Katy Trail Forum

I used to live in St. Charles, but moved to Savannah a year ago. I called 2 weeks before Christmas to ask tons of questions about the St. Charles Maryland Yards. The answers were Yes there is a DJ or band on weekends, Yes there are pool tables and darts, and Yes there is a dance floor. I coordinated 24 people to meet at the Maryland Yards in St. Charles on December 17th, 2005 and I was VERY disappointed! We were told that the tables we were sitting at was the dance floor!!!! We were also told that the DJ would be there at 10PM and he apparently never showed. There were 2 pool tables and 1 dart board and a sign that said "this section closed"!!!! The waitress billed all of us wrong AND added in her tip---per person!!!! I was shocked! I am a good tipper and she didn't get a dime over what she added. All I can say about the place is that the food was decent.......but how can you mess up nachos and toasted raviolis? Also, I ordered a frozen margarita.....it took the bartender 10 minutes to figure out how to use the ice machine! Don't know if he was new or what. Overall I was embarrassed and disappointed that I suggested this place to my friends and family. I drove 900 miles and had that one night to go out and Maryland Yards was NOT a good choice in my opinion.

I do live in st. charles. Maryland Yards is by far one of the best resaturants in st. charles. The staff there are extremely nice. I can tell you "no" they don't have bands on the week ends and never did. Separate checks for 24 people....If the server added a gratuity, that means you must have been a pain. The game room down stairs was probably closed for a private party, which they have alot of during christmas. go figure.... If you wanted a nightclub to dance in...go to a nightclub, not a restaurant. By they way, if you wanted GREAT food maybe you should have tried having dinner there also. It's always been wonderful and inexpense.

I have had a horrible experience with Maryland Yards in St. Charles. I reserved the basement for a private party back in January for a party in April. I decided before I send out the invites that I would just confirm everything was set. Well I was informed by Mary at Maryland Yards that the entire month of April they would be closed for a remoldel. Come to find out they had double booked that night and just told me that. THEY ARE NOT CLOSED THE ENTIRE MONTH OF APRIL. I have taken my party elsewhere. They have lost out on a lot of business because of this.

I happen to know that maryland yards last night was apr 1... if you booked a private party as i did before they closed they required a deposit. Did you give them a deposit? If so, did you get it back? My party was great and we had a wonderful time. The food was served when they said it would be, and was also very good. It's a good thing you waited til the last minute to send out invitations, or it would have been real embarresing for you. I think before you call anyone a liar you should get your facts straight. It's hard to dbl book a party when they're closed. I bet they don't miss your kind of business at all.

I've read where the trail closes at sunset and was wondering if we can just pass out in sleeping bags on the side of the trail or not. i wouldn't really want to pay for rooms. that kind of takes the adventure out of it i guess. thanks for your comments

Unfortunately, the DNR website isn't specific, but I've heard more than once that the trail is closed from sunset to sunrise and you could be ticketed or arrested for being in the park at that time.



From:

http://www.mostateparks.com/katytrail/question.htm

Can I stop and camp anywhere along the trail?



There are no camping facilities in Katy Trail State Park. There is camping available at certain communities and at private campgrounds along the way.

I agree with Nails; check out this earlier thread for a discussion of trailside camping. There are quite a few places to camp along the trail, including some city parks where you won't have to pay a dime: Katy Trail campground list

No camping is allowed along the trail or at the trailheads because the Trail is a day use only

park. I agree with the previous posts to check out city parks and other places along the way

where camping is allowed.

Have respect for the land around the katy trail, most of it is private land the owners have lost or gracfully given. You might get away worth camping on the trail, but IMHO there are better options.

The State Park is only about 12 feet wide or so (it's the narrowest state park anywhere!). So,

if you pitch your tent along the side of the trail, chances are that you are not actually on the

park land, but are on land that is privately owned. The park property doesn't extend too

much farther than the edge of the trail. Think of it this way...there is a sidewalk in front of

your house and it is no problem for random strangers to walk on the sidewalk, but would you

want them to stop and camp on your lawn?

