Completed Katy Tail
- + My wife and I just completed the Katy Trail from Clinton to St.Charles. We began on Oct.1,2006 at Clinton and arrived in St. Charles on Oct. 6th. We had a great time, met some terrific bikers from a...
Discussion started 10/09/2006 09:24 AM by James A. Pearson - 4 replies (last reply by BB at 10/22/2006 07:17 PM)James A. Pearson from Lincoln, NE. on 10/09/2006 09:24 AM
My wife and I just completed the Katy Trail from Clinton to St.Charles. We began on Oct.1,2006 at Clinton and arrived in St. Charles on Oct. 6th. We had a great time, met some terrific bikers from all over the United States. We left our vehicle at the Community Center in Clinton and took AmTrak back from Kirkwood after our ride.The first 4 days was very hot, in the 90s every day, it cooled off for our final 2 days.Thanks Missouri Parks for a great trail and well maintained. We did 36 to 44 miles per day and enjoyed the scenery and the fall colors.This year we biked with our mountain bikes, last year we used road bikes.We carried everything we needed for the 6 day journey so we were loaded down. We stayed at Hampton Inn,Clinton:Hotel Bothwell,Sedalia: River Veiw Suites,Boonville: Globe Hotel B&B,Hartsburg: Rendleman B&B,Bluffton:
The Inn at Cinagro Farms, Dutzow:and with our son in St. Charles. We are 65 and 63 years old and had no problems on the ride, good health and no flat tires. Thanks again Missouri for a great week in your state.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 10/09/2006 07:46 PM
That's great! Hubby and I are 51 and 53 and are doing the full Katy next week. It will be my 3rd time and his first. We're almost doing the same schedule as you, but will stay at Rhineland and then Augusta on the eastern end. I just love it that so many riders are 50+. In 10 years I still want to be posting that we're in our 60's and still packing a bag and running away from home on our bikes every year to bike the katy!
If you were in Hartsburg on a Tuesday, did you go to the Hitchin' Post for supper? How was it?
frank from festus on 10/09/2006 10:09 PM
james pearson, so glad ya'll had fun and especially a safe trip.
mah, blue springs; good luck on the katy, have fun, be safe, let us know how it went.
Kathy Ware from Nashville, TN on 10/17/2006 09:04 PM
My children, ages 12 and 15, and I did the Clinton to St. Charles trip from Oct 1-5, and it was great (although hotter than we anticipated). The only physical pain was inflicted on our bums, as none of us were really prepared for 4-6 hours in one day on a bike - much less for five straight days. We met some great folks along the trail and it was a fine experience for the kids in this age of instant messaging and TV overload - I highly recommend to all families that want share new adventures and strengthen family ties!
BB from LV,NV on 10/22/2006 07:17 PM
Three of us, ages 53,59 & 60, did Clinton to St Charles the first week of October with stops at Sedalia Depot, Rocheport, Tebbets and Treloar with a two vehicle shuttle. We were not the oldest group on the trail. We met only very freindly people. Ebby of Pro-Velo Bike Shop in Sedalia was exceptionally freindly and helpful and we were especially well treated at Dotty's in Harstburg, The Riverfront Bar and Grill in Portland and the Peers Store. Even the clerk who objected to the trail and wouldn't concede any economic benefit from the Katy was freindly in his opposition, even as he took in our 100+ dollars for gas and supplies. I let it slide. We, the users of the trail, are also it's ambassadors. The KATY Trail is a delight just as it is. Those concerned about water availability need to carry more or cache water. Long live the KATY and kudos to the State of Missouri for providing and maintaining such a treasure.
Lococo House B&B in Saint Charles
- + We arranged with Leo and Rhona Lococo to provide us with a place to park our truck at their B&B in Saint Charles and haul the two of us - and our fully loaded touring bikes - all the way to Clinton. ...
Discussion started 10/21/2006 10:32 PM by Wilson - 0 repliesWilson from Santa Barbara on 10/21/2006 10:32 PM
We arranged with Leo and Rhona Lococo to provide us with a place to park our truck at their B&B in Saint Charles and haul the two of us - and our fully loaded touring bikes - all the way to Clinton. Five days later we rode back into Saint Charles and spent the night with them at the Lococo House B&B. They're the friendliest people you'll ever meet and breakfast was fantastic!
Birk's Gasthaus
- + I have been a frequent guest at Birk's in Hermann, Missouri. The owners are friendly and very willing to extend their hospitality to those biking the Katy Trail. The accomodations are comfortable, t...
