Katy Trail Forum

Are there any women out there who have biked the entire trail solo? I am planning to bike/camp from Clinton to St.Charles and would like to hear any advice you could give me.

Just do it! You will have a great time. I have ridden the entire trail, but with companions.

However, I have ridden pretty much all parts of the Trail by myself on day trips (except close

to St. Louis) and have always enjoyed it. sharon

I ride the sections between St. Charles and Dutzow by myself once a week. I've done it all summer, and have not had a problem. I carry a mace canister on my handlebars, in case I encounter a mean dog, but have never had to use it. (Other women riders here recommended that to me) Klondike Park is a nice place to camp for the night.

I rode on a mountain bike from Clinton to St. Charles solo (July 5-7,06) with stops in Boonville (1st night) and Hermann (2nd night). I didn't camp, but stayed at a friend's house the first night, and at Birk's Gasthaus (excellent) on the second night. A friend from college who lives in St. Louis picked me up from the St. Charles trailhead on Friday, and I took Amtrak back to Lee's Summit on Saturday afternoon.



I had no safety issues, no flats or other mechanical issues, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I lucked out with the weather, low 80's (rained July 4th morning), and the trail for the first couple of days was packed down well. It wasn't until the last day that I got a real taste of trail dust :-). Not many riders around the Jeff City area.



I would recommend no more than 50 miles a day--my itinerary was pretty agressive, and found that I didn't really have time to read signs, or go on some the ad hoc hikes (did go on the Eagle Bluffs hike just east of McBane, if memory serves--don't miss that--absolutely beautiful overlook of the Missouri river valley).



I recommend reading these discussion Boards, especially for information on campsites and towns that you plan on spending the night. Tried and true recommendations are the best!

My first inclination is to recommend against such an adventure. It violates the first rule of wilderness survival, "Don't go alone." (Regardless of how mild a KATY wildnerness adventure is.) That said, something about Beth's post makes one curious about her. I've got a recent vacancy on the stoker seat of my tandem. I wonder, does Beth has any interest in a non-solo adventure on the KATY? :)

Just do it...if I waited until I had someone to do everything with I might not ever leave the

house! LOL Let someone know where you are so that if something does happen, they will

know where to start looking! But, seriously, I would just do it...sounds like fun to me. If you

do get in trouble, there are lots of people along the way to ask for help. Sharon

I'm early 50's/female and have done the entire trail solo and multiple overnight trips solo. I always carry my cell phone and let my hubby know when I start in the morning and when I arrive in the afternoon. The only problem (besides flats) was an angry dog that came running out of the woods chasing me. Since then I carry Haltz but have never had to use it.

Go for it! Time waits for no one and like the other poster noted, if you wait till you have someone to go with, it may not happen.

MAH, KCMO

Right on MAH! Simply, elegantly put. Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

I go out by myself all the time, and always feel pretty safe. However, I have yet to do the whole trail, but I'm planning on doing it sometime this fall. I think you should go for it, but you may want to plug in the phone number for MO Conservation Dept. in your cell phone. They are the ones that can drive on the trail to respond to emergencies, etc. I may be wrong, but I'm almost positive it's MO Conservation trucks on the trail. Anyways, good luck & enjoy your ride!

Thanks for everyone's input! I've done several solo camping/day hiking trips without thinking twice, but hearing people gasp in horror when I tell them I'm going to ride the Katy solo made me wonder if I was missing something. Hearing your encouraging feedback makes me wish I was starting tomorrow. Granted, I do realize that I'll still have to use a bit more caution since I'll be alone (with a possiblity of company for one day). But statistically speaking, I'm probably more likely to knock myself out with a bellyflop exit from my bathtub than I am to run into physical danger on the Katy Trail. I guess nobody is really "safe" anywhere...we just expose ourselves to dangers of a different kind, depending on where we go.

The one thing that does have me worried is camping along the trail. I've been scouring the comment forum, as Beth suggested, looking for good campground recommendations and making a note of them. I'd love to hear from more of you on good and not-so-good campgrounds. By good, I mean fairly safe, as far as campgrounds go (preferably not next door to a bar, prison, or shooting range). I don't need anything fancy in the way of amenities...just a place to lay my head. I haven't worked out my itinerary yet, so I don't have specific campgrounds to ask about....but if I get some feedback, maybe I can plan my stops around that!

