Katy Trail Forum

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!

I'm working on planning a trip on the Katy Trail in early June. My riding partner is only up for a 3 or maybe 4 day trip and riding 30-35 miles a day . We're planning to stay in B&Bs for those nights. I'm interested in any suggestions for the starting and ending points for the trips and any other suggestions for planning the trip.

I recommend getting Brett Dufur's The Complete KATY Trail Guidebook. It will help greatly in planning a cycling adventure across Missouri.



Based on your plans, I would like to suggest starting in Sedalia and riding to Hermann where you can catch the AMTRAK back to Sedalia. The Sedalia House B&B has a nice KATY Trail package that includes shuttles. You can leave your car at our place and we would shuttle you to the trailhead after breakfast. We would then pick you up at the AMTRAK station upon your return, and you can either spend another night or head on your way.



In any case, we wish you the very best on your trip and hope you enjoy your visit to Missouri.

This web site is a great resource for planning a ride....there is even a hot key above titled "Plan a Ride!" Ray does a very good job of keeping this site current. He even won an award for it!!



IMHO: Dufur's book is a good guide while on the trail for general reference, but I prefer this site to get to the facts that don't wait on a book publication date to be current....and I don't have to weed through irrelevant facts about each and every town that are of little interest to me while planning a ride. Modern day....I'm more concerned about food/shelter, etc. in a town than knowing that it was flooded there 20 years ago.

Pat, this website and Dufur's book are excellent resources, so I recommend using both for planning and while on the trail. You started in the right place, because there are many avid KATY Trail cyclists who will provide their own unique spin. Each cyclist has their own reason to ride the trail. Some for strictly the physical activity, and others for the pleasure of an enjoyable adventure. Whatever your pleasure, please fell free to enjoy the history of the trail and those towns you pass through. We welcome you and hope you have a truly enjoyable ride.

Dufur's book is indeed a great reference - you can get a copy at Pebble Publishing's website

Thanks! I've ordered the book.

I would suggest parking at St. Charles, and then getting shuttled to Rocheport to start your trip back east. With overnight stops at Jefferson City, McKittrick/Herman/ and Augusta, you will arrive back at St. Charles on the 4th day.

What about the TORNADOES???? Has the trail been damaged? Where? I will be on the trail around May 4-10, going west-to-east. In California we stand in the doorway for earthquakes - where should we stand for a twister???



Any specific or general information much appreciated,



Sharron Sussman

Well, for starters, you don't stand for a twister...well, unless you are from Kansas like I am

and then you stand to watch them for as long as you can...but, if you are from California,

the goal is to get as flat as possible, below ground level, if you can and protect your head.

So, that means prone in a ditch, if you can find one, or in a basement. Don't stand under a

tree. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html is a link to a page on tornado

safety.



And, the other thing to remember is that tornado damage usually is pretty localized.

Damage is only where the tornado is, not like an earthquake. Not saying that it can't

track you down on the trail, but the risks are fairly minimal. So, worry more about the

sunburn and wind and don't forget the copperheads...and have fun! The trail is marvelous

and you will have a great time!

I haven't been on the trail yet this year, but I doubt that there has been any storm/tornado damage. At the worst, there may be a few branches down on the trail, but the state park folks are good about getting it cleared off quickly. As far as what to do if you're caught out during a tornado, your best bet is to find a low spot (like a ditch) and lie down. BUT ... your chances of seeing a tornado are very low. I've been here 40 years, and have never even seen one in person. Have a great ride!

As far as trail damage, if a tree or trees come down due to a storm the park staff usually gets to them within 24 hours. You can go to www.mostateparks.com and check the trail conditions. As for stormy conditions while you are riding, I would purchase a little weather radio and take it with you. You can put it on stanby and it will alarm you of any watches and warnings in the area. Take a good map so you know what county you are in since the watches and warnings are given by counties. If things get real bad there are towns every ten miles so its easy to find shelter and wait out any storms. The other folks are right, it is very unlikey you be close to any tornadoes, especially since they typically occur in the late afternoon and at night. You should be off the trail by that point enjoying a nice bottle of wine somewhere.

If a tornado is bearing down on you, a door way won't help. In fact, the doorway might even leave, and take you with it! Your friends could call you "Dorothy" after that, I guess.



