Katy Trail Forum

Hi All,

My wife and I are new to the Katy and I myself am disabled and will use a elcetric assisted bike, It is a Huffy Luna comfort bike ( you can stop laughing now) Are helmets required? Will that bike be good enough for a 10 mile round trip.? It is for exercise and to get outdoors so I am not a bike fanatic by no means and have not ridden a bike in years but to follow doc's orders ride a bike.. any helpful thoughts / suggestions would be appreciated. Who knows maybe it will be a miracle cure for me..thanks

Antlerz around Portland MO.

I've heard many people say that cycling helped them overcome or better cope with illnesses or disabilities - I hope this will be your experience too! The Katy Trail is very handicap-accessible.



Helmets are not required, but they are highly recommended if you consider your brain worth protecting. True, there are no cars to worry about, but in theory you could end up butting heads with a tree if you accidentally waver off the trail, or a cyclist coming from the other direction who's not paying attention.



Just about any bike will get you 10 miles, but you might want to start with a very short trip just to make sure all the moving parts are working as expected and won't leave you stranded at the 5-mile turnaround point. And to gauge your own comfort on the bike, to make sure you're up for those first 10 miles.



One useful approach is to go 2.5 miles in one direction, turn around and go a full 5 miles (2.5 past the trailhead where you started), and then back to the trailhead. That way you get in a full 10 miles without ever being more than 2.5 miles from your car.




I'd also highly recommend you carry a spare inner tube. If you don't know how to change a flat tire, bring a wheel into your local bike shop and ask if they'll show you. It's easy to do, and good to know - especially if your disability would prevent you from walking back to the car in the event of a flat.



Good luck, and enjoy the freedom that cycling will bring you.

....AND Antlerz...remember that regardless what bicycle you're on, you are on a bicycle. There are plenty of elitists out there and don't let them bother you...you are doing the right thing both for your health as well as fitness and enjoyment. You may wish to do a search on your computer and look up "recumbent bicycle, and/or tricycle" and you may see something that piques your interest. Everything else....what Ray (Webmaster) said... Kindest Regards...Mark of the Dalton Boys

Thanks for the replies, I am sure we will both learn to love riding a bike again. Getting outdoors is what it is all about and having fun. Hope to see all of you someday on the trail..

Craig

Antlerz,



First of all, let me applaud your efforts. Biking is a wonderful, low impact exercise (provided you don't hit a tree!) & will bring you many hours of pleasure. 4 years ago, my wife & I were both getting very overwieght, my BP was up,etc. I'm 6-0, almost 50 years old, & got to 265. In any case, just on a lark, we bought a tandem from walmart for just under $300. I can tell you, it's the best money we ever spent. We started riding mostly just to have something to do. We live out in the country, & its exactly a mile to our mailbox. It took us 4 tries to make it round trip. But we kept trying, & even got a couple of singles to ride when one of us couldn't go. Since then,between the singles & the tandem, I've lost 50 pounds & my wife even more. 2 years ago we upgraded to better bikes. She rides a Fuji Odessa & I a Utah. The Odessa cost less than $250 & the Utah was slightly more. We've put over 1500 miles on them without any repairs.









You might look at one of these as an upgrade someday (ain't nuthin wrong with your huffy if it does what you want it to do). I mention it only because they have better wheels & such & will handle life's little accidents better. I wadded up the front wheel of a cheap bike once jumping down off a 6 in. curb.The Fuji never has any trouble with that spot & has survived 1 truly spectacular crash with no damage.














We both wear helmets, fingerless gloves, (if you fall,it will save your palms),& carry a small tool kit, a spare tube, & plenty of water, a snack (granola bar, etc) & a cell phone for emergencies.

happy trails!








Bryan

Bryan & Spouse - My heartfelt compliments to you both!!!! You both are what cycling should be all about....its not what you ride so much as you ride. Remember...when in doubt, ride your bike, or tandem, or recumbent etc. Enjoy the Voyage.....Mark of the DaltonBoys

Bryan,

Thanks for your inspiration, I hope to achieve what you and others have done.

I have found this site very encouraging and looking for some warmer weather.



My electric assist should be here any day now can't wait to give it a spin.



thanks to everyone.

Antlerz

Mark and Antlerz, thanks for the kind words. Hope you enjoy many years of riding. I guess I should have introduced her, my wife's name is Carolanne, by the way. As of yesterday, we have offically booked our first two nights for our spring break ride. We are going to start in Hermann and ride west. Kids are going to drop us off one weekend and pick us up the next weekend at where ever we get to.



Happy trails.