This is great! I'm planning to do an end-to-end solo ride myself and am just now researching my trip. However, I was planning on staying at some BB's instead of camping (wasn't sure if I wanted to carry all that gear with me). It's great to know that there are other women out there who have ridden or who are interested in riding the trail all the way. Maybe we should get together and start our own adventure club! Anyone interested in hiking the Appalachians? :)



Thanks for the encouragement ladies - now I'm more determined than ever to do this.

The Katy Trail is maintained by the Department of Natural Resources, not the Conservation Department. State Park staff and rangers are the ones on the trail.



Jim Gast

Superintendent

Katy Trail State Park(Middle West section: Portland to Boonville)

I rode the katy trail solo from Sedalia to St. Charles. I rode it for 5 days, average of 40 miles a day. I stayed mainly in Bed and Breakfast. There are sleeping rooms in Sedalia. I will highly recommend the sleeping room at Maxine Wheeler's (660)287-0971 in Sedalia. I took the Amtrak on July 20th to Sedalia. Because of the storm we had in St. Louis, instead of arriving at 7pm I arrived after midnight. Maxine was very generous of picking me up from the train station at that time. I could go on... I just had the best experience with her and her family.

Riding the Katy trail was a very powerful experience. I grew stronger. I had to keep myself very positive, cheering myself so I reach my goal each day. Faith was the main ingredient. I had a flat tire the second day, and my chain came off the third day. I didn't carry any tools and I am not handy at all. The fourth day I saw a big improvement in my physical strength.

If you have the idea of riding it on your own, go for it. Don't think twice.

Just wondering if anyone has ever hiked the trail? I'm not a biker but love to long distance hike and was wondering if anyone has ever done this. Also, from my research it dosent look like there are too many camping areas.

Thanks,

I called the phone number listed on the Katy Trail literature and asked this same question. The lady on the phone sounded like she thought I was crazy to even want to hike the trail. Would love to see something organized.

Captain,

I will be hiking the whole trail beginning Labor Day weekend. I know there have been some people that have hiked it, in fact, I believe there is a link on here to a couple who did it a few years ago. I am planning on doing it in 13 days. Wish me luck!

I plan jto run it from Clinton to St. Charles in mid-November

If I want to park my car for a week, where do you recommend?

People gonna be tellin you "the garage" if ya don't give em more to go on than that Howard. Let the posters know where you want to start your ride, and I'm sure someone can give you some legitimate help.

Sorry, I thought I was on a specific link for Clinton.

So, where in Clinton would be appropriate to park my car for a week?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Howard

Did anyone give you a good answer? I have the same question.

I always park at the old Sedalia depot. The longest I've ever left my car there is 3 days.

I loved our stay at Birk's. Whenever I need to come to Hermann, this will be our first choice. Rick and Dianne are helpful, warm, friendly, funny and GREAT cooks. Our rooms were very comfortable.They made us feel as if it was our home.

I have a couple of questions for anyone out there who has ridden various sections of the trail. 1) I am looking for a very scenic section that is maybe 20-30 miles long, and am wondering if any section including the Burr Oak could be described as such. 2) Can a street bike be used or is a mountain bike necessary? I have heard that large sections of the trail are paved. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Rocheport east fits the bill.....including the Burr Oak.



A few weeks ago I met a couple of men that were riding coast to coast......street bikes of course. Just before rolling into Rocheport they had turned over 1,900 miles and their comment was that the Katy was some of the best riding they had been on so far.



None of the Katy is paved......save a few bits and pieces through Sedalia....Booneville, etc.

ditto to trek biker. i have a raleigh bike with knobby tires. rode the trail after a good ole country toad strangler of a rain storm. no problem at all. have fun and enjoy the trip.

I totally agree, Rochport east wins hands down. I've used a road bike on several occasions without any problems except for the white dust you'll get from the trail. Be sure and clean your chain afterwards.

Bad part about that white dust is that it doesn't distinguish between bike types.

I recenttly stayed at Birk's Gasthaus with a group of 12 people. Down to every person, we found the accomodations to be roomy and very clean, the hosts to be friendly and quite helpful, the food to be scrumptious and bountiful, and the common areas including a wonderful porch to be inviting and relaxing. It is a beautiful old mansion in a quiet neighborhood. Wonderfully relaxing. It is a great value for the money. The private baths have wonderful, big old claw-footed tubs. If you want one with a shower, you need to ask. We could not have been happier with our accomodations. We plan to return.

