Shade ???
- + Can someone tell me how shaded the Katy is? I plan to ride from Sedalia to St Charles soon, but the MO heat is 100 degree everyday this time of year. Thanks, Paulie
Discussion started 08/02/2006 11:00 AM by Paulie - 9 replies (last reply by Paulie at 08/03/2006 11:26 PM)Paulie from Knoxville TN on 08/02/2006 11:00 AM
Can someone tell me how shaded the Katy is? I plan to ride from Sedalia to St Charles soon, but the MO heat is 100 degree everyday this time of year. Thanks, Paulie
Anonymous on 08/02/2006 12:06 PM
It can be a bit steamy in Missouri this time of year. I'm more familiar the MKT trail near Columbia, MO and a portion of the Katy trail near Rocheport along the Missouri River. In these areas there is plenty of trees to shade the trail. Although I imagine parts of the trail are through farm land and may not be so shaded. With a lightweight hat, a little sun screen, and water you should be fine. You may also want to carry a lightweight rain jacket.
anon on 08/02/2006 04:19 PM
From Sedalia to Boonville you will encounter a fair amount of open farmland where you will be in direct sun. After Boonville it will usually be shaded. During the summer it's a good idea to get on the trail early in the morning so you can get some miles in before it gets too hot. After 3pm or so, the trail will be pretty well shaded, so it's good to plan a lunch or break in an air conditioned establishment when the sun is directly overhead.
Missouri Joe from O'Fallon, MO on 08/02/2006 06:09 PM
Weldon Spring to Matson is quite shady, there re stretches further west that are long and open heading towards Dutzow. Marthasville to McKittrick is fairly shady.
Clark on 08/02/2006 06:30 PM
Augusta to Treloar is pretty much all open, in that 15 mile stretch about 5 or so miles are covered, that's it.
Also, between Augusta and Dutzow there're about 4 miles where the trail's raised above even the level of the corn, and the wind just whips around. It's hard riding, and there's no shade, and no places to stop.
Sarah McGregor from Denver on 08/02/2006 08:23 PM
There is a fair amount of shade, but remember that at midday the sun is directly overhead--and you will feel it on the Katy. I don't know how sensitive you are to heat, but being from Colorado, we found it to be tough in June '05. We found the only way to beat it was to start really early--say 6:30 AM--rest midday and maybe pedal some more late afternoon. I'd recommend going in spring or fall.
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 08/03/2006 09:38 AM
Thanks for the help everybody. I do plan to do most of my ride in the morning. I figure at 12-15 mph I should knock out most of my daily ride by noon. By the way-Great web site-its the reason I'm coming all the way from East Tennessee to ride the Katy!
Wayne from Columbus OH on 08/03/2006 07:45 PM
This site is fantastic and the most helpful I have seen. We are planning a West/East trip the end of Aug, that probably would not have happened without this site. East Tennessee? Have you been on the VA Creeper trail? To date it is my favorite, even the climb to Whitetop.
frank from festus on 08/03/2006 10:22 PM
wayne, from columbus, ohio
could you e-mail me at cleo-beo@earthlink.net
you will get it returned on spam, don't resend, i'll still get it. may take me a couple of days to get back to you. thanx, frank
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 08/03/2006 11:26 PM
Yes, I have been on the VA Creeper. Great ride. Its a shame its not any longer than it is.
Gear transport
- + My friend and I are experienced cyclists and really don't have any questions about riding the trail.
We, however, would rather not travel self-contained.
Is anyone aware of organized rid...
Discussion started 07/22/2006 03:01 PM by CEM - 6 replies (last reply by Lois at 08/03/2006 09:23 AM)CEM from Spokane, USA on 07/22/2006 03:01 PM
My friend and I are experienced cyclists and really don't have any questions about riding the trail.
We, however, would rather not travel self-contained.
Is anyone aware of organized rides that transport your gear from town-to-town (and, perhaps make lodging or camping arrangements for you)? A commercial outfitter might be OK, but we would rather consider a non-profit group, municipal parks department or something similar.
The prefered time for our ride would be October 2006, or April/May 2007, but we would consider anything.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 07/22/2006 06:04 PM
There are a few rides listed on this website. Near the bottom of the Home page, go to Organized Rides. I can't speak personally for any of these as I only ride self supported, enjoying the freedom to come and go as I please.
