Katy Trail Forum

My wife and I are planning a two day ride can anyone suggest what section to ride along with a place to stay one nite? We have not been on our biukes in 2 years and plan approx 15-20 miles a day. Thanks

Here's a few ideas Joe:
Augusta to Treloar is 18 miles.

Treloar to McKittrick is 16.4 miles



There are wineries, B&B's and restuarants in Augusta. There isn't much in Treloar, but there is a B&B for lodging and a bar & grill for food. Be aware that there are no services between Treloar and McKittrick. McKittrick has a B&B and a nearby grocery store, and it is just across the river from Hermann which has more wineries, restaurants, motels, etc. If you plan to stay at a B&B in McKittrick, talk to the owners about taking you to and from Hermann - riding a bike across the brdge is no fun.

I have not stayed at any B&B's on the trail, but there are many comments on this site from folk who have.

We stayed at the Anchor Mill B&B during the Katy Trail ride in June, great experience.

www.anchormillinn.com

Get ready KATY Trail...Adventure Cyclist Magazine July 2005 issue has a half page article on the KATY as it applies to the national Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail. Good and informative albeit spartan it will in all probability bring a new wave of KATY Trail riders. Kudos to the Webmaster for responding to one missive from someone who based part of their trip on recently outdated info...a lot of websites don't update never mind respond....its that kind of service that will certainly make the KATY the success that it always has had the potential to be. Regards........Mark of the Dalton Boys

For those who don't know, Adventure Cyclist is the almost-monthly magazine that goes out to members of the Adventure Cycling Association. They are an organization dedicated to promoting long-distance bike touring. For me, the magazine alone is worth the price of membership, as it usually contains some very interesting essays about bike travel in exotic places around the world (vicarious bike touring is fun). Here's a link to the Adventure Cycling Assn website
PS - Thanks for the compliment about the website Mark, we aim to please! :-)

Are there markers to give you distance for miles traveled?

Click on Towns & Services above to get MKT mile marker system info. Also, the Mileage Chart above is very beneficial.

Thanks Trek Biker. The only thing I will add is that the mile marker signs use the same mile numbers that the railroad used, which is why it starts at mile 39 in St Charles. There are a couple of places where the trail wanders a bit from the old railroad route (Rhineland and Sedalia), so if you ride through either of these two towns, your actual mileage will be slightly higher than what's indicated by the mile marker signs.

We rolled into Defiance hungry & low on cash. Went to Terry & Kathy's tavern, where we were told we could buy food at the outside patio, but the patio only accepts cash - no credit. Inside the bar, they do take credit cards, but they won't sell food. OK, you don't want our business.

So we walked across the street to Dave & Jackie's, where we enjoyed an awesome meal (I highly recommended the grilled chicken sandwich) and were amused by the stuffed squirrels playing cards. If you're looking for a meal in Defiance, Dave & Jackies is the place.

We rolled into Defiance hungry & low on cash. Went to Terry & Kathy's tavern, where we were told we could buy food at the outside patio, but the patio only accepts cash - no credit. Inside the bar, they do take credit cards, but they won't sell food. OK, you don't want our business.

So we walked across the street to Dave & Jackie's, where we enjoyed an awesome meal (I highly recommended the grilled chicken sandwich) and were amused by the stuffed squirrels playing cards. If you're looking for a meal in Defiance, Dave & Jackies is the place.

We rolled into Defiance hungry & low on cash. Went to Terry & Kathy's tavern, where we were told we could buy food at the outside patio, but the patio only accepts cash - no credit. Inside the bar, they do take credit cards, but they won't sell food. OK, you don't want our business.

So we walked across the street to Dave & Jackie's, where we enjoyed an awesome meal (I highly recommended the grilled chicken sandwich) and were amused by the stuffed squirrels playing cards. If you're looking for a meal in Defiance, Dave & Jackies is the place.