Discussion started 10/16/2006 04:22 PM by Kelly M - 2 replies (last reply by Wilson at 10/21/2006 09:54 PM)Kelly M from Columbia on 10/16/2006 04:22 PM
I have been a frequent guest at Birk's in Hermann, Missouri. The owners are friendly and very willing to extend their hospitality to those biking the Katy Trail. The accomodations are comfortable, the service is good and the breakfasts are tasty. Birk's has a large covered porch where guests can visit and enjoy the town.
Jay & Marge from Shelbina on 10/18/2006 06:56 PM
Rick and Nancy are very friendly and hospitable. Rick cooks a great breakfast! We slept well. Thanks Nancy & Rick!
Wilson from Santa Barbara on 10/21/2006 09:54 PM
We recently (October 19) stayed with Rick and Dianne (two American kids in the heartland?) at Birk's. The place is friendly, the breakfast was epic and Rick picks up and delivers bikies from the McKittrick trailhead so you don't need to hassle with the super narrow bridge into Hermann. Price was decent too!
Excellent new restaurant in Marthasville
- + We recently (October 19) got lucky and stumbled upon an excellent new eatery in Marthasville. The H.H. Fortman & Co. Restaurant on Depot St. has really good food, a varied menu, and is open 6 AM to 1...
Discussion started 10/21/2006 09:31 PM by Wilson - 0 repliesWilson from Santa Barbara on 10/21/2006 09:31 PM
We recently (October 19) got lucky and stumbled upon an excellent new eatery in Marthasville. The H.H. Fortman & Co. Restaurant on Depot St. has really good food, a varied menu, and is open 6 AM to 10 PM SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. Check it out...
Things you would change or improve
- + Ok, so I am curious. What things would you change or improve about the trail?
For me, it would be:
1.) Having potable water available at every trailhead.
2.) Have more camping available adja...
Discussion started 10/06/2006 11:44 PM by GC - 10 replies (last reply by J&K at 10/20/2006 07:41 PM)GC from Columbia, Mo. on 10/06/2006 11:44 PM
Ok, so I am curious. What things would you change or improve about the trail?
For me, it would be:
1.) Having potable water available at every trailhead.
2.) Have more camping available adjacent to the trail.
3.) Finally getting the trail extended to Machens and getting it extended into the Kansas City area.
Anyone else have any thoughts?
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 10/07/2006 10:13 AM
How about a sign on the trail at Hwy 19 that tells you to exit if you want to go to Hermann. Anybody else miss this turn? The route up the steep back to the highway looks like it could be a real mess when wet. Something like the MKT trail that hooks up Columbia would be sweet and would also benefit Hermann.
Paulie
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 10/07/2006 02:29 PM
I would bet that when the new bridge is finished at Hermann, they will have better signage or even an improved exit off the trail at Route 19. Anyone listening at MoDOT? LOL
rfc from Shoreview MN on 10/07/2006 06:43 PM
We just returned from biking from Clinton to St Charles and back in 7 days. Our suggestions
1) water at all stops (good idea)
2) work on trail surface conditions--some places had too much crushed limestone and others had tire-grabbing cracks in the center of the trail
3) it would be nice if each business in each little town catering to bikers would describe themselves and give directions from the trailhead to their business;
4) the brochure/map is incorrect about trail grade. The trail is flat after Booneville and hilly between Booneville and Sedalia.
5) some of the bars across the trail (put there to slow you down at intersections) are a little snug and might cause an accident.
Nails, on 10/08/2006 09:29 PM
IMHO, I'd prefer the state to only spend money on maintaining and extending the trail.
With regard to the trail grade, I believe the state is trying to pinpoint where wheelchairs may be impacted by "steep" grades (little levees), not marking hills.
frank from festus on 10/09/2006 12:38 AM
pretty much what gc and rfc said.
Kathy Ware from Nashville, TN on 10/17/2006 09:09 PM
Family of three - Oct 1-5. I REALLY wish there was water at every station! I think the trail is in great shape - almost boringly so. Too much maintenance activity is going to scare away the black snakes and other critters who call the adjacent areas home.
And although we did see three volunteer patrol-people, we also saw a wierdo who made me nervous in the Clinton area - a little more security presence (maybe sheriff patrols stopping by the stations periodically?) would be great.
CM from Springfield on 10/19/2006 04:36 PM
I'd like there to be a connecting trail from Clinton south to Bolivar, where the Frisco Trail connects to Springfield.
Anonymous on 10/20/2006 07:07 AM
I'd like for the whole trail to be down hill both ways, so I never have to peddle and if the trail was covered so I woulodn't get wet from the rain or snow that would be nice to.