Enjoy!
CEM from Spokane, USA on 07/22/2006 09:55 PM
Thanks "Trek".
sbikes from Kansas City on 07/23/2006 08:53 AM
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources sponsors a week long, supported ride every
year. Everyone I have ever known to go on it has had a great time. It is camping, but they
provide meals, transport all the gear and have a shower truck so there is a shower available
at the end of every day to wash away the grime. It is very affordable and great fun.
Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 07/25/2006 02:48 PM
If this is Spokane as in Washington State, the city has a unique entity called "Bike Buddies" wherein people interested in bike commuting are paired up with an experienced cyclist who "shows them the ropes". Very active program that is helpful, not haughty and there is no hidden comment herein. Regards......Mark of the Dalton Boys
russ from Jefferson City on 07/25/2006 03:29 PM
we do a 3 day trip every year, and enjoy staying in the B&Bs along the way - you might consider that as an option
Lois from Iowa City on 08/03/2006 09:23 AM
In 2002, I took the supported trip of the Touring Cyclist (St.Louis) and was very, very happy with that. It is a reasonable price, the accomodations were fine - several basic motels and several nicer ones, the food was great and the guides were great. They still offer the same trip in Sept. Assuming they still provide the same service, I would highly recommend them. A special thing is that you start in St. Charles with a train trip to Sedalia which is a beautiful ride on the opposite side of the river from the KATY and equally beautiful. I plan to use them again for this trip sometime.
Katy Trail
- + Hi! I am wondering what I should clean my bike chain with after riding a very dusty trail. I am planning a ride on the Katy the secind weekend in August and need to prepare my bike. Also, would you...
Discussion started 07/31/2006 01:59 PM by clueless - 7 replies (last reply by Lois at 08/03/2006 09:16 AM)clueless on 07/31/2006 01:59 PM
Hi! I am wondering what I should clean my bike chain with after riding a very dusty trail. I am planning a ride on the Katy the secind weekend in August and need to prepare my bike. Also, would you recommend taking along an extra chain on the trail? Thank you very much.
frank from festus on 07/31/2006 03:34 PM
clueless, probably not a bad idea. i have never done it, but also havent gone very far away from my vehicle either. however which way you go, good luck and have a fun ride and be safe.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 07/31/2006 04:52 PM
I would either go to Dick's Sporting Goods if there is one local or follow the Nashbar link on this website and get a Pedro's chain cleaning kit. It includes a scrubber mechanism, a brush, degreaser, and lube. All of which is very easy to use. I usually lube my chain periodically while on the trail.....when it "klunks" when shifing grears its time to relube. Once home I give the chain and gears a good degreasing and then relube. Doubtful that you need to carry a spare chain. I'd guess that if you decide to, know how to put it on anyway.....little good it will do if you are clueless in that arena.
Flint from Columbus on 07/31/2006 05:17 PM
I would recommend a "dry" lube. I presently use White Lightning, however I am told Finish Line "green cap" is better (less frequent application). We ride a lot packed stone trails every season, I was surprised at the difference in gunk buildup, changing from a wet to a dry lube made. We plan to do a West to East Katy trip the end of Aug.
sbikes from Kansas City on 07/31/2006 05:59 PM
A dry lube is absolutely the way to go on the Trail and off. White Lightning is my choice as
well. Support your locally owned and operated bike shops! I see no reason to carry an extra
chain...unless you just want to carry around extra weight. Carry a couple spare tubes and a
pump and you should be just fine (make sure you know how to use them...again, your local
bike shop can help you with that). Sharon
wildflowers on 08/01/2006 11:22 AM
Thank you all for the great suggestions. I will take them. This is such a wonderful site, everyone is always willing to suggest things and the pointers and tips are fabulous. Thanks again.
Shannon
Anonymous on 08/02/2006 03:44 PM
As others have mentioned, it is probably not necessary to carry a whole chain along, but I carry a few extra links and a small chain tool in my tool bag.
Lois from Iowa City on 08/03/2006 09:16 AM
Last time I rode the KATY ('04), I used White Lightening and it worked VERY well. I would highly recommend it. I talked my companions into using it and they were very happy with it. Start with a clean chain when you first use it.
