Trip with kids
-  + We are wanting to plan a trip with kids ages 15 - 10. Does anyone have a suggestion on start/stop points and towns/places of interests? Planning on 3 days of biking - (kids and dad love to fish)
Discussion started 12/27/2006 09:27 PM by L Singer - 5 replies (last reply by Rhona Lococo at 02/11/2007 04:33 PM)L Singer from Dallas, TX on 12/27/2006 09:27 PM
We are wanting to plan a trip with kids ages 15 - 10. Does anyone have a suggestion on start/stop points and towns/places of interests? Planning on 3 days of biking - (kids and dad love to fish)
Anonymous on 12/29/2006 10:43 PM
trip with kids, i would suggest anywhere rocheport then east. thats the nicest section. have fun.
savage24 from KC,MO on 12/30/2006 03:44 AM
Are you camping? Will you have a support vehicle following along?
ET from Columbia on 01/11/2007 11:52 AM
What time of year are you going, and are you planning to camp or stay in B&Bs? We do an annual ride with our kids, now 10 and 12, and I can give you some suggestions if I know more (actually, I made an entry on another thread somewhere about this--maybe Ray could link to it!)
Ray (webmaster) on 01/11/2007 12:12 PM
ET, I think you're referring to the Family ride thread, or possibly the Swimming near the trail thread. Good info.
One other thing - here's a list of points of interest along the Katy Trail. This is a catch-all category for interesting spots along the trail that you and/or the kids may want to see, to break up the routine of riding.
Rhona Lococo from St. Charles Mo. on 02/11/2007 04:33 PM
St. Charles is an exellant place to start your bike ride ---- or to finish your ride ------Momentum bike shop is right on the trail ---- we (Lococo House ll, Bed & Breakfast) is just three blocks off the trail ---- we have overnight accomodations, breakfast, hot tub, shuttle service and info for you ------- call 636-946-0613 ----or check out the site www.lococohouse.com
proper training for a ride
-  + I'm new at biking and am curiuos as to how much training I would need to do and what type if I was interested in a 150-200 mile roundtrip ride. Plus, how long would it take to bike roughly 75-100 mil...
Discussion started 02/04/2007 02:20 PM by Jason M - 6 replies (last reply by Mom who rides with her daughters at 02/10/2007 05:02 PM)Jason M from Springfield, mo on 02/04/2007 02:20 PM
I'm new at biking and am curiuos as to how much training I would need to do and what type if I was interested in a 150-200 mile roundtrip ride. Plus, how long would it take to bike roughly 75-100 miles one way? Any insight to a novice would be appreciated. I'm looking at riding from Clinton to Boonville and back.
Robert from Columbia on 02/05/2007 09:20 AM
You just need to ride until you can do that in practice. The main piece of advice that
anyone could give you is to eat something every hour. You cannot replace the amount of
calories you will burn while riding but if you eat something every hour it will keep your
blood sugar from depleting and will keep you from "bonking."
J&K from Drexel MO on 02/05/2007 10:18 AM
Water. Be sure you always carry water with you and force yourself to drink 20 to 24 ozs every hour.(the average water bottle) If it is a very hot and humid day, you will want to also drink some Powerade. You should also ride a few short training rides on the trail to get used to the trail surface (slower than pavement, more resistance), and the continual pedaling...no hills! Most of all, don't make it too technical, just enjoy!!!
J&K from Drexel MO on 02/05/2007 10:30 AM
Jason, I just remembered there is a "newer" rail trail in your area you could train on, it is the "Frisco Highline Trail". It runs from Springfield to Bolivar, and would be a great place to practice. It is not as well used or maintained as the Katy, so don't get discouraged about Rail Trails.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 02/05/2007 11:19 AM
To my knowledge the Frisco runs to Morrisville......the bridge crossing the Little Sac River was torched last summer. Stil may be a good ride from Springfield to there......just hit the brakes before the bridge!