Seriously, the chances of being caught by a tornado on the trail are very very slim. Watch or listen to the local forecast before starting out. If severe weather is predicted, then take a closer look and see if it is in the area you will be riding, and alter your plans accordingly. Unlike earthquakes, it's difficult for a thunderstorm to sneak up on you. They are very visible in the daytime from a long distance away. If dark clouds are gathering to the west and southwest of you, haul it to the nearest available shelter and wait it out. A small AM-FM radio doesn't weigh much, and would keep you informed. You can even get this info on your cell phone if you have web access. Know where you are and keep yourself informed, especially if you are hearing thunder in the distance, and you'll be fine.

But, then again, if you stand in the doorway, you might have a really good view to watch the

tornado coming your way! : )

Copperheads?

We woke up the morning of May 3, 2006 to an approaching cold front/rainstorm that according to the National Weather Service (and the Weather Channel) was going to park itself over central Missouri for a few days with severe thunderstorms included in the mix. We were on our tandem, pulling a Burely Nomad trailer, which is not the best for riding a soggy Katy trail (it tends to bog down with all that weight) so with our vacation time coming to an end, decided to sadly wrap up our trip by having someone shuttle us back to our van at St. Charles.



We were staying at the Meyer Hilltop b & B and they recommended we call the Herman Ride, Rest and Go Bicycle Shop in Herman for a shuttle. We called around 8am-ish, had the owner answer the call, and he informed us a shuttle would not be a problem and he could do it within an hour or so.



By the time we were packed up, the shuttle arrived, loaded up our tandem and trailer inside the van (we have S & S couplers on the tandem so it splits into two sections), and we were on the way, arriving in St. Charles with a very reasonable charge for the ride.



If you are needing a shuttle service, or bike service (the owners of the B & B said the shop owner is a great mechanic), I would highly recommend the Hermann Ride, Rest & Go Bicycle Shop.

Personally my favorite stop on the entire trail. Great food and great drinks. The hospitality is absolutely awesome. Many places along the Katy tend to look at everyone that walks in, as just another biker. SOB was totally different. Everyone there was so helpful. They were not open for breakfast, but the owner offered to make breakfast for us (had to pass on that, cuz I like to bike an hour or two before I eat).



Simply put, they have the best burgers on the trail and the coldest drinks!



Only problem for me was the primitive camping. Nothing wrong with steedman, just tired of taking my camping stuff. I usually ride the whole trail(one way) in 2-3 days and carrying camping supplies just get tiresome.

Personally my favorite stop on the entire trail. Great food and great drinks. The hospitality is absolutely awesome. Many places along the Katy tend to look at everyone that walks in, as just another biker. SOB was totally different. Everyone there was so helpful. They were not open for breakfast, but the owner offered to make breakfast for us (had to pass on that, cuz I like to bike an hour or two before I eat).



Simply put, they have the best burgers on the trail and the coldest drinks!



Only problem for me was the primitive camping. Nothing wrong with steedman, just tired of taking my camping stuff. I usually ride the whole trail(one way) in 2-3 days and carrying camping supplies just get tiresome.

Ooooooh, another believer in the SOB!!!! Yup, that place has the Dalton Boys stamp of approval. We did do breakfast and that was just another wonderful aspect of all that flake77 talks about. We were self-supported and cruisin' so camping at Steedman was great for us. Regards......Mark of the Dalton Boys (We asked first before we camped)

Ooooooh, another believer in the SOB!!!! Yup, that place has the Dalton Boys stamp of approval. We did do breakfast and that was just another wonderful aspect of all that flake77 talks about. We were self-supported and cruisin' so camping at Steedman was great for us. Regards......Mark of the Dalton Boys (We asked first before we camped)

SOB was quite a memory. Certainly one of the best of a fantastic ride. If you are a veteren, you are a VIP in Steedman. Slept really well there in our tent (except for Bill's snoring). Regards... Rich of the Dalton Boys

SOB was quite a memory. Certainly one of the best of a fantastic ride. If you are a veteren, you are a VIP in Steedman. Slept really well there in our tent (except for Bill's snoring). Regards... Rich of the Dalton Boys

....and now you all are getting missives from one of the two smartest of the three Dalton Boys....Yup, Love my smarter brothers...and nothing better than having done the KATY with 'em.....enjoy the voyage....Mark of the Dalton Boys (Hey Dalton Boys....coffees ready!!! :>)

....and now you all are getting missives from one of the two smartest of the three Dalton Boys....Yup, Love my smarter brothers...and nothing better than having done the KATY with 'em.....enjoy the voyage....Mark of the Dalton Boys (Hey Dalton Boys....coffees ready!!! :>)

Oh my God, I can't believe I just read a comment by Rich about Bill's snoring!! Rich...the SNORING KING!!



The SOB was fantastic. Loved that Katy Trail ride! It was really rough draggin my two wheel-sukkin brothers all the way, though.

