Katy Trail Forum

I am in the beginning stages of planning a through-ride of the Katy Trail. We have not yet decided how self-supported we will be, as far as camping along the trail or "credit card" touring. I am familiar with the things needed for a long term backpacking trip, so I need some advice on the bicycle repair gear we might need. Tubes and tires are a no brainer, but what about spokes, chains, extra nuts/bolts...? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

In my opinion....take some patches along....leave the spare tube and tire at home. Perhaps a chain tool and spare link would be wise...I never carry either tho...very low probability of needing them. Unless you are just loaded to the gills, spokes fall into the low probability group too. If you are extremely overloaded and putting alot of extra force on the rear axle.....yes, throw in a few spokes and a spoke wrench. I always carry a few spare capscrews and nuts for the rear rack or trailer.

2 tubes, 1 tire, 1 patch kit, 2 tire tools, 1 quick tool. My 2 cents.

I always carry a couple of tubes, tire tools, a pump, and a patch kit as a last resort. I would

much rather just change the tube out completely and get back on the road then mess with a

patch kit. I advise you go as light as possible... you really don't need to carry that

much...clothes are simple (leave the heavy jeans at home), toiletries to a bare minimum and

remember that you can buy food/drink, etc. along the way. I sometimes do carry powdered

Gatorade ... it is light to carry and more cost effective than buying Gatorade. I usually carry a

multitool, but rarely have needed it. And, don't forget the travel size baby wipes...they will

take grease off just about anything. And, have a great time! Sharon

...."so I need some advice on the bicycle repair gear we might need." Clothes, toiletries, Gatorade, baby wipes?? Not sure I'd let you work on my bike Sharon. I bet you could replace all that with some #9 wire an some duct tape....travel light!



All in fun.....

It looks as if the "cross-country bike tour" plan is overkill...thanks for the comments (now thinking of taking a MUCH lighter bike! ;) ) - It looks as if repair shops are MUCH more frequent than I was planning for! ;)

I can't find any listings for 2007 events.

The dates for the end-to-end rides are typically announced around February or so of that year, give or take a month. I'm sure the rides will happen, but no dates are set yet. Rest assured I will post the information as soon as it becomes available.

The state sponsered Katy Ride always starts the Monday after Father's Day.

Great wine and friendly staff. I frequently drive way out of my way to buy wine there, and I have visited all the Hermann wineries, but this is the only one I ever go back to. The Riefenstahler is outstanding!

Great wine and friendly staff. I frequently drive way out of my way to buy wine there, and I have visited all the Hermann wineries, but this is the only one I ever go back to. The Riefenstahler is outstanding!

Hear! Hear!

I agree about Adam Puchta. I love the staff. I love the wines. I love the facility! Best winery along the trail and one of the best in the state.

Hear! Hear!

I agree about Adam Puchta. I love the staff. I love the wines. I love the facility! Best winery along the trail and one of the best in the state.

If your staying in Hermann, there is only one place to stay. Rooms, breakfast, hospitality, non better in all our stays at B&B's.

We also enjoyed Birk's Guesthaus very much and will go back again. Great place to stay.

But why cross the river from the Katy when you can stay at Meyer's Hilltop Farm Bed & Breakfast in McKittrick? The Meyer's are two of the nicest folks you'll ever meet and their B&B is wonderful. Eldon will drive you across the car bridge to Hermann for your evening meal, and pick you back up when you're done exploring Hermann. The quiet and beauty of their B&B is fabulous after a long day on the trail.

Howard

We are wanting to ride the entire Katy Trail in 40 mile increments and stay in our R.V. My plan is to start as the Clinton end, ride 2 days, move the camper farther east, ride 2 more, move, etc. I want someone around Sedalia, Hartsburg and Marthasville, who will shuttle us 40 miles west one day and 40 miles east the next and we will ride back to our "home" destimation. I am having trouble finding short distance shuttle service. Anyone have any names or ideas. Thanks.

I used Sedalia Cab CO, 1615 East Broadway Boulevard, Sedalia, MO 65301 (660) 827-0469 to shuttle me from Sedalia to Clinton two years ago. The charge was $50.00.

Here's a list of all the shuttle services that I know of which serve the Katy Trail. Hopefully you can find what you need from this list. If you come up with any others that are not listed here, please let me know. Good luck!