After the trip write in and let us know how it went. Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

Only 2 more weeks to go till the big ride.



Antlerz....is your bike working out ok? Have you been able to get out and ride much? The weather here has kept us indoors more than I like, but oh well...I don't ride in ice and snow!

Bryan - when my brothers and I were two weeks out from our KATY ride it may just as well have been two weeks before Christmas!! I'm happy for you and jealous. Regards........Mark of the Dalton Boys

Well, finally, the big day is here. We leave in the morning, bound for Hermann. Yeah, I know the forecast ain't so good, but oh well. Instead of shorts and tanks, we've packed sweats, windsuits and thermal underwear.



WOO-HOO!! I'll report in when we get back.



Bryan

Five of us will be on the trail this weekend. We will start at Clinton about 1:PM, Friday March 17. Spend the first night at the Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia. The next night at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg and the last in Marthasville at the little house. It is going to be COLD. Hope to see someone else out.

I don't imagine it will be crowded. :)

after reading this forum for quite some time now, there are obviously some serious bikers out there, so i am askin for help. i have a raleigh bike with 1"-1 1/2" wide knobby tires. have rode the katy numerous times as well as some other tails. not into mountain biking at all. no problem with flats. have been told by some pretty seious bikers that i need narrower tires for ridin, it would make pedaling much easier. i question the narrow tires on the katy's surface. was told it wouldn't matter.



any advice from anyone out there!!!!!!!! i needs some advice on this!!!!!! thanx loads in advance.



you can hit me here or at my e-mail. cleo-beo@earthlink.net thanx folks and happy bikin. frank

Hi Frank,

I'm not sure if I qualify as a serious cyclist (I wear a $5 reflective safety vest instead of $75 cycling jerseys when I ride on the road). I think you are wise to question the narrow tires for the Katy. If the primary purpose of the bike is casual riding on trails and around town, I would buy tires with a smoother tread, but I would not go narrower than 1.25".

I definitely don't qualify as a professional on the subject but based on several combinations that I have tried and observing what others are using on the trail, it seems that 700 X 32-37mm tires offer the best combination of relative puncture resistance, low rolling resistance and comfort. Most road bikes don't have clearance for tires over 28mm, which is problematic if the trail is wet and/or soft or if you are carrying extra weight such as bags etc. Thus the bike choice would be a touring, cyclocross, and most hybrids. I have emailed you an article regarding specific tire choices.

I am going to ride the trail from Clinton to St. Charles this coming weekend. The 17th - 20th. This will be my 4th time to ride on the trail. On my mountain bike I used a continental Goliath 26x1.6. This tire is slick on the bottom with small knobs on the side. Now I am riding using a continental contact 32mm. It is wide enough so that it won's sink so bad in soft spots but still small enough so it won't have so much drag. It is also supposed to be practically flat resistant. One of my friends is using a 35mm tire. It is very practical too.

Frank - What the last three respondents said...can't add to, or take away from any of their observations. enjoy the voyage....Mark of the Dalton Boys

I have ridden the trail a lot for many years and love it. I rode with knobby tires my first

year on the trail and my personal opinion is that knobby tires are just overkill for the trial.

I ride a Trek mountain bike with Kevlar messenger bike tires, Panaracer brand, 1.25 inches

with smooth tread and never had a problem. But, I am a roadie at heart and ride for

speed. I love riding the trail because I can zoom along without worry about cars and

rudeness. The trail between Clinton and Booneville is larger rocks, rougher surface and I

have had no problems. Between Marthasville and St. Charles most of the trail is hard

packed and last time I was there saw lots of road bikes. I would never take my road bike

out on most of the trail.



Regardless, the trail is great...have fun!

Hello, my son is a senior in High School we are planning to bike the trail on his spring break which starts March 17. We are going to start at Clinton. Is anyone else planning to do the trail at this time? Are we crazy to do it so early in the year? We are just casual bikers but experienced campers (backpackers) and plan to take it slow and camp whenever we can. I know the weather can be iffy but we are prepared for that.

I will say that I have been disappointed in the bed and breakfasts I have researched. For one thing they are so expensive. (The cheapest are usually $100, and some are $150-$200 for ONE NIGHT!) For another thing they are all about the "romance". I am not looking for romance with my 18-year old son! What do people do that are traveling together but are not a couple? I can't imagine paying that much for a room and then having one of us sleep on the floor.