http://www.friscohighlinetrail.org/
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 02/05/2007 12:22 PM
A lot of it depends on how far you want to ride at a time. A novice rider on a decent bike can average about 10 mph on the trail. With that in mind, it would take a good 8 hours just to ride 80 miles, not accounting for breaks. Aside from the being in shape part, that long on the saddle will kill most people who are not cyclists. My advice would be to decide how far you would like to go at a time and then just start training. My training routine for last October when I did 293 miles on the trail in 6 days was pretty basic. I rode during the work week about 3-4 nights a week and would try and get in about 20 miles. On the weekend, I would try and do at least aa 40 or 50 mile ride, both weekend days if possible. This will get you used to being in the saddle. You'd be surprised how much your body can do. As previously mentioned...just be sure to eat and drink a lot before and during the ride. Good luck...you will love it!
Mom who rides with her daughters from Lee's Summit on 02/10/2007 05:02 PM
My girls and I used to do about 40 miles in a short day..meaning we leaft late, took our time and played a lot.
We probably could have pushed more, but we went for the fun.
The Katy Trail Bike Ride 2007
-  + I would like to do about a 3-day ride on the Katy Trail with some out-of-town relatives this summer. They would need to rent bikes and we would need lodging. Any suggestions on how I get started plann...
Discussion started 02/04/2007 08:11 PM by Cathy Hackman - 5 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 02/10/2007 12:26 PM)Cathy Hackman from O'Fallon, Missouri on 02/04/2007 08:11 PM
I would like to do about a 3-day ride on the Katy Trail with some out-of-town relatives this summer. They would need to rent bikes and we would need lodging. Any suggestions on how I get started planning?
Thank you, Cathy
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 02/05/2007 12:25 PM
You are in the right place for planning a KATY ride. This website has a wealth of information. I would decide where you want to start the ride and try and map out how far you would go each day. Then just click on the towns on this website and it will let you know about lodging. Several of the towns have shops that rent bikes. Trailside Bike Shop in Rocheport has a wide selection of rental bikes are they are very friendly. This may be a good place to start as the eastern side of the trail is typically the most beautiful. Good luck!
Anonymous from Jonesboro, AR on 02/06/2007 12:04 PM
Another good place to rent bikes is Scenic Cycles in Marthasville.
292 Boone Monument Rd
P.O. Box 41
Marthasville, MO 63357
636-433-2909 / fax 636-433-5131
www.scenic-cycles.com
Ed F from Sparks, NV on 02/06/2007 01:53 PM
I seems to remember that Scenic Cycles have moved to Jefferson City but not sure of that.
I am sure that the web site is gone:
scenic-cycles.com expired on 01/20/2007 and is pending renewal or deletion.
Anonymous on 02/07/2007 09:31 AM
the cycle-depot in hartsburg has moved to jefferson city. no idear on scenic cycles.
Ray (webmaster) on 02/10/2007 12:26 PM
I just spoke to Terry at Scenic Cycles. Although their website is down for now, they are still in business and still located just east of Marthasville. They're operating on winter hours this time of year.
Katy Trail song
-  + The Katy Trail inspires lots of people in lots of different ways. I recently received this song, which was written by Dennis Carroll.
Katy Trail Song
To the tune of “The Caiss...
Discussion started 02/08/2007 09:07 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 02/08/2007 09:07 AM
The Katy Trail inspires lots of people in lots of different ways. I recently received this song, which was written by Dennis Carroll.
Katy Trail Song
To the tune of “The Caissons Go Rolling Along”
Over hill, over dale as we hit the Katy Trail,
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
In and out, hear us shout, “Katy Trail’s what we’re about.”
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
Refrain:
We have filled our sacks with fruit and healthy snacks,
To make sure our legs keep pedalin’ strong.
Our strength will not fail as we ride the Katy Trail,
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
Smell that fresh country air; it is sometimes hard to bear.
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
Rain or shine, here’s our line: Katy Trail is mighty fine.
