Katy Trail Forum

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.

I am planning on riding the trail from Clinton to ST.Charles, and then turning around and doing it in reverse next July. I will be allowing myself 8 days to for this round trip and all self supported. Does anyone have any advice? I will be riding my Kona Mtn bike with 1.5" kevlar tires, semi aggresive tread pattern. Also will be tent camping entire way. Thank you, Scotty.

Have a great time! I would suggest inch tires with less tread...you don't need the wide

knobby tires and they will slow you down...kevlar belt is good, though! Sharon KCMO

1.5 inch tires are fine, especially if heavy rain occours the trail can get a little too soft for tires that are very narrow, especially with the load you will be carrying. Not much tread is necessary, slicks or semi-slicks roll much better.Make sure you are using kevlar belted tires, not folding tires with a kevlar bead, as many people do not know the difference. I rode the entire trail from west to east last week in four days with this set up on a cyclocross bike with no flats or problems...enjoy the peace and solitude of the Katy....

About 5 years ago, I met a group of 4 guys attemptnig a round trip in 9 days. They had just turned back East from Clinton. One of them had not done his saddle time and you could tell he was in some serious hurt. I have no idea what happened to them.

Do a few day trips on the Trail to get used to the riding surface and decide what will work

best for you in the tire category. I am a roadie at heart and like to cut down on rolling

resistance as much as I can, but still have a stable ride. I would never take my road bike on

the Trail. I ride a Trek mountain bike that I have put 1 inch tires on (Panaracer Messenger)

and find them to be the perfect blend of good stable support and fast! : )

Just out of curiosity sbikes.....what is considered "fast" on the Katy?

Just out of curiosity sbikes.....what is considered "fast" on the Katy?

I just got done with my first visit yesterday too the Katy Trail. My only suggestion is don`t do it in July , it is to hot. When I was out there it was close to 100 Degrees and very very Humid. I think the spring or fall would be much better for doing the milage you are talking about.

When I used to ride the Trail a lot (before rotator cuff surgery) I would average oh, 15-20

mph...fastest I ever rode on the trail was probably around 30 mph and would have gone

faster, but ran out of gears on my mountain bike! : )

here's a link to a description of my 7-day trip on the Katy. St. Louis-Katy-Clinton and back.



http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=66178&highlight=katy+trail+548

Hello. I am new to this area and was looking to ride some trails. I have been told that Katy is a nice one for sightseeing. I would do it alone, no problem..however, it would be nice if I had company. If you were interested in a ride, please call me. I am safe and friendly :D Thanks~

Xavier 314-984-8181 (work-Hampton Inn, Sunset Hills)

Hello Xavier, we are a group of 3 that ride once in a while. You are more than welcomed to ride with us. We are also in ou 30's and we like to do the Winnery thing. Hope you can make it out soon. I am thinking of a run Sunday and Monday this week. I will call you.



Mike & Lisa

A group of six of us ate here June 3rd. Excellent food, great wine. The patio is such a wonderful place to sit in nice weather. We had a great time! Whatever wine you have with your meal, end the evening with a bottle of Port and conversation. How can you go wrong?

With a bottle of Portugal wine? When in Missouri, try a good Les Bourgeois or Stone Hill......of course there are many other good Missouri vineyards.

I hope that was 'tongue in cheek' Trek Biker!

The 'port' is a fine Missouri "port" I mean, Missouri has Mexico and Paris...why not Portugal

too!! : )

I havent been through Hartsburg in a few years. Did the old Thornhill Winery get bought out by Summit Lake? Any info would be great.

Yes. Summit Lake has a location in Holts Summit and this is a new location with different

menu items...oh, and the wine is good too! Plus, they have Guiness which is a plus for me!

Sharon