My wife and I stayed here in March. I whole heartedly agree with you...this is a great place!

Is it "legal" to ride the top of the levee where the gravel trail ends north of 370?



Thanks,



Ken

At this point the state has no easement or access rights to that area. If you ride your bike through that area you are tresspassing and riding at your own risk.

Thanks, that's what I was looking for. I saw bicycle tracks leading from the gravel into the grass, but didn't want to ride there until I knew it was legal.

I heard that after all this time, the state is close to an agreement with the Levee District that would allow them to finish the trail through this area. I know the state will move fast once the deal is official. It sounds as if they are very, very eager to finish this section of trail.

The owner is awesome! Very friendly. This is definitely the place to stop for rest, drink, and buy extra equipment for your bike. It's worth stopping after a long ride from St Charles which is 21 miles. Bought seat carrier along with trunk cooler, perfect for carrying extra waters which doesn't slow your riding down. I plan to come back to look for more upgrades to my bike such as higher handlebar stem OR a handlebar and perhap add quicklock to my front tire.

The Missouri taxpayers through the State of Missouri own the Katy Trail. And on behalf of all of us....I graciously accept that compliment. We ARE awesome!!

Two women riding bikes across the US to promote their new CD...heard them tonight in KC

and they are a great show! Two women, close harmony...all sorts of instruments. They did

the show tonight in Wizard of Oz costumes...who knows what they will do for Missouri. They

sing at the Blue Note in Columbia on the 26th and at the Mad Art Gallery in St. Louis on the

28th. They welcome folks to ride along with them and they will be riding across Missouri on

the Trail! Here is the website: http://www.thedittybops.com/shows.htm

Enjoy! Sharon

The heat finally broke and it was time for a ride so I did the Treloar to McKittrick stretch which is a 16 mile (32 RT) with no services except at each end. This is a beautiful time of year, tall green corn, soybean fields, wild flowers, sunflowers... Besides the flora I saw a huge hawk and many, many turtles in the creeks and rivers. The Missouri River was also beautiful to look at with a few recreational boaters having a great summer's day. Trail conditions varied from dry and well groomed to rough and damp. Several areas are still in need of repair from washouts (from recent storms I suspect). The porta potties at Treloar have not been serviced since early June and it shows (and smells) and the 7-Up machine at McKittrick does not work. I also forgot to put my front wheel in the truck when I left for home at Treloar. Fortunately, when I returned it was up against a tree and I was glad to see that I had not run it over. Thanks to whoever moved it.

Stayed at the Casino finishing the first day of riding. After 74 miles we were ready to relax. The rooms were large and nice, but you did not get many extras for the price. The trail runs right up to the front door so they could not get any closer. The buffet was nearly $20 per person, way over priced for poor food. Breakfast was not any better. They knew they had you so they charged what they wanted. I will never stay here again!

Stayed at the Casino finishing the first day of riding. After 74 miles we were ready to relax. The rooms were large and nice, but you did not get many extras for the price. The trail runs right up to the front door so they could not get any closer. The buffet was nearly $20 per person, way over priced for poor food. Breakfast was not any better. They knew they had you so they charged what they wanted. I will never stay here again!

We stuffed ourselves at the casino's buffet for about $17 per person --tax included. It was good but overpriced. There was a steak and hamburger cafe on Boonville's main downtown drag but didn't seem appealing. A small Italian eatery on that same street appeared promising but was closed on the Sunday and Monday that we passed through. A very basic fish shack was a couple blocks on down the street (west?).

We stuffed ourselves at the casino's buffet for about $17 per person --tax included. It was good but overpriced. There was a steak and hamburger cafe on Boonville's main downtown drag but didn't seem appealing. A small Italian eatery on that same street appeared promising but was closed on the Sunday and Monday that we passed through. A very basic fish shack was a couple blocks on down the street (west?).

The "basic fish shack" is Mississippi Fish Shack, next door to Thespian Hall on Main Street. The place isn't fancy, but they sure know how to fry a mean fillet. During my first visit, the owner brought out a round of fried pickles for everyone in the restaurant to try, free of charge. I wasn't so sure about fried pickles, but they were suprisingly tasty. I'm not sure what their hours are, but if you're in the area, I'd definitely recommend it!

