Katy Trail Forum

Is there any kind of bike that won't work on the trail/parts of the trail? I can't tell if I would need a mountain bike, or what will work. Don't want to get flat!

I once saw a gentleman do the G.A.S.P. (Greater Austin to Shiner Pedal & 90+ miles), on a BMX with an empty child trailer. Odd, but it was done and thus any human powered conveyance "can" work...just may not be the most efficient. A mountain frame will work fine, and to prevent, (not exclude) flats I would recommend a heavy tire with Slime Liners and that will get you ahead of the game. Unless you're on "airless" tires" there is no absolute prevention of flats. whatever you do enjoy the trail, be safe. Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

The only bike I wouldn't take on the trail would be a road bike with skinny road bike tires. I

ride a mountain bike frame that I have put relatively narrow tires (panaracer messenger) that

have kevlar sidewalls. I have had one flat in years of riding the trail. A hybrid would be fine,

a mountain bike is fine, I would just never take my road bike out. Most of the trail is small

rock, but every once in a while there is some mushy parts and the trail as you get nearer to

Clinton is larger rock and closer to St. Louis is more like pavement. Plus, it is very dusty. I

think a mountain bike frame is built better to withstand the bumps and jostles along the

trailway. But, do pack a few spare tubes and a pump and make sure you know how to change

your own tires.

I've read lots of comments on lots of websites and several books on the Katy and it seems that almost any bike will work. I've ridden pieces of the trail, but not all of it. I've seen folks out on hybrids, mountain bikes (that's what I use for everything), recumbents, road bikes, even saw an EZ-3 trike once. I do agree with the other folks though on tires. You'll have a better time with the heavier, wider tires like those typically found on mountain bikes. Most of the trail is paved with "pug", a finely chopped limestone. When its dry, its pretty dusty, when it's wet, it can be mushy in places. The narrow tires will sink deeper in the soft spots. There is a thorny vine that grows along the trail in places too. The knobby tread patterns will hold you up above most of the thorns...most of the time. Not always. Carry flat fixing tools and a pump.



Other than that, bring what ever you need to be comfortable, some sunscreen, a camera and have a good ride!

I've ridden a mountain bike, hybrid and road bike on the KATY. By far the hybrid works the best. The mountain bike also works well, but most have knobby tires that you don't really need on the KATY and they tend to cause your speed to be reduced. Road bikes work fine as long as the trail is dry, but if you get a rain the narrow tires sink badly. So my two cents is, use a hybrid.

Agreed with TR....I ride a hybrid....it works fine. Bigger knobby tires and narrow street tires (when the trail is soft) equate to more rolling resistance....more work involved for a what should be a pleasant ride.



No one WANTS to get a flat....always take a spare tube and know how to use it.....but all this talk about flats is hype as far as I'm concerned. I've yet to have a flat riding any rail-to-trail path.

i rode the trail round trip on a la monde road bike with 28mm tires

never had a problem but i was simply LUCKY! the trail is haphazardly strewn with ruts due to shifting of the trail, settling, and rainouts, etc etc. they are deadly to any kind of bike or tire width, watch out for them. But don't let that stop you from enjoy the trail. it's GREAT!

Trek Biker,

I'm very happy for you to have had such good luck with your tires. I too have had pretty good luck, having had only one flat in the last 5 years. That was caused by a roofing nail of all things, that I picked up in my back tire (while riding my mt. bike on a city street). By the same token, I've also only had 1 flat on my truck in about the same amount of time. All of this is due largely to maintaining good quality tires on both vehicles, and a portion of just plain good luck. My commute to work is more than 30 miles round trip, some of it over some nasty gravel roads. Inspite of all that, I still carry spares and tools appropriate to change or repair as needed. It won't be "hype" as you put it when you're 20 miles from home and have no way to fix it.

I always carry a spare, tools, and a pump. Thats why I said "No one WANTS to get a flat....always take a spare tube and know how to use it." Traveling prepared takes the worry off the radar screen and allows for a pleasant ride!