The "side of the trail" appears to be mostly bluffs, impenetrable vine-draped second-growth forest or muddy swampy ditch between trail and baby corn plants right now... At least from Boonville East. You don't really want to camp in THAT, do you? At least get off on a country road and take the usual chances with illegal bike-trip camping - gaining a few feet of elevation will keep you from sleeping in the water, and finding some bushes or trees to camp in will keep you invisible...

are there going to be a new casey's store in eminence mo this summer or not? I was told that there might be one coming there

are there going to be a new casey's store in eminence mo this summer or not? I was told that there might be one coming there

I am trying to plan a ride for a group of local girl scouts. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which part of the trail we should ride? Most of the girls are only 10 and have never been on the trail. 15 miles will probably be their max! I was wondering what part to ride with them that will have some views they will think are "cool" and possibly even a place for lunch. Any help? Thanks in advance.

Defiance to Augusta and back is around 14 miles. I'm not sure about lunch on either end. The 2 places in Defiance are probably not kid friendly. Augusta is a tough climb for kids up into the town.



We like to ride to Augusta and go to the little General Store for drinks and snacks.



You could always start at Klondike Park as well. Plenty of views there. You can go either way from there to Defiance or Augusta and beyond. Augusta is only 2 or 3 miles from Klondike I think. The path from the KATY up into Klondike is pretty steep but it is paved. There might be some pushing there. If you do Klondike, don't forget to peddle or walk up to the overlook at the top. The view is worth it.



My recommendation would be to picnic at Klondike and ride west toward Dutzow and stop in Augusta on the return trip for drinks and snacks.

Ken, Thanks for the input, great idea about Klondike Park. Dara

Defiance is a good suggestion for starting point, because it's not far from your location (Foristell), and if any of your girls do not have bikes you can rent from the bike shop there. The one drawback to Defiance is that parking can be limited on weekends. The two bar/restaurants there cater to the Harley crowd, but I've never felt uncomfortable in either place. In fact I've gone to both the outdoor "patio" section of Terry & Kathy's, and the indoor restaurant part of Dave & Jacquie's, with my two small kids. It just depends on what you're comfortable with.



This is a great section of trail, but if your girls are looking for scenery and river views you might want to consider heading out west to Rocheport. It's a much farther drive (about 90 miles from Foristell as opposed to maybe 15 miles to Defiance), but higher on the "cool" scale. Rocheport has a railroad tunnel you can ride through on the west end of town, and the trail hugs the river heading east from there for some fantastic scenery. You'd probably go to Huntsdale, grab lunch at Katfish Katy's, and head back for a 13 mile round trip. Or McBaine for a 17 mile round trip. There's a really amazing burr oak tree just off the trail near McBaine. Katfish Katy's isn't really a restaurant - more like groceries & supplies. Also, there's a bar & grill in McBaine - Lucy's

Kansas City PBS did a great show on the Katy this evening. The show told the history, pros and cons of the trail, and all the great towns.



Anyone else catch it?



It will come on again!

http://www.kcpt.org/



Suposedly you can buy the tape. One hour show and well worth it.



It was produced for the show SCREENtime.

Yes, I saw it. I thought it was great. My Wife said it was made in 1999, so it was old but well worth watching, they need to make a 30 min, once a week series.

I saw the PBS show also. I really enjoyed it - in fact, it made me want to realize the dream I've had for quite sometime about biking the Katy Trail. I hear others talk about it, but I've never experienced it. I'm not much of an athlete, but I think I'd like to start getting in shape, and ride the entire trail by this time next year. It's a great goal to strive toward.

Hi all,

As next Friday is Ride-your-bike-to-work day I was hoping to ride in to the research park in St. Charles from the trailheat at the Page Ave. extension. All I'm trying to find out is the best way to get from the Katy to the research park, google earth makes it look like there might be a connector, but I don't recall seeing one. Any help would be appreciated with this,

Thanks

You might be able to jump off the trail and head to Woofrim Rd as shown in this picture:

http://www.terraserverusa.com/image.aspx?T=4&S=10&Z=15&X=3517&Y=21426&W=3

However, that's probably private property you'll cross and the road itself might be a private drive. Better to investigate it first.



There is a proposed link to the KATY along a creek that is just west of this photo. Go to:

http://www.um-mrp.org/home.html

Click on "Take a Virtual Tour" and then click on "Interactive Lot Map" in the new window.