I disagree. I go to Terry and Kathy's with my dad sometimes and I like their food. They even gave me free peanuts! My dad is well known to them and their good friends, but they have good food and thats what matters. I haven't actually met Terry but Kathy is really nice. I would recomend this restrant.

I disagree. I go to Terry and Kathy's with my dad sometimes and I like their food. They even gave me free peanuts! My dad is well known to them and their good friends, but they have good food and thats what matters. I haven't actually met Terry but Kathy is really nice. I would recomend this restrant.

I disagree. I go to Terry and Kathy's with my dad sometimes and I like their food. They even gave me free peanuts! My dad is well known to them and their good friends, but they have good food and thats what matters. I haven't actually met Terry but Kathy is really nice. I would recomend this restrant.

The people were really friendly at Dave and Jackies. The service can be kinda a slow but the food is worth stoping by.

The people were really friendly at Dave and Jackies. The service can be kinda a slow but the food is worth stoping by.

The people were really friendly at Dave and Jackies. The service can be kinda a slow but the food is worth stoping by.

OK, here's the story: the guys who sells hotdogs and stuff on the Patio is not actually part of Terry & Kathy's. He is a separate business; Kathy lets him sell food there for the convenience of the customers. So the tavern always accepts credit cards, but the independent BBQ vendor does not.

OK, here's the story: the guys who sells hotdogs and stuff on the Patio is not actually part of Terry & Kathy's. He is a separate business; Kathy lets him sell food there for the convenience of the customers. So the tavern always accepts credit cards, but the independent BBQ vendor does not.

OK, here's the story: the guys who sells hotdogs and stuff on the Patio is not actually part of Terry & Kathy's. He is a separate business; Kathy lets him sell food there for the convenience of the customers. So the tavern always accepts credit cards, but the independent BBQ vendor does not.

We spent the morning exploring the Katy Trail. Went back to our adorable cottage to clean

up, spent the afternoon at one of the excellent wineries and then returned to the cottage for

a perfect evening. The Cottage was the perfect get-a-way for us. We both look forward to our

next trip!

We spent the morning exploring the Katy Trail. Went back to our adorable cottage to clean

up, spent the afternoon at one of the excellent wineries and then returned to the cottage for

a perfect evening. The Cottage was the perfect get-a-way for us. We both look forward to our

next trip!

Does anyone know a good route from St. Charles to Machens? Naturally, it will have to follow roads, since that section of the trail is incomplete. Is it possible to ride the trail from St. Charles to Machens, and just take back roads around those sections of trail currently under construction, or is that whole section closed? Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks a lot.

-Pio

The only section that I am aware of that is open, is from Machens and a 2 mile jaunt west to Ell Rd. From Ell Rd. it is closed. You can drive from St Charles, via Hwy 94 (east) about 15 miles, to Machens. Machens will be about one mile past the Hwy H intersection at Portage Des Sioux. There isnt anything there at Machens, and the last time I was there the Burlington RR had a gate closed, so you couldnt get to the Trail head. You can walk around it.

Rode the Katy Trail from Sedalia to St. Charles from July 18 to the 22nd. Carried camping equipment and camped along the way. Needless to say -- it was HOT! Insufferably hot. I had rode through hot and humid days recently to acclimate myself 'some', but this heat just took its toll. (And it didn't help matters that was all anyone could talk about -- the heat). I bought as much water and liquids as I could along the way, but after awhile none of it seemed to help. Still though... had a great time and learned some valuable lessons. The locals along the trail were friendly and helpful. Be careful cycling during the work week though -- some of the stores or cycle shops may be CLOSED as they are only open around the weekend days. As for my points of interest: SEDALIA TRAILHEAD - DEPOT. A good place to start and you can park your vechicle for up to 14 days in their parking lot. Don't forget to visit the gift shop -- lots of neat things in there. On down the trail and the first night of camping -- KATY ROUNDHOUSE -- A very nice shaded campground; with showers that are open all night. The restaurant though is only open on the weekends. Further on, DOTTY's CAFE in Hartsburg. Good home cooked meals and all the ice tea you can handle. Later... S.O.B's, a bar/grill in Steedman offers free camping on their front lawn, but no showers... though you're welcome to use the restsrooms while they're open. (And the beer is COLD). CHOO CHOO's FROZEN CUSTARD and CAMPING in Marthasville. Though CHOO CHOO's is still constructing their shower stall -- you can at least shower down with the lawn hose -- after 9 P.M. (They're new restroom is very clean and ready for use). Marthasville also has a gas station/convenience store with a bar/grill across the street that serves breakfast. I noticed some of these small towns along the way centered on their bar/grills... as this might be the only eating establishment in town. They're certainly put to good use by the hot and thirsty touring cyclist! My l

