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 08/24/2006 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.
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.
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 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.
Anonymous on 10/17/2006 02:06 PM
Yaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnn.....more "where I like to eat" review.....with little flavor of the Katy.
Trailhead Brewing Co (St Charles)
- + We've never been questioned about correct atire. The food is great as well as the beer. Don't miss the happy hour prices and appitizer specials
Discussion started 10/13/2006 04:46 PM by Bob & Diane - 1 reply (last reply by Paulie at 10/17/2006 05:48 AM)Bob & Diane from Monroe City on 10/13/2006 04:46 PM
We've never been questioned about correct atire. The food is great as well as the beer. Don't miss the happy hour prices and appitizer specials
Bob & Diane from Monroe City on 10/13/2006 04:46 PM
We've never been questioned about correct atire. The food is great as well as the beer. Don't miss the happy hour prices and appitizer specials
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 10/17/2006 05:48 AM
I visited this place one Thursday night and arrived a few minutes before 10 pm. When we ask to be seated in the dining area(the bar was super smokey)The hostess looks at her watch, then say "we stoped seating at 5 till 10". Then tells us none of the dining room servers wanted to work late. It was getting late so we went ahead and sat in the smokey bar area.
After our server took our order, he returned to the table and says they are out of lettuce so no salads tonight. So we order something different and he returns again and proceeds to tell us they are out of just about everything we ordered. We all ended up ordering pizza which one of them was burned black on the bottom.
Not once the entire evening did I see a manager much less did one ever visit our table. I'd give this place a grade of 1 ot of 5.
I'll dine somewhere else next time am in St. Charles.
Paulie
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 10/17/2006 05:48 AM
I visited this place one Thursday night and arrived a few minutes before 10 pm. When we ask to be seated in the dining area(the bar was super smokey)The hostess looks at her watch, then say "we stoped seating at 5 till 10". Then tells us none of the dining room servers wanted to work late. It was getting late so we went ahead and sat in the smokey bar area.
After our server took our order, he returned to the table and says they are out of lettuce so no salads tonight. So we order something different and he returns again and proceeds to tell us they are out of just about everything we ordered. We all ended up ordering pizza which one of them was burned black on the bottom.
Not once the entire evening did I see a manager much less did one ever visit our table. I'd give this place a grade of 1 ot of 5.
I'll dine somewhere else next time am in St. Charles.
Paulie
Katy Bike Rental (Defiance)
- + Very nice place. The people were extremely friendly and the store was nice. They had ice cream too, which was great!
Discussion started 10/16/2006 05:01 PM by Jason - 0 repliesJason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 05:01 PM
Very nice place. The people were extremely friendly and the store was nice. They had ice cream too, which was great!
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 05:01 PM
Very nice place. The people were extremely friendly and the store was nice. They had ice cream too, which was great!
Klondike Park (Augusta)
- + Very, very nice campground! We enjoyed everything about it. Augusta is about 3 miles away and it is the coolest little town...wish we had more time to visit there. Not much to eat in this area, so ...
Discussion started 10/16/2006 04:46 PM by Jason - 0 repliesJason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 04:46 PM
Very, very nice campground! We enjoyed everything about it. Augusta is about 3 miles away and it is the coolest little town...wish we had more time to visit there. Not much to eat in this area, so come prepared!
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 04:46 PM
Very, very nice campground! We enjoyed everything about it. Augusta is about 3 miles away and it is the coolest little town...wish we had more time to visit there. Not much to eat in this area, so come prepared!
Lucy's Bar & Grill (McBaine)
- + We are here about 2 weeks ago. When you are on the trail heading east, you have to look back to your right to actually see the place...it is easy to miss. At first, we felt out of place here since i...
Discussion started 10/16/2006 04:31 PM by Jason - 0 repliesJason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 04:31 PM
We are here about 2 weeks ago. When you are on the trail heading east, you have to look back to your right to actually see the place...it is easy to miss. At first, we felt out of place here since it was a lot of locals. No one gave us a hard time though. Our waiter has the personality of a rock, but we got our food quickly. The cheesburgers were absolutey fantastic! The "rabbit food" on the side was very fresh. The prices are good too. On our way out, Lucy briefly spoke to us. I would eat here again for sure.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 04:31 PM
We are here about 2 weeks ago. When you are on the trail heading east, you have to look back to your right to actually see the place...it is easy to miss. At first, we felt out of place here since it was a lot of locals. No one gave us a hard time though. Our waiter has the personality of a rock, but we got our food quickly. The cheesburgers were absolutey fantastic! The "rabbit food" on the side was very fresh. The prices are good too. On our way out, Lucy briefly spoke to us. I would eat here again for sure.