Most B&B's are priced that way throughout the continent and globally as well. Being a camper as well, I would say that you both being experienced campers will carry the day for a March ride. You live in MO. so you know the weather in March as well as anyone. Most trail concessions are not open but some will be. This website has a wealth of information in terms of lodging. There are other benefits to riding the trail in the "off-season", most notably, you will have the trail quite largely to yourselves and the resident wildlife. enjoy the voyage......Mark of the Dalton Boys

mary and son, wish i could go, i want to ride the entire KATY one day myself. as far as camping, call ahead to the towns ya'll plan on staying at. also, i believe there is a hostel at tebbets with hot showers. ya might consider that also. use this webite as much as possible, it has a wealth of info and contacts. as far as the B and B's go, can't help there at all. enjoy the ride and good luck. frank

Mary ---- we have rooms for KAty Trail riders for $85.00 and it has two double beds ---- we are at the end of the trail ----- or the beginning ----depends where you start ---- we have a nice hot tub and you can get a massage here ---- call us if you need us ---- Rhona Lococo -----Lococo House ll, B&B

Mary,

My wife and I will also be on the trail that week. We are starting in Hermann and riding west. Will be out there all week so maybe we'll see each other. I'll be on blue and silver Fuji Utah, and my wife will be on gray and white Fuji Odessa.



Have a good trip!



Bryan

oh, I almost forgot. We got 2 nights at Birks in Hermann for less than $150. Do some digging on the websites, call the resorts on the phone. You'll be surprised the deals you can get. Found Birks from a link on here.

I think you can find places for $85--try the Doll House in Rhineland--they definitely have rooms with twin beds. So does The Globe in Hartsburg, and The Officers Quarters in Boonville--not sure about prices. Katy Trail B-B in Rocheport is the least expensive there, but may not be open that early. Also, there are several motels in towns along the way, that may be less expensive and have rooms with 2 beds.

Tibbets is on donations and the Globe Hotel in Hartsburt is under 100. Have a good trip. I will be on the trail from the 17th - 20th. I remember a few years back that you wouldn't see anyone on the trail this time of year.

Another place to check is the Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia. They give a significant discount if you tell them you are riding the Katy, and have double room "suites" that we use as a family.

My friend and I will be on the trail from the 22 to the 25. Maybe we'll see you.

If you don't mind cats and make it into Hartsburg there is always the Globe Hotel B&B 573 657 4529. Rates run about $50 single, $70 double. Or like to camp there is the Volunteer Park. The bike shop is open Friday thru Monday 10:00 to 4:00 at this time of the year, hours and days expand the first of April.



It can be a little hit and miss on the trail at this time of the year. Many places have limited hours open only because bike season generaly runs April to November. It is still a great time to be out on the trail.

As some of may have read in another post, my wife and I will be travelling the Katy during spring break in March. We plan to start in Hermann, and go west. If I can find enough places that are pet friendly, we plan to take our little chihuahua with us. He's very friendly, loves kids, and absolutely loves to ride with us. All I have to do is pick up my helmet and he goes and stands by the door and waits for us. Anyway, I've built him a carrier that bolts to the bike so he'll be safe if we crash, and all that. In any case, does anyone who reads this forum have information on pet friendly lodging? Surely we aren't the first people to ever take a dog on a trip like this, but I'm having difficulty finding places that are close enough together. I know, some of you youngsters can do a hundred miles a day, but we can't. 30 miles is comfortable, we can do 40 if we have to. Any ideas? You can post them here or email me at bcspain@sbcglobal.net Put KATY TRAIL in the subject line in case my spam filter puts your message in the bulk folder, I can find it and rescue it that way.



Thanks



Bryan

There are a handful of B&Bs that explicitly say they'll allow pets:



Das Gast Haus Nadler, Defiance (mile 59)

Angels in the Attic, Hermann (3 miles off the trail from mile 101)

Harbor Haus Inn & Suites, Hermann

Les Lavandes B&B, Rhineland (mile 105)

Jefferson Inn, Jefferson City (1 mile off the trail from mile 143)

Hartsburg Inn, Hartsburg (mile 154)

Cruces' Cabooses, Windsor (mile 248)



This doesn't mean that no one else accepts pets. Some of the B&Bs want to talk to you first and find out what kind of pet you have - from your description I would imaging that many B&Bs will not have any objections to your little dog. Try calling some of the B&Bs listed on the Katy Trail B&B Guide, who do not have "Pets: No" stated in their listings - if you ask, they just might say it's OK.



You might also have some luck with motels near the trail, which you'll find in Clinton, Sedalia, Boonville, Columbia (9 mile bike path ride from the Katy Trail), Jefferson City, and St Charles. Here's a list of all lodging on the trail



Do you have a photo of your dog riding in his carrier? If you want to send me a picture, I'll publish it on the website. Good luck with your trip.