Continued...

I noticed some of these small towns along the way centered on their bar/grills... as this might be the only eating establishment in town. They're certainly put to good use by the hot and thirsty touring cyclist! My last stop was SUNDERMEIER RV PARK in St. Charles. Now, no matter what anyone says -- Sundermeier DOES NOT allow tent camping. And they will NOT make room for your tent either. They DO have fair-priced cabins and they were a life-saver in that regards, after the terrible heat we suffered through. They also have a fantastic restaurant on site, BEEFEATERS, and it's something that I would recommend for anyone to plan to have lunch or dinner there as a celebration of completing the Katy Trail. Excellant food and service. And lastly, but not least -- a big honorable mention to B & L SHUTTLE service out of Sedalia. I know "Bob" was super busy ... but he drove out of Sedalia to St. Charles in the dead of night to pick us up and back to the Sedalia trailhead to retrieve our vehicle. You could only dream of this type of service in this day and age (and I don't think you can find a more accomodating price for the service). Well, there it is. A great trail and ride regardless of the heat.

I'm thinking of a trip starting in Sedalia. I'm not a very experienced biker, but I am a runner in pretty good shape. Can someone give me a range of how many miles is recommended per day? Any suggestions on buying vs. renting a bike the first time around? Can someone give a range in price of a recommended bike? Any help suggestions would be appreciated.

Your leg strength and cardiovascular endurance from running will help a lot. But cycling uses some different muscles from running so you can expect some soreness, especially in the quads, glutes, and a sore "saddle" (the area just south of the glutes). Before I got into cycling, I used to run marathons - when I was in marathon condition but rarely cycling, a 30 mile ride was no big deal but a 40 mile ride left me with aches and pains. Obviously this varies from person to person - you won't know your pain threshold until you get out and ride a few times. Many of the organized Katy Trail tours have 50-60 mile days, but a full tour requires some training.

Unless you only plan to ride a couple of times a year, don't buy a bike from a "big box" sporting goods store or Walmart type place. You'll want to go to a bike shop where they know how to help you find a bike that fits your body. Fit is important (they say Lance can tell if his seat is off by a millimeter) - a poorly fitted bike could leave you with mysterious pains that keep coming back each time you ride.

Your own budget is the biggest factor in what to spend. Most bike shops will let you try out several models on their parking lot, and you'll quickly feel the difference between a $300 bike and a $1000 bike. And of course how often you plan to ride - if you're only riding a few times a year then you really don't need an expensive bike. If you just want the occasional ride on the Katy Trail, you might be better off just renting. Sorry I can't give a more precise answer, but it's something each person must answer for him/herself after visiting a bike shop or two.

If you do buy a bike, don't forget to reserve some of your cash for accessories: helmet, car rack, computer (odometer), lock, bags/panniers.

Good answer!



I've been there before and others have posted similar questions also. They are legitimate questions when you simply do not know.....but the answers do lie within each individual and their own personal discoveries in the cycling world.



On a personal note....as far as the question that comes up "How far can I ride on the trail?"...I usually ride 3 to 4 times a week on rides of 10 to 15 miles. I find 40 miles comfortable when on a trail though.....probably because I have more time than I do when riding for the evening after work. Thats how I'm equipped physically. I know people who ride 40 miles plus after work and three to four times that on the weekend.