Anonymous on 10/20/2006 06:43 PM
The restrooms at trailheads need cleaned more often. We were on the trail the weekend of October 13th and most of the restrooms between Jefferson City and McKittrick stunk beyond the point of use. My group had to find businesses with restroom facilities.
J&K from Drexel MO on 10/20/2006 07:41 PM
My wife agrees with the down hill both ways!! crazy!
N. Jefferson - Best Value Inn
- + The proprietor picked us up at the trailhead as promised and delivered us back the next morning bright and early. I offered a tip and he declined - a really nice guy. The place was economical, clean...
Discussion started 10/17/2006 08:49 PM by Kathy Ware - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 10/20/2006 06:58 PM)Kathy Ware from Nashville, TN on 10/17/2006 08:49 PM
The proprietor picked us up at the trailhead as promised and delivered us back the next morning bright and early. I offered a tip and he declined - a really nice guy. The place was economical, clean and close to several places to eat - including a pizza hut that delivered right to our hotel door. Highly recommend as an alternative to traveling across the bridge into downtown Jeff City.
Anonymous on 10/20/2006 06:58 PM
Yes, I would also recommend Best Value. Very clean, and the pick-up service was very prompt. Bikers please note the spur trail noted in the Katy Trail book is not recommended. The trail is actually a crossing of a crop field to a gravel road and then an uphill ride on Summit Drive.
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
- + Great people, service, prices, and selection here. Best place we found anywhere along the trail.
Discussion started 10/20/2006 05:47 PM by Mike and Diana - 0 repliesMike and Diana from Clemson, SC on 10/20/2006 05:47 PM
Great people, service, prices, and selection here. Best place we found anywhere along the trail.
Mike and Diana from Clemson, SC on 10/20/2006 05:47 PM
Great people, service, prices, and selection here. Best place we found anywhere along the trail.
Elevation Map
- + I recently viewed an elevation map of the Katy Trail. It show sort of a side view (ups and downs) of the elevation from Clinton to St. Charles. I don't remember where I found it and it may have even...
Discussion started 10/17/2006 08:59 AM by rl - 4 replies (last reply by rl at 10/18/2006 10:55 AM)rl from Dallas on 10/17/2006 08:59 AM
I recently viewed an elevation map of the Katy Trail. It show sort of a side view (ups and downs) of the elevation from Clinton to St. Charles. I don't remember where I found it and it may have even been on THIS website. Does anyone know?
Ray (webmaster) on 10/17/2006 11:35 AM
The elevation chart was not on this website, but I will definitely add links to it if anyone knows where to find it.
Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 10/17/2006 03:40 PM
rl - I wanted the same information when my brothers and I rode the KATY and all I did was type Missouri Geological Dept in the Search box and got it. BTW the difference from West to East is only about 800'. enjoy the voyage....Mark of the Dalton Boys
J&K from Drexel MO on 10/17/2006 08:18 PM
rl...this was driving me nutty just 2 nights ago as well. We finished our end to end ride and I came home to find that I forgot where this interesting map was located . I found it, and it IS accessible from this GREAT web site. Click on Maps above. Then click on, Katy Trail route mapped on Google maps, under the heading Entire Trail. Wait for map to finish loading,and it should come up. I bet this is what you saw earlier. Enjoy!
rl from Dallas on 10/18/2006 10:55 AM
Thanks to you both!!!! This is very helpful.
Linda Jacobs's paintings
- + Absolutly adore these paintings. They show the small town of Tebbetts so realisticly. Would be very interested in purchasing some of these to hang in my home in Tebbets. Thanks for such beautiful p...
Discussion started 10/17/2006 09:56 AM by Kim Marquis - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 10/18/2006 06:28 AM)Kim Marquis from Tebbetts on 10/17/2006 09:56 AM
Absolutly adore these paintings. They show the small town of Tebbetts so realisticly. Would be very interested in purchasing some of these to hang in my home in Tebbets. Thanks for such beautiful paintings.
Ray (webmaster) on 10/18/2006 06:28 AM
Kim, if you want to purchase Linda's paintings, go to
the page of her paintings and click on her name under any of the images where it says "Painting: Linda Jacobs". This will take you to Linda's website, where there is a catalog of available paintings, and you can also find her email address.
Isle of Capri
- + Buffet is very bad. Price is expensive for a very poor selection. The salad bar had almost nothing on it and when I asked for some tomatoes I was told they didn't have any -- no tomatoes on a salad ...