Burr Oak Tree (McBaine)
- + Definitely easy to miss. You have to make sure and pay attention to see it. We had to back track to see it. It is nice, but the area around the bottom of the tree is not all that nice. Still a bea...
Discussion started 10/16/2006 04:25 PM by Jason - 0 repliesJason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 04:25 PM
Definitely easy to miss. You have to make sure and pay attention to see it. We had to back track to see it. It is nice, but the area around the bottom of the tree is not all that nice. Still a beautiful tree though!
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 04:25 PM
Definitely easy to miss. You have to make sure and pay attention to see it. We had to back track to see it. It is nice, but the area around the bottom of the tree is not all that nice. Still a beautiful tree though!
Katfish Katy's (Huntsdale)
- + We ended up camping here when we learned that Dianes Bend was a no-go. This was a decent place. The people in the store were friendly and it did have a decent shower. The camping facilities are act...
Discussion started 10/16/2006 04:22 PM by Jason - 0 repliesJason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 04:22 PM
We ended up camping here when we learned that Dianes Bend was a no-go. This was a decent place. The people in the store were friendly and it did have a decent shower. The camping facilities are actually pretty nice, right alongside the river. We were the only ones camping there, so we were slightly uneasy, but nothing bad at all happened. Nowhere to eat, so make sure you don't plan to eat there. The store does have snack food though.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 10/16/2006 04:22 PM
We ended up camping here when we learned that Dianes Bend was a no-go. This was a decent place. The people in the store were friendly and it did have a decent shower. The camping facilities are actually pretty nice, right alongside the river. We were the only ones camping there, so we were slightly uneasy, but nothing bad at all happened. Nowhere to eat, so make sure you don't plan to eat there. The store does have snack food though.
Lococo House (St Charles)
- + Very service oriented. We had a great stay and the breakfast was top notch. Transportation services are also available for bikers.
Discussion started 10/16/2006 01:40 PM by OP Mike - 0 repliesOP Mike from Overland Park, KS on 10/16/2006 01:40 PM
Very service oriented. We had a great stay and the breakfast was top notch. Transportation services are also available for bikers.
OP Mike from Overland Park, KS on 10/16/2006 01:40 PM
Very service oriented. We had a great stay and the breakfast was top notch. Transportation services are also available for bikers.
Catch the Katy - DNR Ride 2006
- + I was wondering if transportation is available from clinton back to st.charles after the ride, i am interested in doing this ride possibly next year, any response would be great. thanks
Discussion started 10/15/2006 09:22 AM by TRYNA - 2 replies (last reply by Dave B. at 10/16/2006 12:01 PM)TRYNA from NORMAN, OKLAHOMA on 10/15/2006 09:22 AM
I was wondering if transportation is available from clinton back to st.charles after the ride, i am interested in doing this ride possibly next year, any response would be great. thanks
Peter Hadley from St. Charles, MO on 10/15/2006 10:34 PM
Every year late June, there is a five-day ride of the KATY Trail with
transportation the other way.
Dave B. from Columbia, SC on 10/16/2006 12:01 PM
The tour bus basically costs $50 from either termination point (Clinton or St Charles, MO). You have the option to ride either before or after the ride. It just depends on which way the ride is going that year (East to West or West to East). I have family in Kansas City so I always leave my car in Clinton, MO. The tour bus is comfortable and the volunteers do a great job packing the bikes on the baggage truck. Normally the state ride starts the first Monday after Fathers Day or June 18 through June 22, 2007. Last year we went from East to West and they normally alternate the direction each year. I am looking forward to seeing you all on the 2007 DNR Katy Trail Ride.
Motels in Pilot Grove?
- + Are there any motels in Pilot Grove? I can't really afford a Bed and Breakfast as I ride the Katy.
Discussion started 10/16/2006 11:24 AM by rkd - 0 repliesrkd from St. Louis on 10/16/2006 11:24 AM
Are there any motels in Pilot Grove? I can't really afford a Bed and Breakfast as I ride the Katy.
Which direction is easiest?