As far as buy vs. rent.....personally and no offense to anyone, but the least expensive bike shop bike is far superior than the most expensive "big box" or Wally World bike. That aside, in making the decision to buy or not....I would have to keep in mind the rental cost. If you are looking to go for a bike ride.....rent! If you are looking to go on a "trip" as the poster stated....consider the cost to rent the bike for the whole trip. Riding for 5 days and having to pay $40 a day for the bike would tell me that I would need to seriously consider putting some extra cash with that $200 bucks and own a new bike. Renting is a good deal for the day perhaps, but not something that I would do for a "trip."



Very simply.....how far and buy/rent?......go to a bike rental shop on the Katy for a day ride. Rent a bike and head out......keeping in mind that no matter how far you go, you've got to turn around and ride that distance back to return the bike.



When you get done, evaluate what just happened and ask yourself some questions. Could I have gone farther? Did I go too far? Can I do that two or three days in a row to satisfy the trip urge? Do I need more water and supplies (snacks/gel/etc.) than I can carry on a rental bike with no bags in order to convert a day ride int

Do I need more water and supplies (snacks/gel/etc.) than I can carry on a rental bike with no bags in order to convert a day ride into a "trip."



Do your own little science experiment to see what you can do physically and financially. Only you know what works for you.

Well, I have been riding only for about 2 months. I borrowed a Cannondale but have since been given a new Specilized-I have put about 200 miles on (split even between both)...the Cannondale had the slim seat & the mountain type handle bars (straight), the Specilized has the wide seat and the road type handle bars (upright).

My preference is the wide seat and the road handle bars. But that is a personal choice.

Find a good bike shop close to your home, try several types of seats, bars, gear shifts, etc.etc...all will either add to your enjoyment or make each ride a nightmare.

My first ride on the trail was a R/T from Sedalia to Calhoun (58 miles) a good experience since I thought the trail was flat!!! I was really shocked with the up grades (2%), doesn't look like much till you pedal up one for 1 to 1 1/2 miles...Good Luck!!

We did 30-40 miles per day on the Katy and thought we could have easily done 50 or more. I'm a very experienced cyclist and ride my bike to work 20-30 miles round trip, but my companion is much less experienced. He walks a lot, but only rides the bike occasionally and felt 50 miles to be quite do-able. We're both in our 50's. It does help to go from west to east (Clinton to St Charles) because you do get more downhills, even though they're only slight. The padded shorts, a comfortable saddle and some kind of lubricant for chafing are really helpful.

These are not good answers....they're great answers!!! Having gone Car-less 6 years ago I can vouch for all advice in this vein. One slice of advice I would like to reiterate....don't go "cheap" if you're going to ride a lot....accessories are necessary (water bottles etc.), and those cycling clothes have many true functions...they're not just to make us look good. Heh, Heh. Never thought I would need a cyclometer....then I got one and I'm data hungry at the end of every day whether on my commuter bicycle, or road bike. Enjoy the Voyage Mark of the Dalton Boys

Definately agree with renting & riding a couple of 10-20 mile rides first. Just to make sure you're going to actually enjoy it. I've known several people that went out & bought expensive bikes & then found they really hated riding. Personally, I bought a Wally World Schwin touring bike last spring, rode a couple of short Katy Trail trips & I was hooked. Ended up riding almost all of the legs from Clinton to Rocheport several times & then went out & bought a good road bike in the fall. Since then I've changed the tires to 35s to make trail riding easier. Am riding the the MS 150 this fall!!!!!

One last comment..make sure you get a good helmet. I crashed my bike in May .. ended up flying over the handlebars into trees & brush with the bike on top of me. Luckly, I only ended up with cuts, bruises & a lump on my leg that still hasn't gone down. IF I hadn't been wearing a helmet it would have been alot worse.