Birk's Gasthaus
- + This B&B is worth the money. If you are visiting Hermann, Mo, this is where I'd stay. Super owners, clean accommodations, good food, and a pleasant atmosphere. Rick and Dianne are extremely helpful ...
Discussion started 07/27/2006 07:48 AM by Larry from the Ozarks - 1 reply (last reply by Dan at 08/02/2006 09:43 PM)Larry from the Ozarks from Springfield Missouri area on 07/27/2006 07:48 AM
This B&B is worth the money. If you are visiting Hermann, Mo, this is where I'd stay. Super owners, clean accommodations, good food, and a pleasant atmosphere. Rick and Dianne are extremely helpful with their recommendations for area sights and eateries. Check the place out.
Dan from St. Charles on 08/02/2006 09:43 PM
My wife and I stayed at Birk's Gasthaus. I highly recommend it. We had a great time there. It was clean and very comfortable. Not "too girlie" like some B&B's. Rick was a great cook and a fun guy to be around. Breakfast was soufle with maple sausage one day and crepes with ham the next. Mmmmmm! Pleanty to eat. Also Rick made brownies one night and cheesecake the next. Rick was very helpful with the bike also. He even loaned us equipment in case we got a flat on trhe trail. I plan to stay there again and ride the Katy from Treloar to McKittrick.
Water availability
- + I am curious: Do all the trail heads have drinking water available now? If not, which? Also, does anyone have any thoughts on other places to refill water bottles along the trail?
Discussion started 07/31/2006 01:34 PM by GC - 6 replies (last reply by Clark at 08/02/2006 06:26 PM)GC from Columbia, Mo. on 07/31/2006 01:34 PM
I am curious: Do all the trail heads have drinking water available now? If not, which? Also, does anyone have any thoughts on other places to refill water bottles along the trail?
frank from festus on 07/31/2006 03:36 PM
g c, i beleive the majority of them do, at least the ones i have been to does. hope this helps.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 07/31/2006 03:40 PM
I know that Clifton City does not, as it was an issue for other riders as I was passing through this Spring. There are stores in the town, but this particular day was a Sunday and none were open. I'd make sure to top off your camel at every opportunity.
Dwight The Troubled Teen on 08/01/2006 11:17 AM
On the contrary, I rode the entire trail and perhaps only 10 percent of the trailheads have a water fountain. The rest of them have the permanent equivalent of a porta-potty (Translation: Fancy hole in the ground.) Not even a place to wash hands.
On the East end of the trail there is no water fountain at any of the trailheads between St. Charles and Dutzow. That's a long darn way.
The ONLY water/refill/beverage opportunities between St. Chuck and Dutzow are Defiance and Augusta.
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 08/01/2006 01:41 PM
Thanks for the info!
Ok, now on to part two: Are the bars and assorted stores/restaurants pretty good about letting patrons fill water bottles? I am mainly concerned about each end of the trail. I am pretty familiar with the central sections.
Also, I don't need to have a water fountain per se, but what about spigots at the trail heads?
Missouri Joe from O'Fallon, MO on 08/01/2006 10:27 PM
I have yet to find water at the trailheads of either Augusta or Defiance, however, both towns have business that sell beverages. The Augusta brewery usually has a large cooler of cold water for bottle filling. Don't rely on vending machine either. I've run across ones that are either empty or refuse to take dollar bills. On hot days, carry as much water as you can.
Clark on 08/02/2006 06:26 PM
Yeah, the only trailhead with water between Weldon Spring and Treloar is at Dutzow as has been mentioned before. The workers at the Peers Store will gladly fill whatever you need, so you can stop there. The other suggestions also work.
Looks like the spammers found a way in
- + It's a shame that nothing is spared the attack of the spammers!
That guy trying to sell cell phones is desperate, I realize. Was in that business for a while, and you can realistically starve ...
Discussion started 07/31/2006 12:17 PM by Bryan S - 3 replies (last reply by frank at 08/02/2006 03:22 PM)Bryan S from Springdale on 07/31/2006 12:17 PM
It's a shame that nothing is spared the attack of the spammers!
That guy trying to sell cell phones is desperate, I realize. Was in that business for a while, and you can realistically starve to death in it, especially trying to sell nextel in arkansas.
