier discussion for more details about Katy Trail overnight parking in St Charles.

We wil be spending the night in Boonville at the Comfort Inn. The casino shuttle does pick up guests and take them to the casino/casino buffet. Would it be awful if we took the shuttle to the casino but then walked up to Main St to a different restaurant?

It is your conscience, we chose not to take advantage of it. There are taxies that will take care of your needs. The lady behind the desk offered to allow us to ride into town with her husband then find our own way back.



Expect to pay a "bicycle fee" at this hotel.

If you read through this forum, you'll see LOTS of bad reviews of Capri's buffet, and nobody has much good to say about it. Take the shuttle bus, eat at a GOOD restaurant, and drop a few bucks into Capri's slot machines if you feel guilty.

Our stay here was amazing. After arriving in Augusta we had dinner at the brewery. We had know idea were the Stoneridge Vineyard was so we called. John the owner picked us up and brought us to the B&B. We were greeted by Carol who showed us to our spectacular room. The view was amazing and should be even better later in October. That morning after breakfast (which was great) John brought us back to the trail head in Augusta. (Great first B&B experience)

Our stay here was amazing. After arriving in Augusta we had dinner at the brewery. We had know idea were the Stoneridge Vineyard was so we called. John the owner picked us up and brought us to the B&B. We were greeted by Carol who showed us to our spectacular room. The view was amazing and should be even better later in October. That morning after breakfast (which was great) John brought us back to the trail head in Augusta. (Great first B&B experience)

I would like some local input on possible connections to the Trans-America trail.



Specifically, I was planning on starting in Springfield, and heading north on the bike trail that runs to Willard, then finding a way to connect to 13 highway to Clinton. I am unsure of traffic and highway conditions. Is this the best route north?



After riding the KATY, I want to find a route south to connect with the Trans-America trail. How about Highway 61 south out of St. Louis? This would take me to St. Mary where the Trans-Am passes by.



Thanks for your help

We rode on the Frisco Highline Trail 9-18-06 from Bolivar to where the bridge is out. Its to bad the bridge is not yet repaired, you could get all the way to Bolivar on rails/trail. We did notice how nice the shoulder is on most of hwy.13. With the exception of about 12 miles between Humansville and Collins, it is now all four lane highway. The shoulder did look a little rough on some sections where the north bound lanes are the old highway. There was also some construction on one of the bridges over Truman Lake, that would be the tricky part. Good luck and hope this helped.

Thanks for the rapid responce, J+K...



Our trip will be next year, so I hope the bridge will be repaired by then. I appriciate the local knowledge, and I will probably take the route you suggest.



Does anyone from the St. Louis side have any info on a southern route from KATY? Looking at my map it seems like highway 61 will connect to Trans-Am in St. Mary. Also, highway 21 near Pilot Knob. Would one of these routes be the best one?? Any other ideas??



Thanks.

Rick, There are a few established routes to take you south from the St Louis area. Try the Mississippi River Trail (MRT), which parallels the river either north or south from St Louis, as you might guess by the name. the MRT has routes on both the Missouri side (http://www.mississippirivertrail.org/mrt-explore-mo.php#segment1) and Illinois side (http://www.mississippirivertrail.org/mrt-explore-il.php). Another option is Adventure Cycling's Great Rivers route (http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/greatrivers.cfm?pg=detail&s=1), which appears to cross the Katy Trail somewhere around Marthasville.

I can't vouch for the quality of any of the above routes, but presumably they have been well tested out.

Good luck and enjoy your tour!



J&K, Speaking of the Frisco Highline Trail, I understand that bridge was burned down by vandals - it's a $%#@ shame.

These people are wonderful. They helped me with a bike I was sold from Bike America - Trailside sold the same bike for less than Bike America and it didn't fit my body at all, so it was very uncomfortable. Bike America couldn't have cared less when I tried to talk to them about it....

Just as I was ready to give up on biking, the mgr., Andy, introduced me to a recumbent bike and I loved it. I ended up buying my recumbent from them and am so glad I did! The staff is very, very knowledgeable and helpful. They're always friendly and helpful. All my family's future bikes will come from Trailside.

The food in the cafe is very good too. It's one of the places you must stop at along the trail - you'll be glad you did.

These people are wonderful. They helped me with a bike I was sold from Bike America - Trailside sold the same bike for less than Bike America and it didn't fit my body at all, so it was very uncomfortable. Bike America couldn't have cared less when I tried to talk to them about it....

Just as I was ready to give up on biking, the mgr., Andy, introduced me to a recumbent bike and I loved it. I ended up buying my recumbent from them and am so glad I did! The staff is very, very knowledgeable and helpful. They're always friendly and helpful. All my family's future bikes will come from Trailside.

The food in the cafe is very good too. It's one of the places you must stop at along the trail - you'll be glad you did.