- + I will soon be riding the entire trail for the first time and would like to go the direction that would be the easiest. Should I go from west to east OR east to west? I'm assuming that elevation at ...
Discussion started 10/11/2006 03:19 PM by gsd - 10 replies (last reply by gsd at 10/16/2006 11:22 AM)gsd from Ft. Worth on 10/11/2006 03:19 PM
I will soon be riding the entire trail for the first time and would like to go the direction that would be the easiest. Should I go from west to east OR east to west? I'm assuming that elevation at both places would be the biggest factor, but also, what about winds coming from one direction or the other? I will ride in late November.
Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 10/11/2006 03:52 PM
West to East but total elevation difference is only in the 800' arena and winds typically southwest to northeast to oversimplify but only the elevation difference can be considered utterly accurate data. Been on the Trinity River system lately? Regards...Mark of the Dalton Boys
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 10/12/2006 11:03 AM
I would DEFINITELY say west to east. There seem to be more rolling hills that go down and chances are, you will have a tail wind. When we were riding west, it was tough!!! Good luck. You will love it either way you go!
gsd from Ft. Worth on 10/12/2006 03:33 PM
To the Dalton Boys - Concerning the Trinity River, YES!!! This is where I ride every day :) These trails go all over Ft. Worth and go off in so many different directions. It's great because you can either ride on concrete OR packed limestone. Depending on the shape your stomach is in, you can ride off one direction and smell the fish, but the other direction, you smell steaks grilling at the restaurants across the river. The scenery is very nice. Have you ever had the opportunity to ride the Trinity?
Ken from St. Charles on 10/12/2006 04:44 PM
I rode the trail west to east in 3 days last week. The first day from Clinton to Rocheport was pretty grueling. It seemed to be all uphill to Pilot Grove. We also had light headwinds from the east all 3 days. In spite of that, the weather was great and I'm ready to do it again. If you're looking for a stop near Bluffton, I would heartily recommend the Rendleman Home B & B.
Ken
Ken from St. Charles on 10/12/2006 05:02 PM
I rode the trail west to east in 3 days last week. The first day from Clinton to Rocheport was pretty grueling. It seemed to be all uphill to Pilot Grove. We also had light headwinds from the east all 3 days. In spite of that, the weather was great and I'm ready to do it again. If you're looking for a stop near Bluffton, I would heartily recommend the Rendleman Home B & B.
Ken
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 10/13/2006 07:28 AM
Yeah, I agree,there is definitely a trend for slight inclines from the Clifton City area to Pilot Grove, and a little bit of one from I-70 into Boonville. If you are an experienced rider, I would think it wouldn't be too much of a problem.
Oh, and I have walked the Trinity Trails from near the Fort Worth Zoo to Lake Benbrook. Nice trail!
Jim from St. Thomas on 10/13/2006 12:39 PM
When we rode the whole trail West to East last May and I have to say the first stretch from Clinton to Pilot Grove with it's long, gradual incline kicked my butt. When we pulled into Pilot Grove I was the happiest guy on earth. All of our riding is on the trail and I was surprised at how much difference the incline made. To be honest though, the real problem was probably that we had very little seat time before we did the ride. By the way,when in Pilot Grove I highly recommend Deon's Bar and Grill.....great burgers and onion rings.
TRYNA from NORMAN, OKLAHOMA on 10/15/2006 09:27 AM
are you planning to ride the trail with a group or just by yourself, i am interested in riding but only in a group for transportation reasons....have a great time .
El Toro on 10/15/2006 08:17 PM
I just finished a three day ride from Clinton to St. Charles yesterday afternoon at 2pm. EVERYONE I talked to on the trail (about 6 experienced trail riders) said go WEST to EAST. 3 people had done it both ways and said they would never again go east to west. It's a WONDERFUL trip. I had a great time. I will do it again sometime.
I also agree with the comments about the toughest part of the ride being from Clinton to Pilot Grove - or maybe Booneville. Grades aren't steep - but there are some long ones. It is manageable. I pushed hard the first day and did 114 miles to Hartsburg. Took it REAL easy day 2 and went to the Doll House B and B in Rheinland (great stay) and then finished with 67 miles to St. Charles. Next time - I think I'll do 4 days.
Enjoy your trip!
gsd from Ft. Worth on 10/16/2006 11:22 AM
TRYNA - I will be riding with my husband - I'm not really into the big group thing :) Thank you everyone for your advice - I think I will definitely go West to East.