Katy Trail Forum

My wife and I just recently bought 2 mountain bikes and plan on riding the trail from Clinton to Windsor to start off with. The 2 bikes came with 26 X 1.95 knobby tires and I was wondering if any of you veterans of the trail out there could tell me if these are good tires for the trail or should I look at getting another kind of tire? And if so is there a bike shop in Clinton that would have those tires? Thank you all for your help.

Ready - what you have now will do in these initial stages of bicycle riding. As you both increase your distances and experience you may well then consider different tires, but for now those tires will serve you well. Enjoy the voyage......Mark of the Dalton Boys

Agree with above. Just get out there and enjoy. Regardless of tire choice, be certain someone in your group carries an extra tube or 2, the proper tools and pump and knows how to change a tube in the field. If you desire to get more information on specific tires for rail-trail use, I can email you an article I wrote that is too large to post in this forum. Mind you, I am just an amateur and am not in the bicycle business.

ready, what both the above said. have fun and happy bikin.

We can (and have) argued all day whether to ride roadie, baldy, or knobby tires. That is all a matter of personal choice based upon riding style and experience. There are two things we all agree on:

1) You must carry a patch kit, spare tubes, and tire tools.

2) You must know how to use the items listed in number 1.

I'd like an Amen from everyone on what I consider a third thing we should all agree on.

3) Your tires should have a Kevlar belt. The weight penalty is neglibile for riding on the KATY trail. It won't save you from all flats, but if only saves you from a fraction of the flats, it's work it.

Do I hear an "Amen"?

nails, thats an AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I neglected to suggest those things, and...."AMEN"!

I have used a lot of tires on the KATY.

Perhaps the best were the Continetal Touring 2000's and the Maxxis hookworms.

Thanks for all the advice all. The reason I was curious is the fact the trail being mostly crushed stone and I was figuring the knobby tires would cause drag and slow one down somewhat. I thought maybe a smoother tire would create less drag on the stones. The Kevlar belt is good advice and surely will be on my next tire purchases. I also have seen inner tubes available now with a gel insert, anyone have a comment on these good or bad? Thanks all.

i have not heard any good luck fron any gel filled tubes i thinh the best thing is to have 1 or two extra tubes and also a patch kit and for the comment on the kevlar tire it does not really help save any flats and actually weighs more than a steel belt tire the real advantage of the kevlar side wall is it is a foldable tire so you can take it with you on long rides for a spare good luck with the ride

Thank you for that very humorous post Ken.



AMEN Nails!!!!

Thanks Ken for a factual straight forward answer. MLH I did not post for humor but some factual help and answers wanting to be as best prepared beforehand on the trail.

RTG,



MLH indicated that Ken's post was the humorous one, not yours. I believe that the "steel belt" was what he found humorous as there is no bicyle tire I know of that has one.



I have real world evidence based upon hundreds of miles of riding on the KATY trail that Kevlar belts significantly reduces (not eliminate) flats. I grant you that nothing, not even Kevlar, will stop Nails.



Nails

I just can't figure out where you all ride that you need to "Amen!!!" flat resistant tires.....I've yet to have a flat on the Katy....I've yet to see glass, thorns, whatever, on the trail that made me think I needed special tires or tube gunk to prevent a puncture. Yes...I always carry a spare tube, patch kit, pump, etc....and I know how to use those items....I also watch where I'm going. I'll spend my tire money on gas getting to the trail. If I were the original poster, I'd be thinkin that I needed to go buy new tires, when what they have will work fine!



Enjoy the ride....you are in fact......"Ready To Go!"

Clarifications: Nails was referring to a kevlar belt, that is, a belt under the tread just like a steel belt found therein on auto and motorcycle tires. Even if there was such thing as a steel-belted bicycle tire (meaning commonly available), it would be MUCH heavier that a kevlar-belted one and the rolling resistance would be atrocious.



Also, I think Ken was trying to refer to a kevlar-BEADED folding tire (as opposed to steel-beaded, you know, the latter are the ones that hold their shape when you hang it on the wall), not a kevlar sidewall or belt. When a tire is made in both steel and kevlar-beaded versions, the latter is foldable and always lighter.



A kevlar or kevlar-like sidewall overlay is used on some MTB and Trekking tires to diminish pinch flats and sidewall blowouts. The amount of weight added is very little and it does not influence foldability. It's the bead that determines the latter.