My wife and I rode the trail first week of September. One of our favorite all-time tours. Theindependenttourist.com did a great job for us lining it all out, reservations, etc. 25 - 28 mm tires prove to be perfect. We'll be back. "J"

What do you recommend for nice dinner places for a bus trip - we will be staying in Booville, Hartsburg, and Herman.

From Boonville.....I'd have the driver take us to Rocheport to visit the bistro at the Les Bourgeois Winery. Fantastic view, great food, and good wine....and it is only a few miles drive (12 to 14 or so).



In Hartsburg, the local flavor of Dotties would be at the top of the list. Just darn good food in a friendly small town atmosphere.



In Hermann I'd toss a coin for Simon's on the Waterfront or the Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery. Both have very good food. The tour and tasting at Stone Hill is worth the stop and its right next door to the restaurant.

In Boonville, It would be Glenn's handsdown. The bistro in Rocheport is great, too, but truth be told, it was inspired originally by Glenn's when that restaurant was in Columbia.

In Hartsburg, Dotties is great and is just about the only game in town.

In Hermann, I agree, Simon's or the Vintage, but if you are talking about going to wineries, I would have to add Adam Puchta

Just cycled the trail --- no question --- in Boonville -- Napoli. In Hartsburg, Dottie's. In Hermann -- do wine and cheese at the Hermannhof right downtown. If you need more dinner, try the Stonehill German restaurant at the winery. Nice. "J"

In mid- to late October, I'd like to walk from St. Charles to about Pilot Grove, carrying very little--just walking and looking. I'm planning to make no plans, so I'd just find places to eat or to buy trail food or to sleep (not camp) as I meander along. Am I letting myself in for trouble? georgekastner@hotmail.com

Glw,

Good for you! I just finished walking from Clinton to McKittrick -- the same distance from St. Charles to Pilot Grove -- earlier this month.



I hate to tell you, but planning is important.



One thing you will run into is the need for consistent water. Lots of the trailheads don't have water and you have to either get it from one of the stores or bars along the trail. The problem with that can be that these stores aren't always open. The same with food. As for lodging, during October weekends, everything is pretty well booked in the Hermann area, I imagine. Once you leave the St. Charles area, the small town businesses keep somewhat irregular hours, especially during weekdays.



One way to get around this is to have a support crew. Will you have someone following you in a car or meeting you every few days? I know I am planning to do the last stretch of the trail in another month or two, and that is my strategy.



I am not trying to be a downer, and I had a ball during my walk, but you HAVE to do some planning. While the Katy is not in the middle of raw wilderness, you can't really just set out on foot and expect lots of options for food, water and lodging.



Having said all of that, have a great walk!

I'm looking at the June 1990 National Geographic which features a Greenways "Path to the Future" article. A photo of J S W'mson is included. He is protesting the proposed Katy Trail with the quote, "Recreation shouldn't be at the expense of the landowner. This is where we make our living; this is our home." (2 miles of the KATY railroad bisects the family farm). Is this the same W'mson of the famed burr oak? When did he change his mind and how did the transformation come about?

I'm curious because here in Kentucky we have a few RTT routes, but nothing remotely resembling the near border to border KATY. In Western KY we missed out on acquiring the land when the railroad disbanded, but it went into the private sector. Now that we are organized, we will be trying to win over landowner's minds...a tough task ahead. i would appreciate any comments.

I rode the KATY last year and was wowed...great camping, funky b&b, interesting people and wild times.

to the state of Missouri and it's tax payers. The Katy Trail is a State Park to be proud of. My wife and I finished our West to East trip on Sunday afternoon. Our experience was wonderful, we also attempted to do our part to support the local economy :-) . There were definately parts of the trail that were more "chamber of Commerce" than others but overall the trail was in fantastic shape. Though not all trailheads provide water we found 99% of them to be clean and well cared for. The info boards are also a great way to learn about the history of the trail and area. This site was also a great aid in planning the trip and has spoiled me as far as trip planning goes.



Thanks again to the DNR and the webmaster for a wonderful vacation.

I don't mind that some of my tax dollars go to the DNR or the Missouri Department of Conservation one little bit! We use the trail every chance we get and are proud that it is there for us and our neighbors to use.



No....it's not a perfect world or a perfect trail though. Labor Day weekend there was some nice cracks, fault lines or something west of McKittrick. They weren't there earlier in the summer and probably won't be there forever. Other parts of the trail are very pristine. The DNR, in my book, does a very good job for the miles of trail that they maintain.



Ray does a fantastic job with this website too. It is literally a wealth of information about the Katy. Maybe you've thought of branching out with sites like this for other trails Ray??

I agree - kudos to the DNR for the fantastic job they do in running the Katy Trail. It's a real treasure for Missouri.

Thank you for the compliments on the website. To answer your question, Trek Biker - I run two other websites, but BikeKatyTrail is definitely the biggie.