We road from Augusta to Marthasville today with plans to have lunch at Marthasville. We arrived at 11:30 planing to eat lunch. There was no place close to the trail to eat. We spoke with someone there and she told us that the only place to eat had closed at the first of the year.

Please do not come to Marthasville planning to eat a meal! Please update the site, we went by the information here and our group was very hungry and disappointed (especially the kids). We did back track to Dutzow and ate at the Dutzow Diner.

I agree, we too were discouraged when we saw that Loretta's was closed. We did find Twin Gables off of HWY 47, approximately 1 block off of the Katy Trail. Awesome home made hamburgers and fries and ice cold iced tea.

Another choice for food is to go west to Peers. The little general store there has great sandwiches and tables to eat at. They also serve breakfast.

I am sorry your experience was not a favorable one but if you had waited just 1/2 hour Choo Choo's would have been open.

got to ride the katy trail for rocheport to boonville and back on monday 7/25/05, also got to ride from harstburg to no. jefferson and back on 7/26/05, while spending time in columbia ,mo for my grandsons state allstar games. i enjoyed the hartsburg to no. jefferson trail much more than rocheport to boonville. it appeared to be more of a change of scenery. i did enjoy the katy through franklin, stopped and took lot of pix of the old railroad turn table and such, and of the old grain silos at pearsons. if ever at rocheport, stop at the trailside cafe and bike rental. the folks there are wonderful and will go out of their way to make you feel welcome. have stopped at the cycle-depot at hartsburg. owners were great and very friendly. the katy trail over the missouri river at boonvile is a dedicated lane on the bridge, but for me it left a lot to be desired. i am scared silly of heights, and the bike lane is only bouts 4 ft wide and only has a metal guard rail bolted to the bridge between you and the river. it's a L-O-N-G ways down to the river. it took all i could to to cross it and then realized i had to cross back. i made it though and thourghly enjoyed the rest of the trip. stopped in at the boonvile chamber at the old boonvile depot for some a/c and cold water. very friendly people. the DNR office is right next door. they are also fairly friendly. office not as cool. trail was in good shape and all in all i thoroughly enjoyed both rides. the trail for hartsburg to no. jefferson was harder to ride. lost of soft areas, almost like sand, but still enjoyable. HAPPY BIKING!!!!!!!!!

Rocheport is the greatest little town I think I have ever seen. What a rich history of not only Missouri but America. The buildings and the way they are preserved is impeccable. My family and I loved it.

After spending the Hottest day in July of 2005 on the trail, Going to the cafe to have lunch was great. It was nice and cool inside and the food was outstanding. I would recomend the Cafe to anyone.

I spent the hottest weekend in July of 2005 on the trail between Rocheport and Huntsdale with my wife and two kids. Seeing Katfish Katy's was a welcome sight unlike any in my life. My son was totally drained and had taken a spill early on our ride. Coming around the corner and seeing the establishment was like an answered prayer. We got a candy bar and a water and called my parents to come pick us up. What a Godsend Katfish Katy's was. Thank you for being there.

I spent the hottest weekend in July of 2005 on the trail between Rocheport and Huntsdale with my wife and two kids. Seeing Katfish Katy's was a welcome sight unlike any in my life. My son was totally drained and had taken a spill early on our ride. Coming around the corner and seeing the establishment was like an answered prayer. We got a candy bar and a water and called my parents to come pick us up. What a Godsend Katfish Katy's was. Thank you for being there.

This park is very nice and laid out, but very spartan as well, if that's what you are looking for. Made the mistake of parking around the Weldon Springs area and then hiking up the trail to Klondike to camp overnight. Problem with this is that the town is not within walking distance and the camp does not have a store, just some vending machines. Have plenty of provisions if you are planning on hiking here.