Choosing a kevlar vs steel bead boils down to availabilty, price (kevlar costs a little more), weight (kevlar less) and packability (serious tourers like to pack extra tires, hence folding kevlar, not just tubes).



So full circle: A kevlar-BELTED tire is highly recommended for serious/consistent rail trail riders, especially for longer rides.



Just my 0.02, no disrespect intended and I just successfully cured my own insomnia.

Earlier in this discussion, MLH offered an article he had written on the subject of tire selection for the Katy Trail. He has graciously given permission to publish his informative article here on the website: Katy Trail Tire Selection

I agree that non-Kevlar belted tires will work just fine. However, just like a seat belt, Kevlar belts provide additional protection. I don't know how many miles you've ridden on the KATY, I've probably got 1000. The three flats that I recall were all on non-Kevlar belted tires. One in particular was from a pyrimidal shaped rock that was about 1/8" on a side. A Kevlar belt would have saved me from that flat.

Some of the links in the article that Ray referenced above have been changed. I will try to update this ASAP.

Just rode KC Airport to Boonville on roads, then Boonville to St. Charles on the trail, on a Bike Friday with 20" 115# Schwalbe City Marathons on the bike and 12" 35# tires on the little suitcase trailer. (I'm not sure what benefit I get from high-pressure bike tires while shlepping along the trailer on low-pressure ones, but I seem to have made the same 8-12 mph as everyone else...) NO flats, didn't even need to add air to any of the tires. When it was wet on the trail, I dropped to 7 sticky mph now & then and was sorely tempted to ride a few road miles alongside the trail, just for a break from the unrelenting friction.

As every one else has said, go with what works for you. Personally, I like the big knobby tires. At low speeds on pavement or concrete they cause a little vibration, but they smooth out at speed. When I'm on or off road, I like the traction they give me. Back when I had a road bike with those little skinny tires, I had it slide out from under me in a high speed corner once. The pavement was a little wet, I was going a little too fast, and I got to feel, see and taste the local plant life as I slid off the road and down through the ditch. I've never had that happen on my mt. bike. And now that I'm almost 50 years old, I don't really know whats happened but the dirt and rocks and such seem to be much, much harder than they were when I was 20. Hurts a heck of a lot worse when I hit them than it used to. Since I'm in exactly as good a shape now as I was then (HAR!!) it must be that the rocks have changed! As for the supposed drag the knobbies cause, well, I ain't tryin' to set no speed records anyway. Gives me time to smell the wild roses.



Get out and ride, have a good time, take some good pictures. Make this something that's so much fun you and your wife just can't wait to get out there and go again.

Talk to your bike guru -- he or she will have the best advice for you and your riding style. By the way, our small group (4) just finished the trail (Clinton to St. Charles)and we had 2 flats -- one was a VERY small thorn, the other was a small piece of glass.....we will all change to tougher tires before or next trail trip.......

This is to give you fare warning about the Katy trail. We rode from Boonsville to Mokane and it was a nightmare. Its long, hot, bad gravel road, and those dang mile markers, beware just be very ware.

To each his own. Every inch of the trail has something to offer me. In general, this section is great for chewing up miles. It's very flat, with very few road crossings, and (if I recall correctly) is well maintained. Other than the Rocheport area, it can be extremely solitary. This also condusive to riding head down to eat up the miles. When wanting to take in the view, there are the bluffs from Rocheport to Jefferson City, the famous tunnell at Rocheport, and the occasional hard body from MU jogging along.

The distance that you ride is up to you! That can be long or short.



The heat along the trail depends on each day and the time of day.



The Katy Trail was constructed as just that....a trail..not with the intent to be a "good" gravel road.



Those dang mile markers kinda give that railroad retro effect don't ya think? My computer lets me quickly jump back to the future though.



What is it that we all need to be aware of??

It's Missouri in May, you're supposed to expect hot and humid !! If you want smooth, then ride on the roads and fight the traffic !!

Two other couples and ourselves had reservations at Cooper's Landing the last week end of September. One couple had paid no money, one couple had paid for one night and we had paid for two nights. However due to the death of a brother in law (of all of us)in NC none of us were able to go to Cooper's Landing. We canceled on Wednesday before the Friday and Saturday night reservations. The gentleman in charge was rude over the phone and declined to repay any of the pre-paid money. The home page at that time did not mention any refund policies. I would not recommend their hospitality.