I also run BikeGrantsTrail.com, which covers Grant's Trail in suburban St Louis. This paved rail-trail goes past many interesting sights such as the Budweiser Clydesdale barns and pastures, Grant's Farm animal park (free beer samples from Anheuser Busch!), President Ulysses Grant's home, a couple of old cemeteries, and more... all in less than 8 miles. It's a much simpler website than BikeKatyTrail, for a much smaller (but busier) trail.

I also really like Sanibel Island, Florida, so I built SanibelTrails.com to cover the 25 miles of bike trails on this little island. The island is networked with bike paths, making two wheels the best way to get around bewteen the beaches, hotels, and attractions. It's got to be one of the most bike-friendly islands in the country.

Between these three websites, I've got my hands pretty full. But if anyone knows of any other trails that would be a perfect candidate for a fresh new website, drop me a line.

Thanks for asking!

Ray, I just checked out your Sanibel site.....it's great. My wife and I have been going to Captiva for years and have always been impressed with the Sanibel bike trails. I've heard talk recently of extending the trail up through Captiva.

i agree, this is a great website!!

It was a great tool, and it made I was able to gain enough info to convince my hubby to to the trip. He loved it as much as me... We Will Be Back!!!!!!

I agree, what a great trail and this website is extremely helpful.

Very nice shop! One of the only bike shops that I found open between Jeff City & St. Charles. Prices on tubes was high ($5 each...typically $2.50 or $3 for my bike), but I was willing to pay price. Located right next to trail.

Very nice shop! One of the only bike shops that I found open between Jeff City & St. Charles. Prices on tubes was high ($5 each...typically $2.50 or $3 for my bike), but I was willing to pay price. Located right next to trail.

Went by on a Saturday morning. Only had soda vending machine & bike pump outside. Was hoping to find someone to get change, but was out of luck.

Went by on a Saturday morning. Only had soda vending machine & bike pump outside. Was hoping to find someone to get change, but was out of luck.

Stopped by on a Saturday morning only to discover store was closed. Found out in the next town that store closed down. I was looking forward to the New Orleans Snowball.

Stopped by on a Saturday morning only to discover store was closed. Found out in the next town that store closed down. I was looking forward to the New Orleans Snowball.

Sorry, got this place mixed up with Augusta Bicycle. Scenic Cycles appears to still be in business, but only on the weekend.

Sorry, got this place mixed up with Augusta Bicycle. Scenic Cycles appears to still be in business, but only on the weekend.

Nice place to eat. Stopped after long day of riding. Friendly people who helped my uncle and I find lodging in nearby town.

Nice place to eat. Stopped after long day of riding. Friendly people who helped my uncle and I find lodging in nearby town.

Very friendly! After failing to find a place open on the trail, this place had their doors open. Good Food!

Very friendly! After failing to find a place open on the trail, this place had their doors open. Good Food!

Had high hopes to stopping here for lunch, but they weren't open. Found out later down the trail that finding this place open is hit or miss. The Riverfrong Bar & Grill in Portland is a better bet for being open.

Had high hopes to stopping here for lunch, but they weren't open. Found out later down the trail that finding this place open is hit or miss. The Riverfrong Bar & Grill in Portland is a better bet for being open.

Small town with nothing to really offer bikers. Market has small groceries, but no biking accessories. Don't recommend making this a primary stop.

Small town with nothing to really offer bikers. Market has small groceries, but no biking accessories. Don't recommend making this a primary stop.

A nice 50's style dinner. Great place to eat if Hartsburg is one of your stops.

A nice 50's style dinner. Great place to eat if Hartsburg is one of your stops.

Very accommodating. Called one hour before arriving. Room had tv, microfridge w/juice & yogurt, patio to cover bikes & plenty of space.

Very accommodating. Called one hour before arriving. Room had tv, microfridge w/juice & yogurt, patio to cover bikes & plenty of space.

Great stop for a meal. Located right on trail before you cross over the bridge in Boonville. Highly recommend.

Great stop for a meal. Located right on trail before you cross over the bridge in Boonville. Highly recommend.

Camped out in a tent the first night of my ride. Had hot showers and running water. Not a bad deal for $7 a tent.

Camped out in a tent the first night of my ride. Had hot showers and running water. Not a bad deal for $7 a tent.

Ate breakfast after staying at state fair grounds. Somewhat off the trail, but easily accessable from trail through side roads.

Ate breakfast after staying at state fair grounds. Somewhat off the trail, but easily accessable from trail through side roads.

Have free air compressor for your bike tires. Filled up my water bottle for free. Very close to trail.

Have free air compressor for your bike tires. Filled up my water bottle for free. Very close to trail.

Very friendly people. Doesn't look like they carry bikes or biking accessories, but they do. I bought two tubes.

Very friendly people. Doesn't look like they carry bikes or biking accessories, but they do. I bought two tubes.