I'm planning to ride the trail west-to-east May 3-10 on my Bike Friday NWT with little (20") Schwalbe tires - high-pressure but not too narrow, think they're about 1-3/4". Will of course carry a pump, patch kits and spare tubes for both bike and trailer (12" diameter) tires. But the Friday wheels will accommodate low-pressure kiddie-bike tires you can pick up most everywhere if the Schwalbes aren't working well on the trail.



I too have had pretty good luck vis-a-vis flats. Only had simultaneous front-and-rear deflations once, in a blinding downpour on the Oregon Coast!

Pack the phone number of Hartsburg Cycle Depot (573-657-9599) just in case. They are a

full serve bike shop, unlike most of the bike shops along the trail which cater more the

rentals. The Cycle Depot has a certified mechanic on staff and is open year round.



You should be fine with those tires. Are they kevlar belted? Sometimes there are sharp

pointy things on the trail!

I kinda plan to do the whole KATY trail on spring break of 07. it's gonna be a stretch, but i believe i can do it. what do you do about fresh water. i have a camelback, but i drink a lot of water.

most ( but not all) of the trail heads have a water source.

The DNR is working on it but not too terribly quickly.



The TH's that do have a water source is well water. Not refrigerated (aren't we a spoiled bunch? hahah)



My suggestion to you is to fill and refill EVERY chance you get.

I rode the trail round trip last year and figured that out really fast!



need any more info, contact me at dsnimmo@gmail.com

have fun!

Depending on the time of the year, if it's early spring, even some of the TH water sources are turned off. Most of the businesses in the towns however will let you fill up your water bottles.

Note that Camelback bladders (and their packs) are available in a number of capacities. The largest being 3 liters (a little more than 3 quarts). If you have one of those, 2 water bottles on your bike, and top off at every trailhead with water, you should have no trouble with water intake. You may have trouble finding approved places of disposing of all that water. :)

The railroad needed water every 10 miles, so they built a town every 10 miles. You shouldn't

have problem finding water as most, not all, but most, of those little towns still have a place

where you can get water.

A buddy and I (both early 50's and ret) are planning on doing the trail in 3 days starting June 18. We are riding across Okla on OKFreeWheel the week preceding that, driving to Clinton and starting the next day (Sun). We will have vehicle support (wives) at the stopover towns. I'm then be continuing on to ride across Mich. on the PALM ride the next week.

May 16th-20th(?) Portion along River, Start Boonville? Rocheport? B&B about 4 nights. Where to leave the car? How to shuttle back? Can this senior couple expect to go their usual 35-45 miles per day? How's the surface in the rain?

Woodpete, You basically have two options on the shuttle: Hire a private shuttle service or plan your ride so you can ride Amtrak. I think a private shuttle would be expensive for only two people. Amtrak's fares are quite reasonable, but their baggage policy will not allow most bike trailers and the trains are often late. If you are not pulling trailers are riding a tandem, I suggest planning a ride between Sedalia and Marthasville and riding Amtrak. I always like to do the shuttle part first and then ride back to my car. If you stay at a B&B in Marthasville, they would probably allow you to leave your car there and they could take you across the river to the Amtrak station in Washington in the morning to catch the train to Sedalia. You could start your ride in the afternoon when you get off the train, or hire a private shuttle to take you to Boonville (since you stated that you're interested in riding along the river), or spend a night in Sedalia and get a fresh start the next morning. Here is my itinerary suggestion:

Day 1: Sedalia to Boonville - 37 miles

Day 2: Boonville to Hartsburg - 38 miles

Day 3: Hartsburg to Rhineland - 49 miles

Day 4: Rhineland to Marthasville - 28 miles

There is a bit of a climb between Sedalia and Pilot Grove, but the rest is flat. You should be able to do your usual mileage. The trail surface can be soft and a bit sloppy in some places if riding while it is raining but most parts drain well and will dry within an hour after the rain has stopped, especialy if the sun comes out.