Two other couples and ourselves had reservations at Cooper's Landing the last week end of September. One couple had paid no money, one couple had paid for one night and we had paid for two nights. However due to the death of a brother in law (of all of us)in NC none of us were able to go to Cooper's Landing. We canceled on Wednesday before the Friday and Saturday night reservations. The gentleman in charge was rude over the phone and declined to repay any of the pre-paid money. The home page at that time did not mention any refund policies. I would not recommend their hospitality.

You should not be so quick to judge - you don't know the

circumstances of the people on Cooper's Landing - the person

may have seemed rude, but what about you?

You should not be so quick to judge - you don't know the

circumstances of the people on Cooper's Landing - the person

may have seemed rude, but what about you?

Cooper's Landing is very poorly run, if our experience is any indication. One couple was not ask to even send a deposit and the other two were told they had to pay one night ahead of time. When the two that paid ask for a refund (or even a partial refund) it was flatly refused and the man said just to collect from the ones who hadn't paid. What a poor way to do business!!! After this incident, we noticed they changed their site to say "No refunds." Would have been nice to know that before making our reservations.



I can tell you we were excited about staying on the river, biking the Katy Trail, and would have gone at a later date if we hadn't been treated so rudely. We will definately look for some place else to stay when we get to go.

Cooper's Landing is very poorly run, if our experience is any indication. One couple was not ask to even send a deposit and the other two were told they had to pay one night ahead of time. When the two that paid ask for a refund (or even a partial refund) it was flatly refused and the man said just to collect from the ones who hadn't paid. What a poor way to do business!!! After this incident, we noticed they changed their site to say "No refunds." Would have been nice to know that before making our reservations.



I can tell you we were excited about staying on the river, biking the Katy Trail, and would have gone at a later date if we hadn't been treated so rudely. We will definately look for some place else to stay when we get to go.

Cooper's is what it is.....if you are looking for a B&B experience this probably isn't the place for you. We ride there to eat at the Thai Kitchen at least two or three times a year and always stop there for a break when we ride to Rocheport.

Cooper's is what it is.....if you are looking for a B&B experience this probably isn't the place for you. We ride there to eat at the Thai Kitchen at least two or three times a year and always stop there for a break when we ride to Rocheport.

Coopers is a party spot. It is a laid back, who shows up shows up kind of place. The guy

who runs it is a heck of a nice guy, but it's no motel 6...and, if it was, it just wouldn't be as

much fun. Sorry you had a bad experience, but encourage you to stop by and visit

sometime...the thai food is fabulous, it is not unusual for some live bluegrass music to be

happening, and fine hospitality to be had.

Coopers is a party spot. It is a laid back, who shows up shows up kind of place. The guy

who runs it is a heck of a nice guy, but it's no motel 6...and, if it was, it just wouldn't be as

much fun. Sorry you had a bad experience, but encourage you to stop by and visit

sometime...the thai food is fabulous, it is not unusual for some live bluegrass music to be

happening, and fine hospitality to be had.

The post stating "it is what it is" is so right. It's a little riverside place, not a big QT or B&B. I've never spent the night so I can't speak to that, but always make a point to stop for snacks when I bike past. If you don't put any big expectations on the place, you'll be fine, because....it is what it is. I've always found a cold drink, snacks (Fritos!)and have been treated well. This season we plan to try the thai restaurant.

The post stating "it is what it is" is so right. It's a little riverside place, not a big QT or B&B. I've never spent the night so I can't speak to that, but always make a point to stop for snacks when I bike past. If you don't put any big expectations on the place, you'll be fine, because....it is what it is. I've always found a cold drink, snacks (Fritos!)and have been treated well. This season we plan to try the thai restaurant.

Cooper's is a great, laid back place to sit, watch the lazy river, have a beer and listen to

good music. The bonfires and the food make it one of my favorite places in the

summertime.



I have spent the night in the "apartment" above the store and it was like staying at my

grandmother's house--complete with overstuffed couches and recliners. It's not a

Rocheport B&B and as sbikes said in March, it wouldn't be as great if it were anything

other than what it is.