The "basic fish shack" is Mississippi Fish Shack, next door to Thespian Hall on Main Street. The place isn't fancy, but they sure know how to fry a mean fillet. During my first visit, the owner brought out a round of fried pickles for everyone in the restaurant to try, free of charge. I wasn't so sure about fried pickles, but they were suprisingly tasty. I'm not sure what their hours are, but if you're in the area, I'd definitely recommend it!

What I still can't get over is that they asked us to park our bikes at the bike rack that had no ramp! We had to lift our bikes (that were heavy because we were biking self-contained) onto a pedestal! Typical of a business that doesn't promote healthy living. It probably never occurred to them to put in a ramp. Can you imagine their parking lot having a curb all the way around it?

What I still can't get over is that they asked us to park our bikes at the bike rack that had no ramp! We had to lift our bikes (that were heavy because we were biking self-contained) onto a pedestal! Typical of a business that doesn't promote healthy living. It probably never occurred to them to put in a ramp. Can you imagine their parking lot having a curb all the way around it?

My friend and I had biked from Boonville to Rocheport one sunday and were starving and

thirsty by the time we got there with every place closed except Abigail's. A pricey place but

we were willing to pay anything for food. The owner looked at us funny when we walked in

and said all his tables were taken with reservations. Only two people were sitting in the

whole place. We went back outside and sat on a bench trying to figure out what we can do.

Another couple dressed all nice came in after us without reservations and were eventually

seated at a table that was "mistakenly" not really reserved. We sat on the bench outside

aghast that the nicely dressed couple was seated and not us, probably too dusty off the

trail. We filled up our water bottles from a spicket and road two hours home on empty

stomachs and sore butts.

We drove the next day to Rocheport to start our biking for the day and stopped at the bike

shop to buy gel seats. They were out of the sizes we needed and the guy running the place

just wasn't the friendliest. We didn't encounter many friendly people in Rocheport. When

we asked for directions and even the service at the winery. It was dissappointing for such a

charming town to have not so friendly people.

We usually eat at Abigails when we bike to Rocheport and I love their food. That being said, I find them a wee bit pretentious and condescending. We ate there with a group of people including my nephew one evening and, when they brought our meals, she gave him an order of Trout. When he said that there must be a mixup and that he had not ordered Trout, the reply from the waitress was....and I'll never forget this line......."well, I wouldn't have brought it to you if you hadn't ordered it!" Having worked in restraurants before, I thought that this was a novel approach to customer service. All things considered though,it's not a bad place to eat...particularly when you look at your other options for a meal in Rocheport.

Rocheport is great. Abigails is the one with the problem.



They're amateurs and equal any McDonald worker.



While in Rocheport go eat at the Trailside Cafe. Sit and watch the action on the trail then test ride their bikes too.

Unfortunately, my husband and I had a similar experience in Rocheport. We stayed at the Yates House and found the innkeeper (female) to be abrupt and rude, the man was okay. We have stayed in many B&B's over the years and have never had an experience like that before.



Lunch at Abigail's was okay, but the service was slow.



We did have a nice experience at the Pebble Publishing Book Store. They carry a great selection of Missouri history, Katy Trail and nature books.



We had our best night of the ride in Augusta and would recommend that over Rocheport any time!

This would be one of my first picks to stop near the trail (10 or 11 blocks north of the trail). At the 5th Street Pub - there is outside seating, it has an informal atmosphere situated in the downtown area, and near Sedalia's two bicycle shops. Sandwiches, salads, pizza, soup all on the menu. I'm a Sedalia resident and cyclist.

My wife and I will be taking Amtrak from St Louis to Sedalia. I would like to leave our van at a garage in town near the station. Is there a shuttle or any kind of transport other than a cab from St Charles trailhead into St Louis.

Cooper's Landing needs to clean-up the porta johns in front of their store. They were overflowing. Very gross. The man running the place was very nice.

The 3 portapotties get serviced once per week, usually on Tuesday. Mike Cooper

What gear would anyone recommend for a single speeding with a 29er on the Katy? I normally ride 32x20 on trails and 44x18 for roads......

I made a visit here with a friend once, while not on a ride, and it was a great stop to visit and look at the art. Galleries are changed frequently so odds are you won't see the same stuff twice.



Plus, it's great to walk upstairs and watch the artists work. Most are very friendly and will have a good talk with you.