If you don't mind the cost of the private shuttle and only want to do the portion along the river, I would leave the car in St Charles, hire a shuttle to Rocheport and ride back.

Thanks very much for your suggestions--are busy mapping it out now!

We walked the 10 miles from New Franklin to Rocheport with our three year old in the stroller. We decided to rent bikes and a child trailer at the Trailside Cafe and Bikeshop. The equipment was in excellent condition and our son liked their trailer better than the one we have! We got stuck in a lightening storm on the way back to New Franklin and were later getting the bikes back than we had expected. The store staff was waiting for us and said they'd been concerned about us. They were very thoughtful.

We walked the 10 miles from New Franklin to Rocheport with our three year old in the stroller. We decided to rent bikes and a child trailer at the Trailside Cafe and Bikeshop. The equipment was in excellent condition and our son liked their trailer better than the one we have! We got stuck in a lightening storm on the way back to New Franklin and were later getting the bikes back than we had expected. The store staff was waiting for us and said they'd been concerned about us. They were very thoughtful.

We ate lunch at the Trailside Café and Bike Shop. Had a great meal at a great price. The chicken wrap combo for $4 can't be beat! The burgers looked good too. The outside tables are the place to be – right at the Rocheport Trail Head. The Trailside folks are bike people. They love their job and will talk bikes all day. Go test ride their bikes.

We ate lunch at the Trailside Café and Bike Shop. Had a great meal at a great price. The chicken wrap combo for $4 can't be beat! The burgers looked good too. The outside tables are the place to be – right at the Rocheport Trail Head. The Trailside folks are bike people. They love their job and will talk bikes all day. Go test ride their bikes.

HAD A GREAT TIME ON THE MKT!!!



Had lunch at Lucy’s Bar and Grill in McBaine. Lucy’s is located less than a football field South of the trail on Highway K. We were there on Friday, 14 April when not much else on the trail was open. Lucy’s will be open! This place caters to local professional farmers. Lucy’s is a cinder brick building with Budweiser decor with one pool table and a jukebox (with two types of music - country and western). They don’t have a visible bar but have stools with counter service and numerous tables (right out of the 1950s). My wife and I had the burger platter. Their burgers must be at least ¾ pound (maybe more). My child loved Lucy’s pies. Eating at Lucy’s will immerse you in the true Missouri culture. You could expect to see Andy Griffin in there!



From the Rocheport Trail Head to Lucy’s is about 10 miles one-way (20 mile round trip) – perfect mileage for a family outing.

Hi:

I am planning a group weekend one-way ride from New Franklin eastward to Jefferson City or Tebbetts.



I was wanting to drive ahead a leave a vehicle near our destination point, and also park a vehicle at the departure point.



Can anyone recommend places to leave a vehicle- preferably free and safe?



Thanks for the input. Jake

How about leaving your car at the parking lot next to Hartsburg Cycle Depot? That is not

quite as far as you were wanting to go, but it's fine to leave your car overnight there without

a problem. And, there are people around to kind of keep an eye on things. I do not

recommend leaving your car at the Jefferson City trailhead as there have been problems there

with cars being broken into and vandalized, sad, but true.

I agree with sbikes - I would not leave a car at Jeff City. Tebbetts would probably be okay. Hartsburg is a good idea also. As for leaving a car at the departure point, I would check with the New Franklin police department or the Katy Roundhouse Campground.

I went into Abigails for lunch today at 12:30 (my wife and child waited outside). I walked into the door and stood for three minutes. There were two waitresses/hostesses/associates within arms reach the entire three minutes I stood there. They didn't even acknowledge I was standing there. All of the 8-10 tables in the small restaurant had customers. I wasn't expecting to get a table. All I wanted was to be acknowledged with the greeting of the day and "we'll be right with you" or "give me a second and I'll be right back".