Discussion started 09/24/2006 11:58 AM - 1 reply (last reply by George and Kathy Dobbelaere at 10/17/2006 11:42 PM)Anonymous on 09/24/2006 11:58 AM
Buffet is very bad. Price is expensive for a very poor selection. The salad bar had almost nothing on it and when I asked for some tomatoes I was told they didn't have any -- no tomatoes on a salad bar? Of course there wasn't any vegetables except for some peas that had all sorts of stuff "mixed" in with them that had fallen in.
The other food was of such poor quality that my wife and I finally had enough and asked to see a manager. After waiting for about 15 minutes we got our money back, but it wasn't easy.
Anonymous on 09/24/2006 11:58 AM
Buffet is very bad. Price is expensive for a very poor selection. The salad bar had almost nothing on it and when I asked for some tomatoes I was told they didn't have any -- no tomatoes on a salad bar? Of course there wasn't any vegetables except for some peas that had all sorts of stuff "mixed" in with them that had fallen in.
The other food was of such poor quality that my wife and I finally had enough and asked to see a manager. After waiting for about 15 minutes we got our money back, but it wasn't easy.
George and Kathy Dobbelaere from Shawnee, Kansas on 10/17/2006 11:42 PM
I agree with you completely. The food was not good at all. The funny thing is, the Isle of Capri in Kansas City is exactly the same, they also have the same yukky food.
George and Kathy Dobbelaere from Shawnee, Kansas on 10/17/2006 11:42 PM
I agree with you completely. The food was not good at all. The funny thing is, the Isle of Capri in Kansas City is exactly the same, they also have the same yukky food.
Trailside Cafe & Bike Shop (Rocheport)
- + We really enjoyed the Trailside Bike Shop. It was a rainy day when we were riding on the trail and it was wonderful to be able to go inside and have a nice lunch and warm up. The food was great and ...
Discussion started 10/17/2006 11:19 PM by George and Kathy Dobbelaere - 0 repliesGeorge and Kathy Dobbelaere from Shawnee, Kansas on 10/17/2006 11:19 PM
We really enjoyed the Trailside Bike Shop. It was a rainy day when we were riding on the trail and it was wonderful to be able to go inside and have a nice lunch and warm up. The food was great and the people are very nice.
George and Kathy Dobbelaere from Shawnee, Kansas on 10/17/2006 11:19 PM
We really enjoyed the Trailside Bike Shop. It was a rainy day when we were riding on the trail and it was wonderful to be able to go inside and have a nice lunch and warm up. The food was great and the people are very nice.
Hartsburg
- + Hubby and I will be doing the entire trail the week of Oct 15th. Looks like we'll be in Hartsburg on a Tuesday night. I see that Dotty's is closed on Tuesday...anyone know of other options for suppe...
Discussion started 09/21/2006 03:24 PM by MAH - 5 replies (last reply by Kathy Ware at 10/17/2006 08:58 PM)MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 09/21/2006 03:24 PM
Hubby and I will be doing the entire trail the week of Oct 15th. Looks like we'll be in Hartsburg on a Tuesday night. I see that Dotty's is closed on Tuesday...anyone know of other options for supper?
Jim from St. Thomas on 09/21/2006 04:55 PM
I don't know if you are "tavern" people but the Hitchin' Post bar has typical bar food. Not the greatest in the world.....but it is food.
Cooper's Landing is about 10 miles before you get to Hartsburg and should have food. We like Cooper's but it's not for everyone and I would call ahead to verify they will have supper. Have you thought about doing the extra 10 miles and staying in JC? There are a lot more dining opportunities there.
ET from Columbia on 10/05/2006 12:59 PM
I haven't been there, but I understand the food at the winery in Hartsburg is very good. The best food at Cooper's is the Thai food--really excellent. I would call ahead, though, to be sure that at least one is open.
geea on 10/07/2006 09:35 PM
Food is hard to come by during the day Mondays, Tuesdays, the bar will open at 4pm and if they are serving it will be the usual bar food. Sorry but not a place to be on those two days. Wednesday you get Dotty's open at 11am, Summit lake opens on thursday at 11am. Good luck.
Jim Pearson from Lincoln, Nebraska on 10/11/2006 08:07 AM
We stayed at Hartsburg last week at the Globe B& B, everything was closed expect a bar just a block from the Globe, they had good service and a good pizza.(frozen but very good) they had other things on the menu. At Portland we had a late lunch and the best hamburger in the country. Again at a bar and the only thing open.
Have a great ride, we did and already want to do it for the 3rd time.