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
Refrain:
We have filled our sacks with fruit and healthy snacks,
To make sure our legs keep pedalin’ strong.
Our strength will not fail as we ride the Katy Trail,
Those bicycles keep rolling along.
Lyrics by Dennis Carroll
May, 2006
East half vs. whole trail
-  + We are debating if we should ride the trail from Sedalia to St. Charles or ride from St. Charles to Jeff City roundtrip. Is the West half more scenic? Will we get plenty of scenery if we stick to the ...
Discussion started 02/04/2007 01:57 PM by FloridaGirl - 5 replies (last reply by Wayne at 02/06/2007 05:55 PM)FloridaGirl from Melbourne, FL on 02/04/2007 01:57 PM
We are debating if we should ride the trail from Sedalia to St. Charles or ride from St. Charles to Jeff City roundtrip. Is the West half more scenic? Will we get plenty of scenery if we stick to the East half?
savage24 from KC,MO on 02/04/2007 03:09 PM
That's a tough one, FloridaGirl. I think the most scenic area is east of Rocheport and I highly recommend riding it. You would miss that area if you turned around at Jefferson City, but if you are planning to ride Amtrak to Sedalia you will need to be extremely patient and flexible with your schedule.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 02/05/2007 12:27 PM
I enjoyed both ends of the trail, each for it's own beauty. I would have to say though, that the eastern end is more scenic and also more heavily travelled. Have fun wherever you decide to ride!
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 02/06/2007 07:11 AM
It really depends on what you want to see. The western leg (Clinton to Boonville) is farmland, rolling hills, long stretches across prairies and through woods. The eastern leg (New Franklin to St. Charles) is entirely in the river bottoms, with lots and lots of corn and soybean fields on one side, broken up by views of the river, and some pretty majestic river bluffs on the other. You really should see it all.
If I had to chose, though, I would hit the trail in the Boonville/Rocheport area and head east to at least the McKittrick/Augusta area
Anonymous from Jonesboro, AR on 02/06/2007 12:01 PM
I agree with GC, don't waste your time with Clinton to Sedalia (unless you like boring farmland and dodging horse manure). I do, however recommend Sedalia to St. Charles, because you get to see all the good parts of the trail.
Wayne from OH on 02/06/2007 05:55 PM
We enjoyed the entire trail, I would recommend doing as much of the it as possable. Personally I found as much or more "boring farmland" East of Booneville as I did West of Booneville but it was all beautiful. The "personality" of the trail changed several times over the course of the ride. I would like to return and ride it again this summer, but my wife says other trails need ridden as well.
Best weeks to bike the trail
-  + I will be biking the trail and am wondering about the weather in August. How hot is it in Missouri at that time? Any suggestions?
Discussion started 12/22/2006 04:06 PM by Nelda - 8 replies (last reply by dale at 02/05/2007 12:43 PM)Nelda from Trempealeau on 12/22/2006 04:06 PM
I will be biking the trail and am wondering about the weather in August. How hot is it in Missouri at that time? Any suggestions?
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 12/22/2006 09:16 PM
Check this link from this website:
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/weather.asp
It is hot in August.....I'm native and used to it so to me it's not unbearable. Prime time tho is Spring and Fall when it's a tad cooler.
savage24 from KC,MO on 12/23/2006 01:59 AM
What Trek Biker said... it can be HOT in August, especialy early in the month. I would plan on starting as early as possable each morning to get most of your riding in before 2pm. Many areas are shaded in the morning due to trees and/or bluffs next to the trail. Top off your water bottles whenever you have the opportunity. Are you in Wisconsin?