THEY'RE AMATEURS.



We went to the Trailside Cafe and Bike Shop and had a great chicken wrap. Trailside even let me test ride their Burley recumbent. Trailside is a great place and caters to the bicycle crowd. Trailside's outside tables are just as hip/trendy as Abigails plus at Trailside you can sit and watch the action at the Rocheport trail head.

My husband are planning a 3-4 day ride on the trail for my mother's day present. Planning to start mid-week second week in May. Want to go west to east. We are experienced cyclists and have done lots of bike tours the past 15 years. Looking to do around 50 miles a day. Any suggestions which town would be the best place to start and finish up? Particularly wanting nice B&B's and good restaurants so we are open to doing any section with these amenities along the way. Recommendations of B&B's and towns would be greatly appreciated for the suggested route. Thanks!

hey there peggy, i personally think rocheport then east is the prettiest route, but that is just me. my perosonal advice is to use this here web site for all its worth. ray, the web master, has done an excellent job of covering almost anything you would need for a bike ride. i have ridden from booneville to no. jefferson, from sedialia to 8 miles east and back, from st. charles to 10 miles out and back and from weldon springs to augusta. the prettiest is from rocheport east. i've have read where the globe hotel in hartsburg is great and some other b & b's along the way, but don't know personally. if you are in or around rocheport, you have to ride through the rocheport tunnel. hope this helps some anyways. happy bikin and happy mothers day.

Schoolhouse B&B in Rocheport - an old school building converted into a B&B - fun & charming.

Come and stay at Lococo House ll, B&B ---- just three blocks from the Trail Head ----- make it your beginning or end to riding the trail ----- start off with a good long soak in the hot tub and then a soothing massage ----- fresh baked goods in the evening and shuttle service ---- great breakfast to start your day ---- check us out on our web site ----www.lococohouse.com ----Rhona Lococo

Capt Wohlt Inn in Hermann will pick you up from the trailhead. There's lots to do and see in Hermann.

I would suggest starting in Sedalia, stay at the Bothwell Hotel. It is an old, historic hotel that's been restored and they cater to bicyclists. Spend the next night in Rocheport, there are several good B & B's there. Then ride to N. Jefferson, where there are several places that will pick you up at the trailhead and take you over the river and back the next morning. Or, if you're up to something a little more spartan, ride 12 miles further on to Tebbetts. There you'll find the hostel type Turner Katy Trail Shelter that's run by the MO State Parks Division. Then ride to Marthasville, where the Heaven on Earth B&B has a good reputation. Then on to St. Charles. This gives you approximately 50 miles each day. This site is a wonderful resource for more information on all the above, along with interesting places to stop and visit. Good luck, you'll love the KATY.

we are planning an west to east bike trip on the Adventure Cycling trans america trail. we would like to detour to Clinton and spend some time doing the entire Katy Trail. Any ideas on reasonable routes to make the connections? I have been reviewing the MO DOT maps that show the traffic volumes etc. but there are many choices of the "green routes" Also the Mississippi River Trail would seem to be an appropriate connection at the eastern end but I wonder what it is like to go around St. Louis on this trail? All responses greatly appreciated.

Mahalo Willy - Go to Missouri Bike Federation Web for a best detour to Clinton from the TransAmerica, at the other end the Confluence Trail System. Do a search with key words Confluence Trail and a good amount of trails will pop up in and around St. Louis. The web site should include the Chain of Rocks Bridge. You know doing the KATY also gets you a part of the Lewis & Clark Heritage Trail!! Enjoy the voyage......Mark of the Dalton Boys

willy, hey there, are you talking bout the trail that runs from downtown st. louis north of the arch, north to the chain of rocks bridge and beyond??? if you are, supposedly it goes all the way past alton, ill., all the way to grafton, ill. i have ridden the trail from downtown to the chain of rocks bridge and in to ill. it is a nice trail that goes through an industrial area and across and on top of a levee, going through north riverview park then across the old chain of rocks bridge. it is a nice ride on asphalt, some nice views, and fairly easy ridin. during the week you'll need to be careful of heavy truck traffic, week ends not so much. i hope this helps and it is the trail you are talkin bouts. if you would like, go to www.trailnet.net happy bikin

Here's a web page that tells you how to get from the Katy Trail to downtown St Louis, where you can catch the Riverfront trail mentioned above.