One idea: park your RV in Sedalia, we meet you there, we hit the trail(eastbound), you take my vehicle to Rocheport with your bikes, you hit the trail (westbound). We ride to Rocheport, our vehicle is waiting, you ride back to your RV in Sedalia. Substitute any towns.

We used B&L Shuttle in Sedalia in 2005. They were extremely flexible, helpful, and reasonable. See the link Ray provided.

My wife and I drove our car down to Jefferson City so we could ride the Katy Trail while we were on vacation. We just got back to our car and discovered I lost the key somewhere along the way. We didn't have an extra key for our RX300.

I called A-1 Mobile Lock and Key and a very nice man responded to help us. His name was Robert I believe, he explained that our 2001 Lexus RX300 had a chip in the key. He told us it was very expensive to replace one of these keys, about $2000.00 if they are all lost.

I asked him what he could do so we could go home.

He explained he could reprogram the cars computer, make us new keys and the charge for everything would be about $500.00. That sure sounded better than $2000.00, so we told him to do it. It took about 1 hr for him to complete the process, he explained everything he was doing while he was doing it. It was amazing how he could do that.

It was a expensive bike ride, but it could have been a lot worse if we had to be towed to a Lexus dealer and then spend $2000 on top of it.

I highly recommend the service of A-1 Mobile Lock and Key to anyone who needs his services, he is a professional.

I am also interested in a possible birthday celebration--mother turning 90 and uncle turning 80--thank you. Mary Lou Blackhurst

I am also interested in a possible birthday celebration--mother turning 90 and uncle turning 80--thank you. Mary Lou Blackhurst

You might want to try contacting the St Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-366-2427. I don't know whether they manage the depot, but they'll probably know who does.

You might want to try contacting the St Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-366-2427. I don't know whether they manage the depot, but they'll probably know who does.

Is the Katy Trail Shuttle service the most economical way to go from St. Charles back to Clinton? Has anyone used them?

I was not aware of a shuttle service back to Clinton. Cn you give me details? Thanks

I recommend B & L Shuttle in Sedalia--very accommodating and reasonable. You might check out the comments re Amtrak on this site too.

WE shuttle to and from Clinton ----- we are a Bed & Breakfast(Lococo House ll) and we shuttle our guests ---- contact www.lococohouse.com --- for information

I don't know how prices compare, but we have found Gary Creason of Creason's Shuttles to be very reasonably priced

I'm planning a ~150 mile trip in late October.

>which part is most scenic?

>advise on going one way? Train back, other transport service?

>better to book overnites on own or thru a Guide?

THANKS!

The most scenic question comes up time and time again....and it seems that Rocheport and points east wins repeatedly. We also like Portland to Hermann. Other posters will probably offer varied opinions....we all have our favs. If I wanted to do 150, I'd probably go to Jeff City and ride one day to Rocheport and back (70). The next day I'd ride to Hermann and back (approx 85)or stay over in Hermann to enjoy the town some. Planned right, the Amtrak can take you back to Jeff City from Hermann. People here rave about Birks Guesthaus in Hermann as the only place to stay. We've not been there yet, but do know that Hermann Hill Vineyard and Inn is a very, very nice place to stay with a spectacular view of the town. Sunrise is well worth setting the alarm clock for, followed by an early morning ride before breakfast. As far as making a call myself or paying someone else to do it for me....I'd rather spend my money at the bistro on the hill at Rocheport or at Stone Hill in Hermann. Typically Fall color is best the third week in October. The Missouri Department of Conservation website tracks the color throughout the state. Enjoy!, however you plan your trip.

ditto to the majority of what trek biker said. i did not care for the ride from rocheport to new franklin. otherwise, everything i have ridden is great. have fun, safe bikin.

We will be visiting family this weekend and will be looking to do a run. I've heard the Katy trail is a great place to get in a good run. Could someone tell me where to start in Jefferson City and which way to run. Is it pretty self-explanatory once you get on the trail? I'm assuming it's safe etc?

The trailhead is actually in north Jeff City. Just drive north across the MO river bridge and watch for the signs, it is easy to find. It's a great place to run/bike. Go west for more shade and prettier scenery.

