Advice for First Trip
- + I am a first time rider looking for advice. We are looking to ride out of St. Charles and hopefully be on the trail for 3 days. What is a reasonable distance to ride in a day- I was thinking 30-35 mil...
Discussion started 02/23/2006 07:27 AM by Michael Smith - 6 replies (last reply by MaBell at 03/05/2006 11:24 PM)Michael Smith from Tuscola, Illinois on 02/23/2006 07:27 AM
I am a first time rider looking for advice. We are looking to ride out of St. Charles and hopefully be on the trail for 3 days. What is a reasonable distance to ride in a day- I was thinking 30-35 miles (we are in pretty good shape). Any suggestions on place to stay, stop, or visit? Is it best to ride out and back, or ride out and take the train or shuttle back. Thanks for any help you can provide.
John from West Plains on 02/23/2006 09:45 AM
If you are in pretty good shape, you might consider riding further than 30 miles. I rode with a group of guys that were not in good shape and we rode 40 the first day of our trip. We are going again and this time we are doing 50 the first day. You might get a little sore in the seat, but you will be fine. As for places to stay, if you make it far enough, check out the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg...Great muffins!
TRinJboro from Jonesboro, AR on 02/23/2006 11:56 AM
Depends on your goal. If you are wanting to relax and enjoy the trail, 30-35 is probably about right. I've gone as far as 80 miles in a day, but that gives you little time to see the interesting sights. If you want to catch the Amtrack back, then Jefferson City is your last stop going west prior to Sedelia. It's 104 miles from St. Charles. If you do this, then I would suggest you consider B & B's in Marthasville, and Bluffton for your lodging. If you want to go farther each day, then I would consider staying in McKittrick/Hermann the first night, then Hartsburg the second. Hermann is an old German town with interesting sights. Hartsburg has a very good B & B (Globe Hotel) and a neat bike shop. You can then get up the 3rd day and bike back to Jefferson City and catch the train back to St. Charles. Good luck, you will love the KATY !
Jarred from Florissant on 02/23/2006 12:07 PM
Just wandering how much time you are willing to devote to the ride?? Me and a group are going to ride the whole trail out and back in late july-early august. Were planning about an 8 day trip. Thats between 40- 50 miles a day. If your willing to ride out and back you are welcome to join us. This will be a first time ride for us as well on the entire Katy trail
frank from festus, mo on 02/23/2006 06:42 PM
you may want to also contact the businesses along the trail to find out their hours of business and the days they are open. that might give you a little better insight into how far each day you want to ride. main thing is be safe, have fun, and enjoy the katy.
Rhona Lococo from St. Charles on 02/28/2006 08:33 PM
Michael ---- check with us about shuttle and ending your trip at Lococo House ll ------ at the end of the trail ---dip in hot tub and also get a well deserved massage ---- at Lococo House ll
MaBell from Overland Park, KS on 03/05/2006 11:24 PM
If you're in pretty good shape, I think you're going to want to keep going after 30 miles; it's such a great trail, easy to ride, and with great scenery. You can easily cover 10 miles an hour. The first day I rode the KATY was 63 miles - I didn't work terribly hard, stopped for 30 minute lunch and a few other short stops and a side trip, and was on the trail from about 8:00-4:00. Have fun - you'll love it!
Best Short Trip?
- + Each year we visit family in MO the last week of June. We try to plan fun side trips and I just heard about the KATY. We have three nights and two full days for our ride, and I was wondering if anyo...
Discussion started 02/19/2006 07:43 PM by Carol - 6 replies (last reply by MaBell at 03/05/2006 11:11 PM)Carol from Oroville, CA on 02/19/2006 07:43 PM
Each year we visit family in MO the last week of June. We try to plan fun side trips and I just heard about the KATY. We have three nights and two full days for our ride, and I was wondering if anyone had recommendations as to the best portion of the trail to ride. We will have to rent bikes, stay in hotels and get a return shuttle, so services are important. We bike and are in decent shape but want to enjoy the scenery and towns (and we worry about the humidity) - so we're thinking 40-60 miles.
frank from festus, mo on 02/20/2006 10:38 PM
carol, personally, i think rocheport east is the prettiest route. i've been as far as no. jefferson trail head from rocheport. as far as services go, check with the trail side cafe and bike rental at rocheport, as well as cycle depot at hartsburg. otherwise, check with all the businesses along the route for their hours and services. also have read numerous times on this forum about dotys cafe in hartsburg as well as the globe hotel in hartsburg and how great they are. other than that, enjoy the ride and be safe.