Missouri Joe from O'Fallon, MO on 12/23/2006 08:37 AM
Yep, August can be hot and humid. While the actual temp can do you in the humidity can be a big factor too. Sweat does not evaporate as quickly in humid air and the body can not cool itself as well. I've seen larger-sized folks suffering from heat exhaustion even in the shade (greater mass = more heat retention). Bring plenty of water, not only to drink but to pour on your head to cool you off. Be sensible and you should be OK, I bike almost year 'round and my least favorite time is Spring when the pollen is flying...
sbikes from Kansas City on 12/23/2006 08:49 PM
It is hot in August...and very easy to get dehydrated, regardless of your size. My favorite
times of the year to ride the Trail are in early May and October...I enjoy the changing seasons
and the weather is usually more temperate. If you go in August, drink lots of water and mix
in some Gatorade to help replace the electrolytes you sweat out. Sharon
mh from Missouri on 01/23/2007 04:03 AM
I biked the trail in August of 2006. The temperature hovered right around 100 degrees the entire ride, topping out at 104. The first two days were torture because I drastically underestimated my fluid needs. But the last two days were cake once I figured out a hydration method that worked for me. I stuffed my camelbak and two spare bottles completely full of ice, then filled up with water and powdered gatorade. I put the bite valve in my mouth and didn't let it drop until I stopped riding. I drank slow small sips constantly all day. I never went more than a few second without taking a sip. I think that going solo helped me to stay better hydrated than people riding in groups, because I didn't have to worry about talking to anybody. I could keep the bite valve in my mouth all day without it ever getting in the way of a conversation. I topped off at every trailhead to assure I wouldn't run out. I tried alternating one camelbak of gatorade with one camelbak of water, but the water just didn't replenish me enough in such extreme heat. I felt much better when I stuck to gatorade, so I drank it constantly when I was pedaling and switched to water after I stopped for the day. Believe me, if you hydrate yourself correctly, you will be amazed at what you can do! During those last two days of 100 degree weather, I rode faster than I ever have before and barely seemed to notice the heat or the miles slipping by.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 01/23/2007 03:00 PM
We rode the trail the first week of October last year. The first 4 days were around 95...record heat each day. The last days were cooler, but still not bad. My point is...you never know about the weather. I would make sure to be prepared for everything...hot, cold, rain, etc. Spring and fall are the best times to ride though...in general.
Sarafena from Kansas on 01/31/2007 10:41 PM
My husband and I rode during the third week of August. We had a great time (celebrated our 30th anniversary) and loved the weather! We were very disciplined about drinking water and replacement beverages. We started around 9am, we rode hard in the mornings, read most historical signs (good opportunity to hydrate), stopped in most towns, ate late lunches in restaurants/cafes, finished daily around 3 pm, stayed in B & B's. We almost had the trail to ourselves the entire time - 6 riders and 2 walkers...total! In my opinion - ride during August!
dale from springfield, mo on 02/05/2007 12:43 PM
august is usually ALWAYS hot.
one thing to remember.. many of the accomodations along the route are closed in the heat of summer due to low turnout/population of users.
you must keep that in mind for lodging, food and most importantly water.
while most of the trail markers have a water station, it's not cool/cold. and some markers are absent of water posts.
GOOD luck ...hope you enjoy it was much as i do
Amber House Bed & Breakfast (Rocheport) - LOVELY stay!
-  + Just recently, we returned from an absolutely lovely stay at the Amber House. After seeing some of the comments posted on this site, I felt compelled to write about our experience. The inn is absolu...
Discussion started 01/29/2007 05:36 PM by Gretchen - 0 repliesGretchen on 01/29/2007 05:36 PM
Just recently, we returned from an absolutely lovely stay at the Amber House. After seeing some of the comments posted on this site, I felt compelled to write about our experience. The inn is absolutely gorgeous. Our room was so comfortable - great bed (could have used a flatter pillow - but have you ever had to ask for a FLATTER pillow??!!), separate shower and air jet tub, in room fireplace, complimentary snacks, soda, coffee... wine and cheese at check-in. Just wonderful. I've not had such a relaxing weekend in a long time. I found the hosts to be quite friendly, but not intrusive on our privacy. Breakfast was delish. I will highly recommend this place to my friends, and definitely plan to go back. You should check it out!