The Green Ridge Bar and Grill is now open in greenridge. The hours are from 7am to 10pm they have a great breakfast and the biggest all meat tenderloin you will ever see. Burfs Green ridge grill is across the street from casey's on cooper street. friendly staff and great food.

That's great news. Anyone know their phone number?

I live in Kansas City and I would like to bike the entire trail this summer. Which direction would you recommend? I think I saw that West to East is more downhill. Is this true? Do most people usually go west to east?

I biked the trail from west to east in April. There's a small grade between Sedelia and Boonesville, but not enough that I would call it uphill. I was told the prevailing winds were usually from west to east, but the four days I was on the trail they were from all directions.

West to east for the following reasons:



1. The scenery and trail conditions tend to improve in that direction

2. Net downhill but overall that is not a huge factor on the trail

3. The highway is usually closer to the trail on the eastern portions which is reassuring on the latter stages of a long ride.

4. It seems preferable to have the sun behind you at the end of the day, rather than in your face during the latter part of a long hot day.

5. The wind seems to be a debatable subject and one can check all of the websites they wish but anyone who rides alot, flies R/C helicopters or has a flagpole within view of their office window has an opinion that the net wind vector tends to be at least partially out of the west more often than from the east. Perhaps this varies somewhat across the state?

6. There are more places to get toasted in St. Charles than Clinton after a long ride.

Okay...so they do not allow tents. But let me tell you at the end of a week in a tent, a cabin

was a welcome site. They were pretty nice. Plus they have a convenient trolley shuttle that will

take you into St Charles until like 5pm.

Okay...so they do not allow tents. But let me tell you at the end of a week in a tent, a cabin

was a welcome site. They were pretty nice. Plus they have a convenient trolley shuttle that will

take you into St Charles until like 5pm.

A fine place to stay. They are very friendly, and most helpful. The host helped me cut through a bicycle lock, when I found I had left my key at home. We are staying there again this year in transit.

A fine place to stay. They are very friendly, and most helpful. The host helped me cut through a bicycle lock, when I found I had left my key at home. We are staying there again this year in transit.

The officers club is very clean and has all the touches of home. The beds are very comfortable. Paula is a wonderful host and prepares delicious baked goods to sample and an exquisite breakfast! :P

The officers club is very clean and has all the touches of home. The beds are very comfortable. Paula is a wonderful host and prepares delicious baked goods to sample and an exquisite breakfast! :P

My daughter from Germany & I want to plan a day trip hopefully to include the "best" part of the trail and perhaps a ride on Amtrak. Any ideas about where to start, how far to ride, where to catch the train (or should it just be a round-trip ride), etc? We will be unable to stay overnight on the trail unfortunately & hope to do this on 5/29 or 5/30. I live in KC (Overland Park). THX

I think almost everyone agrees that the prettiest part is East from Rocheport. It depends on how far you want to go, but you could cross the river and catch Amtrak in Jeff City. You would have to check times, though, and Amtrak won't take you back to Rocheport--you would end up in Sedalia. Besides, the bridge crossing at Jeff City isn't great unless you're a pretty confident cyclist. I guess I would recommend an out-and-back from Rocheport if you only have the one day. Also, consider Rocheport to Columbia instead of staying on the main trail--Columbia would be a good destination for lunch (or start in Columbia and go to Rocheport for lunch at Les Bourgeois, taking their trail up the bluff to the restaurant on the East side of town.

e t hit the nail on the head with rocheport then east being the prettiest part of the trail. i have ridden from columbia to rocheport and back. easy riddin and pretty also. you will need to check with amtrak on the towns they stop in. have fun and happy bikin.

ET and Frank - Thanks for your responses. Very helpful! We'll plan on the Columbia/Rocheport round-trip ride.

Since we'll start our ride in the morning would you suggest us riding from Columbia to Rocheport to avoid sun in the face or are there other factors we should consider? Just looking for it to be the best experience since we have limited opporutnity together. Thanks again!