Give it up pal...you're wasting your time.
frank from festsu on 07/31/2006 03:31 PM
well said bryan, this is a forum for the katy trail, not sell all swap shop.
Ray (webmaster) on 08/01/2006 10:07 AM
Sorry folks, I've been on vacation and was unable to check the forum for a few days, looks like some spam slipped through while I was out. The spammers are much like cockroaches (in more ways than one) - you take your focus off them for just a short time and they will take over. It's a constant battle. Thanks for understanding.
frank from festus on 08/02/2006 03:22 PM
no apologies needed ray. this wasn't your fault. this stuff happens. you have created a grest website here, to bad someone has to screw things. keep up the good work ray. we all enjoy the web site.
Katy Trail
- + Went on a ride from Defiance to Treloar with some of my buddies on Saturday (the 8th) and on the way back we stopped at the Peers Store for some food. It was a nice stay, and the pulled pork BBQ sand...
Discussion started 07/10/2006 11:14 AM by Clark - 1 reply (last reply by Dwight The Troubled Teen at 08/01/2006 11:36 AM)Clark from New Melle, MO on 07/10/2006 11:14 AM
Went on a ride from Defiance to Treloar with some of my buddies on Saturday (the 8th) and on the way back we stopped at the Peers Store for some food. It was a nice stay, and the pulled pork BBQ sandwich I got was wonderful and nicely priced.
The only thing I didn't like about it, was that there wasn't a great selection of smaller bags of chips or whatnot that would be good for just munching on during a short break, mostly just larger stuff.
Dwight The Troubled Teen on 08/01/2006 11:36 AM
I agree. The Peers store sells a darn good BBQ sammich.
The proprietor was very courteous and nice. He even checked the weather radar on the Internet for me.
Booneville to Hartsburg
- + My wife and I have been riding for a few months now and are interested in taking a ride on the Katy Trail. We are thinking of riding from Booneville to Hartsburg, spending the night and riding back th...
Discussion started 07/12/2006 03:18 PM by Cliff - 6 replies (last reply by Dwight The Troubled Teen at 08/01/2006 11:29 AM)Cliff from Bonner Springs Kansas on 07/12/2006 03:18 PM
My wife and I have been riding for a few months now and are interested in taking a ride on the Katy Trail. We are thinking of riding from Booneville to Hartsburg, spending the night and riding back the next day. How is the trail between these two points? Are there many hills, are they steep, or is the trail pretty flat? Also can anyone recommend lodging in Hartsburg and places to eat? Thanks
Nails on 07/12/2006 03:44 PM
Once you cross the river at Boonville, this section of the trail is as flat as a board.
Cliff from Bonner Springs Kansas on 07/12/2006 03:49 PM
Thanks for the info.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 07/12/2006 06:37 PM
Dotties in Hartsburg is the place for good eats at a fair price.
sbikes from Kansas City on 07/12/2006 10:20 PM
The winery has great food and has just recently re-opened. There are also a couple of B &
B's...check this site for links to those places. Don't forget to stop in at Hartsburg Cycle
Depot...great fruit smoothies and the best coffee on the Trail!
savage24 from KC, MO on 07/15/2006 09:36 AM
Sounds like a great ride! I rode Rocheport to Hartsburg last Sunday and returned on Monday. The Globe Hotel B&B receives a lot of good comments on this board, but I have not stayed there myself. I camped at Volunteer Park. As for places to eat, I highly recommend Les Bourgeois Winery in Rocheport. There is also Lucy's at McBaine and Cooper's Landing at Easley. Hartsburg has Dotty's Cafe and Summit Lake Winery. Be sure and check the business hours when planning your trip! There is little or nothing to eat in Hartsburg on a Monday or Tuesday. The room rates for the Globe Hotel B&B shown on this site are out of date. I have information from Jeanette the owner of the Globe that I will send to the webmaster since Jeanette does not have internet access at this time.
Dwight The Troubled Teen on 08/01/2006 11:29 AM
Pilot Grove to Booneville is a blissfull downhill chute. You can literally go miles without pedaling if the trail is dry and you get a little tailwind. Once you clear Booneville going East, the trail is flat, flat, flat.
You'll love Katfish Katy's. Linda Lou is an absolute doll.