Oh my God, I can't believe I just read a comment by Rich about Bill's snoring!! Rich...the SNORING KING!!



The SOB was fantastic. Loved that Katy Trail ride! It was really rough draggin my two wheel-sukkin brothers all the way, though.

We stopped in the SOB on Tuesday, May 2nd 2006 around 11:30am. When we rode up the place looked closed but as my wife went up to the door, the beer signs in the window came on. The owner came to the door and explained they did not really open until noon, but just come on in now and she would fix us whatever we wanted off the menu.



We had a great lunch and a good conversation with the previous owner who had stopped by. The cold ice teas and ice cream we had was a great way to top off our visit. They also keep a bike rider log that they hope you will sign.



This is a great lunch stop with some real friendly people.

We stopped in the SOB on Tuesday, May 2nd 2006 around 11:30am. When we rode up the place looked closed but as my wife went up to the door, the beer signs in the window came on. The owner came to the door and explained they did not really open until noon, but just come on in now and she would fix us whatever we wanted off the menu.



We had a great lunch and a good conversation with the previous owner who had stopped by. The cold ice teas and ice cream we had was a great way to top off our visit. They also keep a bike rider log that they hope you will sign.



This is a great lunch stop with some real friendly people.

One thing missing from this trailhead is where you can find water. The trailsigns you see approaching Portland have the "water" symbol, but when you reach the trailhead itself, there is none to be found. It would be great if even a small sign could be posted on the trailhead shelter signs on where water can be found.

One thing missing from this trailhead is where you can find water. The trailsigns you see approaching Portland have the "water" symbol, but when you reach the trailhead itself, there is none to be found. It would be great if even a small sign could be posted on the trailhead shelter signs on where water can be found.

Hi, I am making hotel reservations for the June 19-23 catch the katy trail ride and apparently the town of sedalia is having a sheep\ram celebration or livestock reunion or something like that the same week and I was told by the Hotel Bothwell staff that there are no vacancies anywhere. Will they shuttle me somewhere else to lay my weary head? PS will I get a confirmation soon?



Spinning Missouri Richard

Since this website is in no way sponsered by Missouri State Parks, you really should contact state parks for detailed questions reguarding the ride. This website is great for comments and opinions but as far as logistics about the Katy Ride, it would be best to call MO State Parks at 800-334-6946

I have been reading the forum about Amtrak's trailer policy, and someone mentioned that panniers, trunk bags, handlebar bags, etc count against the 2 bag carry on limit.



I have two panniers, trunk bag, and a small handlebar bag and I was concerned about being stopped as I board the train. Also, does Amtrak require you to remove these bags from your bike when it is on the train?



Just curious what other riders experiences have been.



Thanks!

Amtrack is so picky, I would actually call them and get an answer from the "horse's mouth" on this.

How fully covered is Trail foe cell telephone communication?

i have the wonderful cingular wireless service and have had no problem at all. i have not ridden everywhere on the trail and it was a little scratchy around the where the mkt fitness trail meets the katy just west of mcbaine. otherwise no problems at all. happy biken.

is it reasonable to stay in fulton and bike the trail? or too far away? is the trail from rocheport to booneville boring?

The spur from Columbia to the Katy is very close to Fulton.....not unreasonable there at all.



To some, perhaps the Booneville to Rocheport section would be boring...no massive bluffs...no close proximity to the river...etc. In May of last year, we left Booneville early in the morning and rode through this section of the trail. It was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. The dew was on the grass next to the trail glistening in the morning sun, there were hundreds of bright blue indigo buntings, turtles, and even a few deer. Far, far from boring!

Very close means about 30 miles away. It would be just as close to stay in Fulton and drive

to the Jeff City trailhead...or the Hartsburg trailhead. And those trailheads are easier to find

than the Columbia. I have ridden the spur from the trail into Columbia and it just dumps you

out on a busy street. I am sure there is something I missed, but I have no idea what.

Columbia is 20 miles to the west of Fulton. Robbie asked about staying there....which is doable......and riding between Booneville and Rocheport. Going in a westwardly direction though, to reach those towns, one would theoretically approach the spur in Columbia that leads to the Katy. The spur is a decent ride if one so chooses. A major north to south street in Columbia is Stadium Blvd. From I-70....south on Stadium Blvd.....to the Martin Luther King Trail Head on the south side of the road. Not hard to find at all. When you ride the spur south from there...it dumps you onto out on the Katy Trail. Perhaps I have missed something, but I have no idea what.

robbie, i rode from rocheport to booneville and back this past year. i did not care for it at all except the part from new franklin to boonville and the rocheport tunnel. from readin the previous entries, i apparently just didn't hit it at the right times. the dew on the grass had to be gorgeous. the old building at pearsons on the trail is pretty cool. as far as the trail from colunbia to the katy, i have ridden it, it is a nice ride, and not that hard to find. have fun and happy bikin.