We are planning out our first trip on this trail and may end up overnite @ Das Gast Hause...any feedback about this one???

We are planning out our first trip on this trail and may end up overnite @ Das Gast Hause...any feedback about this one???

We had a great stay there a couple of years ago. They have a hot tub, and complimentary glass of wine on arrival. Each room has its own section of the large wrap-around porch. Breakfast was fantastic--more than we could eat, and we like big breakfasts.

We had a great stay there a couple of years ago. They have a hot tub, and complimentary glass of wine on arrival. Each room has its own section of the large wrap-around porch. Breakfast was fantastic--more than we could eat, and we like big breakfasts.

A friend and I stayed there one night last summer. It was fantastic. Elegant, roomy, friendly, just about a block from the trail head. And as the other person said, a phenomenal breakfast one of the most lovely, attractive, elegant and tasty, to say nothing about how GIGANTIC.



A very nice place.

A friend and I stayed there one night last summer. It was fantastic. Elegant, roomy, friendly, just about a block from the trail head. And as the other person said, a phenomenal breakfast one of the most lovely, attractive, elegant and tasty, to say nothing about how GIGANTIC.



A very nice place.

I am looking for a recommendation on a great Bed and Breakfast in Hermann. Any thoughts? I will be staying a couple of days in early June.

I highly recomend Birks Gausthaus. Rick and Diane are great people, the house wonderful and you can't beat the food or the prices. You can find a link to thier site elsewhere on this site. King and queen size beds, large clawfoot tubs (first tub I've been in that was long enough for me) comfy chairs and a good location. It's easy to find and easy to get to if you're on bikes. Tell them Bryan and Carolanne from Arkansas sent you.

My wife and I stay at the Herman Hills Vineyard B & B. Magnificant setting with great views of the town and valley. Walking distance to the winery if you're so inclined. Hot tub jetted jacuzzi, complimentary glass of wine or beer upon arrival, cookies at night and a great breakfast. It is a bit on the high side with the price dropping $100.00 during the week. Check it out.

Yes, Birk's Gasthaus is the best in Hermann. WONDERFUL hosts; breakfasts and walkable to most of Hermann.

It,s the best place to catch the feeling of the past. Very easy to relax and enjoy yourself.

It,s the best place to catch the feeling of the past. Very easy to relax and enjoy yourself.

I'm attending a convention at the end of June at America's Center in downtown St. Louis

and I'd like to bike the Katy from mid-Missouri to St. Charles, rather than driving. But how

do I get me and my bike from the end of the trail to the convention center hotels? Any

bike routes or recommended transports that are bike-friendly?

Look at the mass transit (Metro busses with front mounted racks and Metrolink train)options here: http://www.metrostlouis.org/MetroNews/FAQs/bikenrideFAQs.asp

Take a look at these two webpages: Getting from the Katy Trail to Downtown St Louis (to bike all the way downtown), and Getting from Lambert-St Louis Airport to the Katy Trail (from the airport you can catch MetroLink)

here I am again ----- the ride from St. Charles to St.Louis convention center ---is not bicycle friendly to say the least ------ we have a B&B in ST. Charles just three blocks from the trailhead ---- we will shuttle you to St. louis convention center ----the cost is 25.00------it is 25 miles ------ for us to shuttle you ---you must spend a night with us ---- check out our web site ----www.lococohouse.com ----let us know if we can be of help to you ---Rhona Lococo