Great thank you! Just what I needed to know!

My wife and I are planning to ride across the entire state of Missouri the first week of October. We are staying in Motels and one B&B,once we hookup on the Katy in Clinton. Has anyone stayed at "The Littlehouse B&B" in Marthasville? It looks nice, just wanting to make sure. Thanks, and see you on the trail! We love it!

We have stayed here. It's been a few years, but we really enjoyed it. As I recall, the hostess leaves a cold breakfast, like a homemade pastry, juice, cereal, coffee making supplies, etc, so it's a tasty do-it-yourself continental breakfast. We did have some trouble finding a place we could ride to easily for supper (we were constrained by having young children, and not wanting to get out on the highway, so there may be more available than I remember.

I've stayed at Homestead Motel; and it is not that difficult to get to. You exit the trail at Sombart Road (actually you have clamber down from the overpass; but no big deal). This is approximately mile 193, 1 1/4 miles west of downtown Boonville. Westbound from downtown Boonville, turn left; eastbound from Sedalia, turn right. Go to the T at W. Ashley Road and turn left. It is on the right. Total miles: 0.28.

I've stayed at Homestead Motel; and it is not that difficult to get to. You exit the trail at Sombart Road (actually you have clamber down from the overpass; but no big deal). This is approximately mile 193, 1 1/4 miles west of downtown Boonville. Westbound from downtown Boonville, turn left; eastbound from Sedalia, turn right. Go to the T at W. Ashley Road and turn left. It is on the right. Total miles: 0.28.

The address listed for the Homestead Motel, I-70 @ hwy 5, is misleading, making is look like it is on the interstate. The actual address seems to be 610 W Ashley Road, much closer to town and to my liking. Ashley Road is also Mo. 5 and US 40.

The address listed for the Homestead Motel, I-70 @ hwy 5, is misleading, making is look like it is on the interstate. The actual address seems to be 610 W Ashley Road, much closer to town and to my liking. Ashley Road is also Mo. 5 and US 40.

In Oct. I plan a five day tour beginning in Sedalia and would like to rent a recumbent bike but am told that Pro-velo Cycle shop in Sedalia doesn't rent them. Does anyone know a shop that rents recumbent bikes, somewhere between Lawrence, Kansas and Sedalia?

Hartsburg Cycle Depot rents and sells Cycle Genius recumbents which are great bikes. If you

are willing to go a little further, they could set you up. Plus, the trail is beautiful and close to

the river near Hartsburg.

trailside cafe and bike rental in rocheport also sells and rents recumbents and will let you try them first. thot i'd pass it on.

Thank you for the replies. I left a message at Traiside but wondered if anyone knows of shops in the Kansas City area that rent recumbents for the week. I would like to rent one to try it out some time before the actual trip.

Why not Google/call/email Bike America or the Trek store in Kansas City? I've done business with both while working in Olathe...not sure if either rents or not, but they would probably know if someone local did.

River Market Cyclery or the Bicycle Shack in KC may rent recumbents. Last time I was there

they carried them I encourage you to support locally owned bike shops.

I bought my recumbent from chris at Bicycle shack a couple of years ago. He does rent bikes, not sure about recumbents, but I bet he will work something out with you. Great group of guys there. I'm glad to see you want to try one before you take to the trail. I love my bent, but they do use different muscles and you should train on one awhile before heading out on too long a ride,

River Market Cyclery sells, but does not rent recumbents.

Isle of Capri just opened their hotel. We stayed there last Tuesday nite. Let us take our bikes right up to the room. The staff was very proud of the new accomodations. Very nice.

Isle of Capri just opened their hotel. We stayed there last Tuesday nite. Let us take our bikes right up to the room. The staff was very proud of the new accomodations. Very nice.

Isle of Capri's new hotel is very nice! I've Stayed there right before they opened it to the public and loved it. The rooms are very nice. You have a private safe, a large flat screen T.V. with cable, a coffee maker with gourmet coffees and a large bath/shower with lots of extra little bath shampoos and soaps. The room I stayed in didn’t have a fridge or anything. I think they want you to enjoy the casino and the restaurants. The staff is very friendly. There are vending machines, an Ice machine. I loved the room and plan to visit them again for two nights this week!