Yes, if it's a sunny day, you would be better of riding west in the morning, because there are some not-very-shady stretches near McBaine. As for starting in Columbia, there are several trail heads, the two easiest to access and park being off of Stadium, at the MLK Memorial garden, or off of Forum. The official trail head is at Flat Branch Park, at 4th and Cherry downtown. When they finish the construction there, it's going to be great--they are nearly ready to pour the concrete for the 4 new underpasses that will mean no road crossings. From what I hear, though, it's not likely to be done until mid-June, so if you are riding before that, you will need to cross Providence, Stewart, Locust and Elm to get into the downtown area. The other good thing about starting in Columbia is that lunch at Les Bourgeois really is a treat. The restaurant is on a bluff with a gorgeus river view, and the food and wine are good. I recommend, unless you are keen mountain bikers, that you lock your bikes up at the rack at the bottom of their trail and walk up==it's steep and twisty, but really gorgeous. It was built entirely by hand (that is pickaxe, shovel and wheelbarrow) by a man who used to be the groundsman there. Don't just stop at the winery, though--be sure to ride on into Rocheport to see the MKT tunnel, and Rocheport itself, which is a cute little town with several interesting art and antique shops.

Is there a spot in N. Jefferson where we can store our bikes for one night?

We stopped at the Cycle Depot our last day on the trail this past Sunday and had a great visit. The owners are the friendliest people you'll ever meet! I found the cutest water bottles with holders for my kids’ tag-a-long bikes, children’s cycling gloves, and the perfect helmets for myself and my son. I found a great brass bell for my handlebar. They have a nice selection of bikes, including recumbents for excellent prices! I can’t put into words how comfy that recumbent seat was after riding for three days on my upright mountain bike! They also have some nice jerseys, shorts, and other biking apparel and all sorts of bike parts and accessories. This is definitely a stop I recommend. They are easy to find, right next to Dotty’s Cafe. We’ll be coming back to the Cycle Depot on future trips.

The Cycle Depot is great! Most folks are suprised to find a full serve bike shop with a

certified mechanic along the trail. They also offer custom built bikes as Mark is a frame

builder. They offer service for road bikes and mountain bikes which makes them rather

unique along the trail. I highly recommend them!

I want to add my name to those singing the praises of the Cycle Depot! Mark is the best bicycle mechanic I have found; a rare combination of excellent mechanical skills PLUS excellent customer relations skills.

both these people are absolutely correct. i have only had the oppurtunity to stop there once, but it was an enjoyable time. good snacks to.

On the trail late last fall we were so happy to see the cycle shop open, most places(including the cafe'in town) are closed on mondays. We were in need of a dry warm place and starving. The owners went into their kitchen and whipped us up lunch(fantastic soup and bread)they were even kind enough to dry our clothing. What a little gem on the trail and they really try their best to serve cyclist. We were not charged for the food since they are not a cafe but felt a big tip would be appreciated to pay for what we ate. Good food, good conversation and laughs at their coffee bar made our trip(rain and all)worth while. We left dry,full and happy. Thanks Cyle Depot for being there.

One of the things that gives the section from Pitman Hill Road to Weldon Springs is also responsible for its beauty. You are riding along some significant bluffs. This is one of my favorite sections when the trees have all their leaves. The branches on the trees on either side of the trail touch overhead. It gives one the feeling of riding through a kind of tunnel.

....like touring in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Tree tubes are the best.....I will agree with you there.

I ditto the praises for the Cycle Depot. And, one of the things I love about them is that they

are a REAL bike shop, not just a place along the trail that rents bikes. For those of us in the

Mid-Missouri area, they are a godsend. I am pretty new to this area and this is the only bike

shop I have found in mid-Missouri where the mechanic is a real bike mechanic and not just

some guy working in a bike shop. Highest praises for the Cycle Depot.

We pulled into Hartsburg on a late Monday morning and pulling up in front of the Cycle Depot, were informed by the owners that all the restaurants were closed that day but we could find some things inside their store that might help us out.



We had for "emergency food" we were carrying some bagels with peanut butter and honey, and added to that for our lunch were chips, bananas, cold drinks and ice cream from the Cycle Depot that really hit the spot. They even recycle the drink bottles!



This shop is great and has really has a very complete selection of biking accessories. Highly recommended for a stop in, even if your bike is doing fine.

Hartsburg Cycle Depot is the best. Thanks for sharing your story!