Cooper's is a great, laid back place to sit, watch the lazy river, have a beer and listen to

good music. The bonfires and the food make it one of my favorite places in the

summertime.



I have spent the night in the "apartment" above the store and it was like staying at my

grandmother's house--complete with overstuffed couches and recliners. It's not a

Rocheport B&B and as sbikes said in March, it wouldn't be as great if it were anything

other than what it is.

i know cooper's landing is a good spot i was born and raised down by easley and mcbaine so was my mother and my grandfater used to own alot of fields there. so mabe some people might be rude but that's because of a bad day or somethin other then that everyone pretty much knows everyone and are very friendly. stop also at lucy's she's my aunt she's got good food and bar also.

i know cooper's landing is a good spot i was born and raised down by easley and mcbaine so was my mother and my grandfater used to own alot of fields there. so mabe some people might be rude but that's because of a bad day or somethin other then that everyone pretty much knows everyone and are very friendly. stop also at lucy's she's my aunt she's got good food and bar also.

I am going on a 4 day bike riding trip with 2 of my cousins and one of my friends. I was just wondering what neat and cool places there are to see aroiund these areas. Are 5 places that we are stopping are, Cinton, boonville, north jefferson,marthasville, and St Charles. It is going to be fun if anybody can give me advice to pass on to my freinds and relatives. It would be helpful, thanks



Daniel

There's nothing in North Jefferson, so you'll have to get across the river to Jeff City. There is the capitol and you can spend time both inside and out. There is a museum in the capitol that is worth seeing. Also check out Lohman's Landing, which is just east of the capitol and contains a museum and historic buildings. There are several good places to eat downtown as well.

Here's a list of points of interest along the Katy Trail. They're not all in the towns you mentioned, but you will be passing them along the way, so you may find some of them to be worth looking out for. Don't count on spotting the "pierced rock" this time of year though - too many leaves on the trees.

Lady of Sorrows Shrine is just off the trail a few miles and is worth the trip up the hill. I am

not Catholic, so some of it I don't understand. But, it is way interesting...and a bit bizzare. It

was built in the late 1800s/early 1900s and is just interesting. There is a big sign just west

of Rhineland. There is a grotto and an interesting stations of the cross that is huge slabs in

the ground (think Stonehenge). It is just interesting and bizarre and a nice calm, quiet,

peaceful place to visit. Here is a link to a website that has pics and more info:

www.historicshrine.org/ShrineOurLadySorrows.htm

Oh, and don't miss the mid-Missouri version of Stonehenge just west of Cooper's

Landing...on the north side of the trail. Trust me, you will know it when you see it! : )

I've noticed the trail is not totally correct on google earth. It would be very nice if someone took the time to make a downloadable file with the trail and attraction reference points. Has this been done yet?

Cooper's Landing is my favorite place to camp. My friends and I have made an annual trip to Cooper's Landing for the last 4 yrs. Each time is unique in it's own way. Make sure to say hello to all the visitors there, and make sure to stopby and listen to the bands on the weekend. We've met some interesting characters there, we've even joined in on wedding receptions on the landing. This past fall we met a gentleman who "runs" the Missouri River in his house boat and frequently stops at Cooper's for the evening. We heard some amazing stories from this gentleman, and the next morning he took us on a cruise in his boat on the river. One of our favorite parts of the trip is Saturday afternoons when we forgo making lunch, and walk over to Chim's Thai Food. She has an adorable family and is always smiling and eager to please, not to mention the food is delicouis. We're all twenty-somethings and were orignally looking for a place that we would not disturb other people if we were up late, and Cooper's is great for that. They have 2 campgrounds, and we've always been able to find a secluded area where we won't bother any early risers. If you're looking for a great time and a memorable experience make sure and check out Cooper's Landing.