Kathy Ware from Nashville, TN on 10/17/2006 08:58 PM
We passed through Hartsburg on the first Tuesday in October and the only thing open was the post office. We ended up laying in the shade of the "bike shop" parking lot and drinking gatorade and eating an apple we brought from the hotel that morning - it was quite diappointing to not even have a place to get a snack, much less a hotel.
Sedalia Comfort Inn
- + My children and I enjoyed our stay - the people were friendly and the cont breakfast was great. Very economical and close to many restuarants, and a Walmart for those "forgotten" items.
Discussion started 10/17/2006 08:46 PM by Kathy Ware - 0 repliesKathy Ware from Nashville, TN on 10/17/2006 08:46 PM
My children and I enjoyed our stay - the people were friendly and the cont breakfast was great. Very economical and close to many restuarants, and a Walmart for those "forgotten" items.
Kathy Ware from Nashville, TN on 10/17/2006 08:46 PM
My children and I enjoyed our stay - the people were friendly and the cont breakfast was great. Very economical and close to many restuarants, and a Walmart for those "forgotten" items.
Peers Store (Peers)
- + Very Impressed! Called Barb late on Friday night and she accommodated room for two within the hour! Best deal on the trail. Room was fantastic, breakfast good, and access to store at all hour terri...
Discussion started 09/24/2006 08:09 PM by JD - 1 reply (last reply by Kathy Ware at 10/17/2006 08:44 PM)JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:09 PM
Very Impressed! Called Barb late on Friday night and she accommodated room for two within the hour! Best deal on the trail. Room was fantastic, breakfast good, and access to store at all hour terrific. Make this a stop for your overnight lodging needs.
JD from Joplin on 09/24/2006 08:09 PM
Very Impressed! Called Barb late on Friday night and she accommodated room for two within the hour! Best deal on the trail. Room was fantastic, breakfast good, and access to store at all hour terrific. Make this a stop for your overnight lodging needs.
Kathy Ware from Nashville, TN on 10/17/2006 08:44 PM
Barb and Amy are the best - easily the favorite of me and the children for overnight accomodations. Friendly and genuine!
Kathy Ware from Nashville, TN on 10/17/2006 08:44 PM
Barb and Amy are the best - easily the favorite of me and the children for overnight accomodations. Friendly and genuine!
4th Annual Katy Trail Extravaganza presented by Little Buddy
- + The dates have been set, October 20-22. 3 days, 1 trail, Clinton to St. Charles. This year we will be returning 3 veterens, 1 apprentice, and one newbie. See you on the trail.
Discussion started 09/19/2006 10:08 PM by BLM - 4 replies (last reply by Bob at 10/17/2006 02:09 PM)BLM from St Louis on 09/19/2006 10:08 PM
The dates have been set, October 20-22. 3 days, 1 trail, Clinton to St. Charles. This year we will be returning 3 veterens, 1 apprentice, and one newbie. See you on the trail.
Tank from St. Louis, Mo on 09/20/2006 09:30 AM
I will miss the sheer pain that it takes to ride this trail in three days. Hope you guys have fun! Tank
BLM from St Louis on 10/01/2006 01:15 PM
Well then come along. There is plenty of pain for everyone.
BLM from St Louis on 10/09/2006 08:40 PM
It is getting closer....
Bob from Stl on 10/17/2006 02:09 PM
Had to go diggin for this post - not much talk about this big adventure!
RT Weilers (St Charles)
- + I think the food there is amazing and I love the atmosphere. When i want to go out to eat thats the first place i want to go!
Discussion started 08/24/2006 06:49 PM - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 10/17/2006 02:06 PM)Anonymous on 08/24/2006 06:49 PM
I think the food there is amazing and I love the atmosphere. When i want to go out to eat thats the first place i want to go!
Anonymous on 08/28/2006 07:58 AM
You are right it is a nice place, but is it really the FIRST place you want to go? I can think of much better places all within two blocks of RT's.
mauryjoe from Crestwood.Mo on 09/08/2006 02:42 PM
We loved the atmosphere, service, and fine food.
TV monitors showed all sports, including English Soccer!
You can see Momentum Cycles from here, and after lunch, we rented two Trek Hybrids, and were on the trail in minutes.
Thanks to Karen and Mark.
Anonymous on 10/17/2006 11:48 AM
Definetaly not my first choice- that is the place we go if everyone else is too busy to get us in. Service is slow, employees are rude... I have many other places I would rather eat.
Anonymous on 10/17/2006 02:06 PM
Yaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnn.....more "where I like to eat" review.....with little flavor of the Katy.