Isle of Capri's new hotel is very nice! I've Stayed there right before they opened it to the public and loved it. The rooms are very nice. You have a private safe, a large flat screen T.V. with cable, a coffee maker with gourmet coffees and a large bath/shower with lots of extra little bath shampoos and soaps. The room I stayed in didn’t have a fridge or anything. I think they want you to enjoy the casino and the restaurants. The staff is very friendly. There are vending machines, an Ice machine. I loved the room and plan to visit them again for two nights this week!

You've never seen potato skins so worth your money! Lots of bacon, cheese, sour cream on the side. These still have a significant amount of potato on them...very filling. We were charged no tax. It's a no frills place with bottomless lemonade, good food and a friendly owner.

The coconut cream pie was to die for!

We throughly enjoyed our two night camping stay at Klondike. We met Dee Dee and Jerry who work there...two very nice people. The night breezes were comfortable through the tent and it was a quiet weekend. We were in the basic campsites near an extremely clean shower house/restroom building. I believe the park is only a few years old. Take the challenge...Ride from the trail up the winding, steep trail up to the Park.

We were not impressed at all with this establishment and we didn't need to go in to form an opinion. Some live band was revving up the crowd blasting out some song about someone being an A.H. over and over...we could hear it for a mile or so down the trail because the volume was so LOUD. I felt sorry for the nearby residents of Defiance...especially those with children.

Considering putting together an impromtu trip of the Katy trail from St. Louis area (near Hwy. 40)to Sedalia. Tent camping, trail snacks, etc. Not sure what to expect of mileage per day. Also are there hills? Would like to do the trip between a Monday morning to Friday afternoon. What does anyone think. I'm in late 30's, don't bike but jog about 15-20 miles per week consistently.

I'd use the Plan a Ride feature of this website to actually see where camping options are. That may help you determine the milage between those places that you'd like to end the day.



Roughly 190 to Sedalia.....divided by a Monday morning to a Friday afternoon equals roughly 38 miles per day. Camping options may adjust that for you tho.

I'm sure with your jogging schedule that your fit enough for a 190 mile ride but if you don't put in some seat time prior to your trip you will probably have a major case of "bike butt" by the end of your trip.

Guessing how many miles other people can do is tricky, because people have differing riding styles, habits, strength, etc. Here's my best advice, assuming you are on the trail more for touring more than racing.



Unless you are carrying a lot of weight on your bikes, you should easily be able to 50-60 miles per day and still have plenty of time to dawdle around, have a nice lunch, etc. If you like to ride fast and don't spend a lot of time in the towns, most people should be able to do 70-80 miles without difficulty. If you like to ride at a quick pace and push your limits a little, 100 miles is very doable, but in my opinion if you are going to ride that far in a day you are not going to have time for any fun along the way.



We usually estimate 10 miles per hour (not counting long breaks for lunch and dinner) when planning our day on the bike. For example, if we want cover 80 miles in a day and we are going have lunch at noon in a town that is 40 miles away, we need to be pedalling by 8 a.m. to get to the lunch town by noon. If we take two hours for lunch, we will pedal from 2-6pm to reach the overnight town.



That has always worked well for us. We can pedal faster than 10mph, but that planning system allows for us to ride at a comfortable pace and still take a break here and there to stop and see the sights. When we rode the Katy, we aimed for approx 60 mile days and that worked pretty well for us.



As for the hills, the ride is virtually flat from St. Charles to Boonville, then you will encounter long easy grades from Boonville to Sedalia. If you are riding both directions, it is best to ride the way you are from East to West first, because it is more downhill from West to East on the return.

Thanks for the detailed info. It is very helpful and seems to fit in to the plan I had for myself. I plan to do at least 30 to 40 miles per day, but it appears maybe I can even do 50 miles per day. Doing extra miles is a plus time wise. I believe I'm ready endurance/cardio wise but I'm realizing my lack of recent seat/saddle time could be interesting. Thanks.

A decent pair of padded bike shorts or two may be a good investment to keep the "interesting" numbness from settling in your.......bottom end.

I agree with the comment that you best have some mileage down pat on your bottom end. Otherwise after about 50 you're gonna feel it GOOD!

May I suggest quality bike shorts and a good chamois cream to prevent chafing? Available from any reputable bike shop