TRinJboro from Jonesboro, AR on 02/21/2006 12:07 PM
I totally agree with Frank. I've biked almost the entire trail and Rocheport east is by far the most scenic. The bike shop there is also a good place to rent bikes. Depending on how far you want to go each day, for a short ride (25 miles), I would bike to Hartsburg, spend the night there and then bike back. For a longer ride (47 miles), I would go to Tebbetts where there is a hostel type shelter with bunk beds and spend the night there. The cost to spend the night there is only $5.00 per person. Good luck, you'll love the KATY !!
Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 02/22/2006 07:32 AM
One thing for absolutely sure....it will be very, very humid in June....bring Camelbacks etc. Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys
Clint Thompson from Moberly on 03/01/2006 04:11 PM
I agree with Frank. That is the coolest section of the trail that I have been on. Another great section is between Defiance and Marthasville. Augusta is a great town to go through.
kasko from STL MO on 03/03/2006 01:01 PM
Do contact Katy Trail office and request info packet.
MaBell from Overland Park, KS on 03/05/2006 11:11 PM
Carol, 40-60 miles is a good trip for the day -the KATY is a relatively easy ride - but the heat will be a problem. It can be close to 90-100 in the mid-afternoon, and you're not going to want to be finishing up 60 miles that time of day. We did a 57 miler on a hot June day, and there was no stopping to enjoy - we kept plowing forward because it was so hot we just wanted to get done. If you really want to enjoy the towns and the scenery, you might want to plan to find cool places to hang out in the afternoons, and do most of your riding before lunch (start early in the a.m. - it's a beautiful time of day on the trail), and after dinner. Have fun!
Talayna's (St Charles)
- + On the end of the resturaunt strip, Talayna's is smack in the middle of bar row (not a bad thing). Its not much atmosphere, but if you want the best Deep-dish Chicago style pizza this side of the Mis...
Discussion started 11/12/2005 05:20 PM by Local Guy - 1 reply (last reply by Patrick at 03/05/2006 11:16 AM)Local Guy from St. Charles MO on 11/12/2005 05:20 PM
On the end of the resturaunt strip, Talayna's is smack in the middle of bar row (not a bad thing). Its not much atmosphere, but if you want the best Deep-dish Chicago style pizza this side of the Missippi, go to Talayna's! THier Chicago pizza is out of this world!
Local Guy from St. Charles MO on 11/12/2005 05:20 PM
On the end of the resturaunt strip, Talayna's is smack in the middle of bar row (not a bad thing). Its not much atmosphere, but if you want the best Deep-dish Chicago style pizza this side of the Missippi, go to Talayna's! THier Chicago pizza is out of this world!
Patrick from Cleveland, Ohio on 03/05/2006 11:16 AM
I was back home in St. Charles in for Thanksgiving, and one evening I went to dinner at Talayna's with my three sons. I met a lovely waitress named Kim who was so charming that on the last day of my visit I returned to Talayna's to talk with her. I haven't been back since November but I hope she's still there. So, if you happen to see Kim, please tell her that guy from Cleveland hasn't forgotten her lovely smile and hopes to say hello on his next visit. And feel free to give her my e-mail address if she'd care to write. I'd love to hear from her.
Patrick (Sixthson1@wmconnect.com)
Patrick from Cleveland, Ohio on 03/05/2006 11:16 AM
I was back home in St. Charles in for Thanksgiving, and one evening I went to dinner at Talayna's with my three sons. I met a lovely waitress named Kim who was so charming that on the last day of my visit I returned to Talayna's to talk with her. I haven't been back since November but I hope she's still there. So, if you happen to see Kim, please tell her that guy from Cleveland hasn't forgotten her lovely smile and hopes to say hello on his next visit. And feel free to give her my e-mail address if she'd care to write. I'd love to hear from her.
Patrick (Sixthson1@wmconnect.com)
Shuttle Service
- + As I continue to plan my trip in early June- we are thinking about taking a shuttle from St. Charles to Jefferson City and then riding back to St. Charles. I am looking for reccommendations on a shut...
Discussion started 03/03/2006 02:05 PM by Michael Smith - 2 replies (last reply by kasko at 03/04/2006 02:15 PM)Michael Smith from Tuscola, Illinois on 03/03/2006 02:05 PM
As I continue to plan my trip in early June- we are thinking about taking a shuttle from St. Charles to Jefferson City and then riding back to St. Charles. I am looking for reccommendations on a shuttle service and also nice places to stay in the general areas of Bluffton and Marthasville. Any help I can get is greatly appreciated.
Rhona Lococo from St. Charles on 03/03/2006 05:51 PM
We are a BED & Breakfast that offers shuttle service ---- let us know if we can be of help to you ---- Rhona Lococo -----rhonaloc@charter.net
kasko from STL MO on 03/04/2006 02:15 PM
Best as far as I am concerned is to take AMTRAK from St Louis to Jeff City. You can board downtown StL or at Kirkwood station.