Gretchen on 01/29/2007 05:36 PM
Just recently, we returned from an absolutely lovely stay at the Amber House. After seeing some of the comments posted on this site, I felt compelled to write about our experience. The inn is absolutely gorgeous. Our room was so comfortable - great bed (could have used a flatter pillow - but have you ever had to ask for a FLATTER pillow??!!), separate shower and air jet tub, in room fireplace, complimentary snacks, soda, coffee... wine and cheese at check-in. Just wonderful. I've not had such a relaxing weekend in a long time. I found the hosts to be quite friendly, but not intrusive on our privacy. Breakfast was delish. I will highly recommend this place to my friends, and definitely plan to go back. You should check it out!
Columbia to St. Charles
-  + Some friends and I are planning a ride from Columbia to St. Charles. We are all mid-40s, ride our bikes to work, and are in reasonably good shape. My question is, should we do this in 2 days or 3 da...
Discussion started 01/25/2007 09:48 AM by Pistolero45 - 1 reply (last reply by Jim at 01/25/2007 11:10 AM)Pistolero45 from Columbia, MO on 01/25/2007 09:48 AM
Some friends and I are planning a ride from Columbia to St. Charles. We are all mid-40s, ride our bikes to work, and are in reasonably good shape. My question is, should we do this in 2 days or 3 days? Also, any info you can provide concerning B&Bs and resturants will be appreciated.
Jim from St. Thomas on 01/25/2007 11:10 AM
Two days is not a push if you're used to doing distances. If you are actually riding from Columbia (riding the spur down to the trail) you would hit McKittrik at around 70 miles leaving you a little under 60 miles for the second day. You could do a trial run from Columbia to Hartsburg and back......I think that's around 70 miles.......and then decide if you want to add a day to your St. Charles ride.
minimum camping age
-  + I am planning a trip with some friends this summer to ride from Sedalie to st. Charles. This summer i will be 17. I was wondering if any of the campsites allow you to get a campsite at this age. Does ...
Discussion started 01/23/2007 04:56 PM by JL - 1 reply (last reply by Trek Biker at 01/24/2007 01:42 PM)JL from STL on 01/23/2007 04:56 PM
I am planning a trip with some friends this summer to ride from Sedalie to st. Charles. This summer i will be 17. I was wondering if any of the campsites allow you to get a campsite at this age. Does anyone have any information on the minimum age for getting a campsite?
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 01/24/2007 01:42 PM
If I were wanting to know that information, I would rather hear it directly from the person in charge at the campground.....straight from the horses mouth, as each place may have a different rule. You can use the Towns & Services feature on this website to find links to various campgrounds. From there.....make a call or email the owner/manager to find out their specific policy.
Jefferson City
-  + I'm doing the Katy Trail later this week, and I was wondering if there were any cool trails from Jeff City south to Wardsville.
Discussion started 01/23/2007 12:57 AM by Chris - 0 repliesChris from St. Louis on 01/23/2007 12:57 AM
I'm doing the Katy Trail later this week, and I was wondering if there were any cool trails from Jeff City south to Wardsville.
To Machens?
-  + What are the plans to extend the Katy Trail past St. Charles to Machens and beyond?
Discussion started 01/22/2007 12:08 PM by Rich - 1 reply (last reply by DougK at 01/22/2007 08:42 PM)Rich from St. Louis on 01/22/2007 12:08 PM
What are the plans to extend the Katy Trail past St. Charles to Machens and beyond?
DougK from Troy on 01/22/2007 08:42 PM
Rich,
The trail is pretty much there. Head east from St. Charles along the grassy path. The grass eventually turns into gravel on top of a flood dike for about 2 miles. You then come to the good old level, crushed rock trail we know and love. There's a pavilion (Katy Trail style) at Machens. Black Walnut has a good parking lot if you want to explore west to St. Charles or east to Machens.
Scout Trip
-  + I am a leader of a Boy Scout troop and am making some preliminary plans for a bike trip for the scouts on the Katy Trail. My interest would be to find a camping spot we could spend Friday night, then...