Ray,



I don't have a digital picture at the moment, but I'll take one the next time we go (hopefully this weekend). Thanks for all the info. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, have been really busy and haven't been on line lately. Thanks for all your help, and you have a great site.



I'll get you a picture soon.

Here are some photos of Bryan's bike dog carrier - that's a happy dog!

Ray,



Thanks for a great website, and thanks for posting the pics of Zak.



He really likes riding with us. Unfortunately, he'll be staying behind on this trip. We are going to do another in the summer, and he'll come along on that one. Since we will be able to camp, it will be easier to take him.



See ya!!

Okay, I have to admit I was not that excited about the prospect of going to see a big old tree, but since we were so close, and the kids wanted to, we went. I am so glad we did! This tree is impressive! It's not just a tree, it's a T R E E! Well worth the very short detour off the trail to visit. Add it to your list of stops and bring your camera.

Okay, I have to admit I was not that excited about the prospect of going to see a big old tree, but since we were so close, and the kids wanted to, we went. I am so glad we did! This tree is impressive! It's not just a tree, it's a T R E E! Well worth the very short detour off the trail to visit. Add it to your list of stops and bring your camera.

We visited Dotty’s for lunch our last day on the trail and all I can say is WOW! The food was awesome! Prepare yourself for large portions of great home cooking in an open, spotless dining area with gift shop in the back. There was also space to eat outside, but it was too windy the day we visited. There are rocking chairs on the porch in case you want to relax a bit waiting for others to join you, or just for a break from the bike seat. The blackberry cobbler was the best I’ve ever eaten and they have excellent food choices for children. The locals also eating at Dottie’s were friendly and fun to chat with too. They are right off the trail and easy to find. I will definitely be coming back!

We visited Dotty’s for lunch our last day on the trail and all I can say is WOW! The food was awesome! Prepare yourself for large portions of great home cooking in an open, spotless dining area with gift shop in the back. There was also space to eat outside, but it was too windy the day we visited. There are rocking chairs on the porch in case you want to relax a bit waiting for others to join you, or just for a break from the bike seat. The blackberry cobbler was the best I’ve ever eaten and they have excellent food choices for children. The locals also eating at Dottie’s were friendly and fun to chat with too. They are right off the trail and easy to find. I will definitely be coming back!

we had decent food. There was only 1 server on a friday night which was not great. We were there for my birthday and as a going away dinner for my husband who was leaving for the Air Force and the manager told us they needed the table for another party and asked us to either move to the smoking section (GROSS) or to leave! I was seriously offended and will not go there again. That was a horrible way to treat anyone, muchless a military family! Do not patronize this business, you may be prematurely asked to leave so that they can make more money!

We enjoyed the food and the service. In fact took our friends back and they said the same. Perhaps you got ahold of someone having a bad day.



We have been back often and enjoy the experience. You may want to give them another try.

I visted RT Weilers and thought it was nice. I guess everyone can have a bad experience somewhere but I have been there a couple of times and though the service was not really fast the place was packed for a reason because the server was very friendly and the food was good.

I have met the owner personally on main street while in downtown St. Charles. I had been to the restaurant before and enjoyed the food. The owner was very friendly and interested in my opinion of the restaurant once I had told him that I had been there before. The service was fast, the drink menu was one of the best I have found on main street, and the nachos are excellent. I'll go back.

I was in RT Weiler's over the weekend- good bands, horrible service- the bartender (later identified herself as one of the owners) was rude to us, and even worse, downright nasty to some of the employees. We will never go back.

My husband and I have been to R T Weilers many times. We have found that, except for one exception, the servers and bartenders are very nice. We understand that since Main Street in St Charles is an experience in itself, we don't mind when the service is a bit slower. It's not a "fast food joint". The owner is very nice and is sincerely trying to make the experience unique. The bands they have are great ! If you go understanding that it is a unique establishment in a unique community, you will very much enjoy yourself.

Lookin for a night out throughout the week? This is the place to go. Tuesday nights they have karaoke and Thursday nights with Dj Dreams along with E2TS (Ear 2 The Streets)spinnin all night long. They always have some type of drink special.

best food and service we ever had!!! BBQ and pizza are to die for and the homemade carrot cake amazing!!!! five stars***** We eat there twice a week and love it.

I work nearby and eat at RT's twice a week. I love thier chicken salad sandwich and thier Philly steak Sandwich. I have been there for dinner, it is all wonderfull!!!! ALWAYS great service.