Since modern trains do not have baggage cars Amtrak has made allowances to allow you to bring bike onto train. It may be good idea to arrange/check it out with them when you buy ticket.
Blooming of Dogwoods
- + Looking to do St. Charles to Boonville (prox) in April or early May. Any guesses on when the dogwoods might be in bloom this year?
Discussion started 03/03/2006 04:49 PM by Easy Ed - 1 reply (last reply by MAH at 03/03/2006 09:34 PM)Easy Ed from Rockwall, TX (Dallas) on 03/03/2006 04:49 PM
Looking to do St. Charles to Boonville (prox) in April or early May. Any guesses on when the dogwoods might be in bloom this year?
MAH on 03/03/2006 09:34 PM
According to the 2006 MO Conservation Calendar of Natural Events, April 20th has the notation to "Look for flowering dogwoods".
Hope that helps!
MAH
Katy Trail
- + What, when and where is the DNR ride? What is a DNR?
Discussion started 03/03/2006 01:07 PM by kasko - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (Webmaster) at 03/03/2006 01:11 PM)kasko from STL MO on 03/03/2006 01:07 PM
What, when and where is the DNR ride? What is a DNR?
Ray (Webmaster) on 03/03/2006 01:11 PM
DNR is the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the agency that runs the Katy Trail. Every June they sponsor an organized ride from one end of the trail to the other, over the course of 5 days (June 19-23 this year). They accommodate up to 300 riders. You can find details at this link.
Catch the Katy - DNR Ride 2006 - Looking for ride from Cedar Rapids, IA
- + Hi all,
I want to participate in the 2006 Catch the Katy June 19-23, but would prefer not to drive myself all the way to St. Charles. Looking to catch a ride down on Sunday the 18th and back up on ...
Discussion started 03/02/2006 02:48 PM by Luv2Ride - 0 repliesLuv2Ride from Cedar Rapids, IA on 03/02/2006 02:48 PM
Hi all,
I want to participate in the 2006 Catch the Katy June 19-23, but would prefer not to drive myself all the way to St. Charles. Looking to catch a ride down on Sunday the 18th and back up on Saturday the 24th - from somewhere around Cedar Rapids IA. I can be a little flexible on this, if someone was within an hour or two drive from CR. Of course, I would split the cost of gas. If you're interested in helping me out, send me an e-mail at cyclechick63@yahoo.com.
Thanks alot!
Road Bike?
- + I just bought a Trek 2100 road bike and I am hooked. We are riding the Katy Trail in a few weeks and I dont want to go back to my steel framed Schwinn. Is it a bad idea to ride a road bike on the Katy...
Discussion started 02/17/2006 10:39 AM by John - 6 replies (last reply by kasko at 03/02/2006 10:43 AM)John from West Plains on 02/17/2006 10:39 AM
I just bought a Trek 2100 road bike and I am hooked. We are riding the Katy Trail in a few weeks and I dont want to go back to my steel framed Schwinn. Is it a bad idea to ride a road bike on the Katy Trail? We are covering 100 miles and I dont want to be halfway when I realize I made a mistake.
frank from festus, mo on 02/17/2006 12:15 PM
john, i have a raleigh bike wtih 1'--1 1/2 wide knobby tires. i have rode the KATY numerous times, short trips that is (10-30 miles), but have put on probably couple - three hundred miles. not one problem. personally, i don't think you will have any problems. have fun, thats the main thing. good luck. enjoy the trip.
Austin from Longmont, CO on 02/17/2006 11:13 PM
As long as it's dry, you should be fine, I rode my Trek 2200 100 miles last summer without any problems. I used 700x25 tires. If there has been much rain lately and the trail is soft, you might want something with wider tires.
TRinJboro from Jonesboro, AR on 02/21/2006 12:18 PM
I agree with Austin, I've rode my Trek 510 Road bike many times on the KATY without problems. However, my bike is old, and these were all times the trail was dry. If your luck doesn't hold and it rains for 2 or 3 days, the trail gets mushy and your small tires will sink in. Also, if you bought a new Trek 2100 I don't think I would want to ride a new bike on the KATY. The surface tends to be a little dusty when dry and it will cover your bike and chain with a fine white dust that is hard on it.
Big Rick from St. Charles, Mo. on 02/22/2006 05:46 PM
The lime dust washed off just fine in my experience. Also, a couple of the shops along the trial sell a nice chain lube that will help keep your gears and sprokets in good order. I'll post later tongiht when I get home and I can get the name off of the bottle.