Cooper's Landing is my favorite place to camp. My friends and I have made an annual trip to Cooper's Landing for the last 4 yrs. Each time is unique in it's own way. Make sure to say hello to all the visitors there, and make sure to stopby and listen to the bands on the weekend. We've met some interesting characters there, we've even joined in on wedding receptions on the landing. This past fall we met a gentleman who "runs" the Missouri River in his house boat and frequently stops at Cooper's for the evening. We heard some amazing stories from this gentleman, and the next morning he took us on a cruise in his boat on the river. One of our favorite parts of the trip is Saturday afternoons when we forgo making lunch, and walk over to Chim's Thai Food. She has an adorable family and is always smiling and eager to please, not to mention the food is delicouis. We're all twenty-somethings and were orignally looking for a place that we would not disturb other people if we were up late, and Cooper's is great for that. They have 2 campgrounds, and we've always been able to find a secluded area where we won't bother any early risers. If you're looking for a great time and a memorable experience make sure and check out Cooper's Landing.

straight up, this was a sweet place to stay. Jeanette was a very hospitable hostess. The muffins were amazing, a great start to a long ride. The rooms were comfortable and very nice. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Globe Hotel

straight up, this was a sweet place to stay. Jeanette was a very hospitable hostess. The muffins were amazing, a great start to a long ride. The rooms were comfortable and very nice. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Globe Hotel

My husband and I are trying to figure out a route for a 3 day trip. Neither of us have ever ridden the KATY, so we need help! We are planning on riding the first week of September and we were hoping to do around 50-70 for 2 days and then a nice easy 20-30 for the third. We want to experience the wineries and stay in either hotels or B&B's along the way. Does anyone have any route suggestions. Also curious to hear what people think is the best sections of the trail.



Thanks in advance for your help and hopefully we will be out enjoying the trail soon. Oh yeah, what is the weather like out there during the first of Sept?

Hi, You might look at doing, Day 1 Boonville to Jefferson City 49 miles, Day 2 Jefferson City to Hermann 45 Miles, Day 3 Hermann to Washington 25 miles. You will see alot of the Katy and IMHO the best part. The West to East is slightly down hill, the cities are beautiful with lots of B&B's. For Amtrak acesss you might just want to do Jefferson City to Hermann to Washington, and spend the 3rd day local biking.



Early September can be as hot as Mid-August but with a breeze, shade and water. Good luck. You might want to get a guide book, and do a few 50+ rides in your own area before doing the Katy.

I second GMD's suggestion on the routes. When you get to Hermann, plan on spending at least couple of days there. This wonderful little berg has 7 or 8 wineries and a couple of breweries, a host of restaurants and some beautiful scenery (not to mention gobs of shops). The architecture of the area is superb. There are also a bunch of B&B's there, but for the money, Birks Gausthaus is my recommendation.



One note of caution...Hermann is not directly on the trail. You have to cross a long narrow bridge over the Missouri River to get there, and that can be tricky with traffic. Some of the B&B's offer shuttle by truck or van to and from the trail head though. Call ahead.

Hi, I've been riding the Katy Trail (Eastern section) for about 2 months with my husband and son on the weekends. I'd like to ride some sections alone during the week. How safe is it for a woman to ride alone? It seems fine, but I thought that I would ask, and get feedback from all of you. Thanks.

I've ridden all sections of the trail along with many rides on the western section alone. I've never had any problems or felt threatened by anyone. My only problem was a VERY angry BIG dog that came running out of the woods at me between Clinton and Windsor. It chased me for about 1/4 mile but I was able to outrun it. I now carry pepper spray just in case we meet again (and I think my husband feels better knowing I have it handy when I ride alone).

Just rode the ~150 miles from Boonville to St. Charles on the trail as a woman alone and I must say it felt safer than the ~150 miles on the roads between KC Airport and Boonville. Which I am assured was safer than the ride between KC Airport and Clinton would have been! Don't worry, trust your instincts, carry pepper spray - it would be hard to pull out quick unless you engineer it right, but just knowing you have it keeps your confidence up. For dogs too, not that I met a scary one this trip, but it can happen.



Sharron

Thanks, I appreciate the advice! The pepper spray is a great idea, I will find some this week.

HALT is what I carry. It will clip onto your brake cable. I have been riding the trail by myself

for years and have never had any personal safety issues. I have had to spray a dog or two,

but I think the Trail is as safe as it gets (however safe that is!).

Thanks for your comments and encouragement. I made it out on the trail today "solo", with mace and cell phone in tow. I had a wonderful time! I did an easy 25 miles, and I felt so relaxed after I finished! I will certainly do it again. Thanks again

Riding alone can be a wonderful experience. I like to ride with companions, but I truly

treasure those solo bike rides. It seems the bike gives my body something to do so that the

creative parts of my brain can soar. I have resolved many issues while out on my bike riding

by myself. enjoy!