This park is very nice and laid out, but very spartan as well, if that's what you are looking for. Made the mistake of parking around the Weldon Springs area and then hiking up the trail to Klondike to camp overnight. Problem with this is that the town is not within walking distance and the camp does not have a store, just some vending machines. Have plenty of provisions if you are planning on hiking here.

Does this campground have electric and water for campers? I have heard that this is some of the best hiking in the country, do you agree? Is it good for kids? Thanks.

Does this campground have electric and water for campers? I have heard that this is some of the best hiking in the country, do you agree? Is it good for kids? Thanks.

we rode to calhoun on the trail and the whistle stop was open, and we loved the food. will eat there again. but they need out side tables

we rode to calhoun on the trail and the whistle stop was open, and we loved the food. will eat there again. but they need out side tables

Planning to leave Clinton on Sunday Jul 31 and return on Aug 7

This will complete my personal goal of 2000 miles on my new LeMonde bike. What ever happens happens, I'm going without a care in the world (packing my cell phone of course and my mp3 player!!!)

Anyone wishing to have a riding partner feel free to contact me.

I'm not a speedy rider, but I do perservere. Plan to either motel it, B&B it or camp it, doesn't matter.



HAVE FUN!
dsnimmo@gmail.com

Is it safe to park a pop up camper at the trailhead while we ride? How long can you park there?

Is it safe to park a pop up camper at the trailhead while we ride? How long can you park there?

Is it safe to park a pop up camper at the trailhead while we ride? How long can you park there?

Perhaps refer to the post "Parking in Sedalia" a few pages deep. Personally, I'd let those in Sedalia tell me where a "safe" place to park was. Below is my reply to the above post.....



I have been planning a similar trip for this summer and have emailed the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and this was their reply:



You have 2 choices you can leave your vehicle at 2nd and Osage 2 block from the Amtrak station and across the street from the police station, or you can leave it at the Katy Trail State Park Trailhead in the DNR parking lot on the east side of the Katy Depot, that is 6-7 blocks away and is next to the Katy trail. Both are secure.



Annette Ray

Visitor Services Manager



Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention & Visitors Bureau

600 East Third

Sedalia, MO 65301

800-827-5295

660-826-2932 ext.16

aray@visitsedaliamo.com



- posted 5/12/2005 8:47:47 AM by Trek Biker , St. Joseph, MO

Perhaps refer to the post "Parking in Sedalia" a few pages deep. Personally, I'd let those in Sedalia tell me where a "safe" place to park was. Below is my reply to the above post.....



I have been planning a similar trip for this summer and have emailed the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and this was their reply:



You have 2 choices you can leave your vehicle at 2nd and Osage 2 block from the Amtrak station and across the street from the police station, or you can leave it at the Katy Trail State Park Trailhead in the DNR parking lot on the east side of the Katy Depot, that is 6-7 blocks away and is next to the Katy trail. Both are secure.



Annette Ray

Visitor Services Manager



Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention & Visitors Bureau

600 East Third

Sedalia, MO 65301

800-827-5295

660-826-2932 ext.16

aray@visitsedaliamo.com



- posted 5/12/2005 8:47:47 AM by Trek Biker , St. Joseph, MO

Perhaps refer to the post "Parking in Sedalia" a few pages deep. Personally, I'd let those in Sedalia tell me where a "safe" place to park was. Below is my reply to the above post.....



I have been planning a similar trip for this summer and have emailed the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and this was their reply:



You have 2 choices you can leave your vehicle at 2nd and Osage 2 block from the Amtrak station and across the street from the police station, or you can leave it at the Katy Trail State Park Trailhead in the DNR parking lot on the east side of the Katy Depot, that is 6-7 blocks away and is next to the Katy trail. Both are secure.



Annette Ray

Visitor Services Manager



Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention & Visitors Bureau

600 East Third

Sedalia, MO 65301

800-827-5295

660-826-2932 ext.16

aray@visitsedaliamo.com



- posted 5/12/2005 8:47:47 AM by Trek Biker , St. Joseph, MO