Many parts of the trail between Rocheport and Boonville have little or no shade. It can be a hot ride in the middle of the afternoon. Sounds like a perfect ride in early morning. Fulton is not an ideal place to stay if you plan to ride the Katy, but I'm assuming you have friends there are some other reason to stay there. The North Jefferson trail head is kind of remote and I would not be real comfortable leaving my car there overnight. If staying in Fulton, consider driving to Mokane to ride the trail.

Savage24 is right about leaving your car at the Jeff City trailhead...but, it seems like this post

has taken on a life of its own beyond the original poster's note. Are you planning an

overnight? Do you plan to bike from Fulton to the trail head or drive? Whatever you end up

doing, have a great time on the Trail!

I agree with savage24, I would drive to Mokane and ride east.

We stopped in for a late lunch last friday afternoon while riding the trail for the first time. What a treat as this friendly and clean establishment served up a great catfish sandwich and excellent chocolate pie. Our price for three large softdrinks, three specials and a slice of pie came to only $13!!!!!!!!!



Stop here.......... you will be glad you did.

We stopped in for a late lunch last friday afternoon while riding the trail for the first time. What a treat as this friendly and clean establishment served up a great catfish sandwich and excellent chocolate pie. Our price for three large softdrinks, three specials and a slice of pie came to only $13!!!!!!!!!



Stop here.......... you will be glad you did.

RT wielers....lots of space, for the most part, the place isnt to busy (which is why I can see them only having one server on a friday) Its because I cant see people going back. We went there at least once a week when it was Kriegers, but needed to only go back one time to swear off of it. We ordered chicken wings and they were not cooked. it honestly looked like someone had dropped them in a fryer just long enough to cook the outside. We told our waitstaff, who sent over the manager. He was like, oh well, ya- those look a little raw. HE DIDNT EVEN TAKE THEM OFF OUR BILL!!! There are way to many great places on main street to eat, dont waste your time/money here

Is there any provision for laundry services? I'll probably stay in motels along the way.



Will there be any "beerless" nights?



Thanks, JEM

I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm also from Houston. When are you riding the Trail? I plan on riding around the middle of June. Did you ride the MS? DG

I plan to do the DNR Ride 6/19 thru 6/23. I rode St. Charles to Boonville in 10/04. I didn't do the BP MS150 this year, I decided after last year that there are just too many riders on the road. This year my wife and I were just volunteers; but, had just as much fun.



This year I want to do the whole Katy trail, and doing an organized ride is the only practical way for me to do it (if I can have clean clothes and beer).



Hope to see you there.

I'll be on the trail at the same time. Except I'll be going West to East. Have fun. DG

Jack, Most folks bring enough clothes for the week. Your best bet on finding a laundry mat would be Jefferson City (Tuesday) or Sedalia (Thursday).



BEER!

Sunday: Trailhead brewery, St Charles.

Monday: A concession stand that sells beer at the ball park were we usaully camp may be open, otherwise their is a bar and a convenience store very close.

Tuesday: On the route, there are bars in Steedman, Mokane, & Tebbetts. C-stores and bars in Jefferson City.

Wednesday: On the route, there is Cooper's Landing at Easly, Lucy's at McBaine and Katfish Katy's at Huntsdale. I'm not sure if there is a bar in Rocheport, but I think the A-frame at the winery sells beer.

Thursday: On the route, bar and C-store in Pilot Grove, but that may be a little early still. Sedalia has bars and C-stores.

Friday: Windsor has a bar and C-store. So does Clinton.



Please remember that the state parks ride is a very family friendly event. If you bring beer to camp, be descrete and observe 'quiet hours'. If we are camped on school grounds or a park that does not allow beer, go to the bar. My friends and I have never had a problem.

I am planning on a N. Jefferson to St. Charles ride in June with my 2 sons 15 and 11, and was planning on taking my PDA to send & receive email, etc. However, my PDA requires wireless access...



Any chance any of the restaurants, stores, B&Bs have WIFI? Anyone know?



Thanks in advance,



David

I don't know, but I wouldn't count on it. And, the trail is VERY dusty...if you feel you must

bring this technology along, put it in a ziploc bag to protect if from trail dust. Trail dust

ruined one cell phone of mine even though it was inside my underseat zipped bag.