Discussion started 01/19/2007 11:58 AM by Tom - 6 replies (last reply by Tom at 01/22/2007 03:49 PM)Tom from Overland Park on 01/19/2007 11:58 AM
I am a leader of a Boy Scout troop and am making some preliminary plans for a bike trip for the scouts on the Katy Trail. My interest would be to find a camping spot we could spend Friday night, then do an out and back trip on Saturday, returning to the same campground. I am guessing 20-30 miles reound trip would be about right. Thinking about early March but I have some concerns about facilities being open that time of year. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Robert from Columbia on 01/19/2007 12:52 PM
Im not trying to be negative but there is one thing I have against the boy scouts on the
katy trail.
Virtually everytime I see a large group of scouts on the katy they are allowing the boys to
trespass on other peoples property. One example is the bluffs between rocheport and
mcbaine. That is all private property yet I see scout leaders watching proudly as boys
roam and climb and have fun all over the bluffs.
Rule of thumb...the katy trail state park extends to the width of the trail and that is it. The
only time that you can roam the countryside is if there are signs saying "missouri
department of conservation."
You might want to pass this information on to other scout leaders. Im sure its more fun to
let them off the trail but I doubt you want to teach these boys to trespass. Its also the very
reason why so many landowners hate the trail.
Jim from St. Thomas on 01/19/2007 02:26 PM
Tom, I would recommend riding somewhere in the Rocheport - Hartsburg section of the trail. For my money it's the prettiest part of the whole trail and I think there are several places to camp along that stretch. If you haven't already looked, go to the "Towns & Services" link at the top of the page for camping options. Good luck and have fun.........usually when we pass a group of scouts at the end of a ride it looks like the scoutmasters have spent the whole day herding cats.
savage24 from KC,MO on 01/20/2007 05:16 AM
These places come to mind as being ideal for scout troops, ie: owned by the city or civic groups, have shelter house, picnic tables, etc. Call the appropriate contacts listed on this sight to see if facilities will be available that early.
Closer to home: Farrington Park in Windsor
Middle of the trail: American Legion Park in Hartsburg
Far from home: Community Club Park in Marthasville
Speaking of herding cats - I would avoid Sedalia due to the trail crossing several streets and part of the route being on city streets.
sbikes from Kansas City on 01/20/2007 10:33 AM
Rocheport to Hartsburg, camp overnight in Hartsburg as savage24 suggests, then back to
Rocheport the next day...or go on to Jefferson City the next day.
I have a couple of friends who have taken their boy scout troops on the Trail and have had
good luck with this route. In fact, last time one of them did it, they encountered other
troops camping at Hartsburg who had come from the other direction and so it was not
only a great bike ride, but they met some new friends as well.
Make sure the boys know the rules of the road, that their bikes are in good working order,
everyone has a water bottle and drinks from it, and carry some extra tubes and a tire
pump. This could be a great opportunity to call your local bike shop and arrange for a
lesson in bike maintenance for your troop.
Have fun!
ET from Columbia on 01/21/2007 09:48 PM
Two nice mid-trail campgrounds that would put you within easy riding distance of the pretty stretch around Rocheport are the Katy Roundhouse in Franklin and Katfish Katy's in Huntsdale.
Tom from Overland Park on 01/22/2007 03:49 PM
Thanks to everyone for your comments. Robert, I don't take your comments as negative, in fact, I appreciate the heads up. You can be assured that this troop WILL understand the limits of our welcome.
El Sambre Restaurante (Clinton)
-  + food sucks
Discussion started 04/05/2006 02:24 PM by nikki perron - 2 replies (last reply by Robert at 01/22/2007 09:10 AM)nikki perron from clinton on 04/05/2006 02:24 PM
food sucks
Everett & Susan Helms on 01/21/2007 02:02 PM
We love to eat there it is our favorite restaurant.
Robert from Columbia on 01/22/2007 09:10 AM
I have eaten there before and thought it was awesome.