Rick
richard Shrewsbury from joplin mo on 02/28/2006 09:49 PM
I have ridden the katy many times on a old road bike The trail is generally very good
surface for a not paved trail. 90% of what you see will be mountain bikes. This is like
driving a big SUV in the city.... hybrid would be best but the importain thing is to ride...
Katy Trail is Great.....
kasko from STL MO on 03/02/2006 10:43 AM
I agree with all above. Ben riding Katy since it opened on my 700x1.25 no problem This year riding entire trail will use a hybrid with wider tire.
White dust is nuisance but it washes off. I wash it once at least every 3 years.
Winter Ride with breakfast
- + If you are looking for a winter ride with a delicious $6 breakfast ride the Katy to Schell Road near Mile 68 in Augusta. Going east that will be a left onto a blacktop steep hill. You may have to pu...
Discussion started 01/22/2006 08:35 PM - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 02/24/2006 12:40 AM)Anonymous from Washington on 01/22/2006 08:35 PM
If you are looking for a winter ride with a delicious $6 breakfast ride the Katy to Schell Road near Mile 68 in Augusta. Going east that will be a left onto a blacktop steep hill. You may have to push your bike up this one then ride the rolling hills and sharp curves to Hwy. 94. Turn right on Hwy. 94 and about 500 ft. down the hill is the Immaculate Conception Church. The next breakfast will be Feb. 26, all you can eat: sausage, ham, eggs, pancakes, apples, juice, coffee -what a treat!
Not another biker was on the trail today but we did see a mink cross the trail
Anonymous from New Haven on 02/24/2006 12:40 AM
You will have another chance for this winter ride on Sun.Feb. 26 when the church will hold another breakfast.
Trailhead Brewing Co (St Charles)
- + THE FOOD WAS HORRIBLE, THE SERVICE WORSE.....IT'S NOTHING BUT A TOURIST TRAP..
Discussion started 09/18/2005 10:39 AM by JOHNATHON - 6 replies (last reply by Bobbie at 02/23/2006 08:39 PM)JOHNATHON from WELDON SPRINGS on 09/18/2005 10:39 AM
THE FOOD WAS HORRIBLE, THE SERVICE WORSE.....IT'S NOTHING BUT A TOURIST TRAP..
Anonymous on 09/27/2005 10:38 PM
I beg to differ....have traveled to St. Charles on numerous occasions and have dined at Trailhead many times. I have been extremely satisfied with the quality of food and service on every occasion. Don't miss it if you have a chance to go....I'm a tourist but never felt that way while there.
Local Guy from St. Charles MO on 11/12/2005 05:12 PM
NOT!
M.S. from Villa Ridge, Missouri on 12/17/2005 06:07 PM
I have always had a great experience at the Trailhead Brewing Co. I belong to a club who regularly cycles the Katy Trail, with the TBC being our destination. Wonderful food, great staff!! Never a bad experience!
Big Rick from St. Charles, Mo. on 02/02/2006 03:37 PM
I've been to the Trailhead Brewery on many occasions. The food and service were always wonderful. The only time I ever had trouble was when I went in wearing the tank top I was wearing on my ride that day. I gladly bought one of their t-shirts and had a wonderful meal before heading home.
Big Rick
daveh from IL. on 02/10/2006 07:23 PM
Food was ok, and I liked all the beers. I'll go again.
Bobbie from Arnold on 02/23/2006 08:39 PM
Great food, friendly staff and fun atmosphere!
Katy Trail Weather - for late March
- + I am considering cycling the Katy trail from March 19th to March 25, 2006. This is our Spring Break so I do not have the ability to do at another time. Am I nuts? Is it likely to be too cold and/or ...
Discussion started 01/27/2006 11:56 PM by cathy j - 7 replies (last reply by ET at 02/23/2006 12:15 PM)cathy j from st helena ca on 01/27/2006 11:56 PM
I am considering cycling the Katy trail from March 19th to March 25, 2006. This is our Spring Break so I do not have the ability to do at another time. Am I nuts? Is it likely to be too cold and/or snowing? I am interested in opinions on the advisability of cycling at that time of year. thanks...Cathy J
savage24 from KC,MO on 01/28/2006 04:38 AM
Hi Cathy,
According to intellicast.com the normal temperatures for central Missouri in March are: low 33F and high 53F. You could add a few degrees for the end of the month. We don't normally have snow in March. Only you can say if you enjoy cycling in those temps. One other thing - some of the businesses along the trail are seasonal and may be closed or operating on their 'winter schedule' so it may be a good idea to plan for food and lodging carefully and/or call ahead and confirm.
TRinJboro from Jonesboro, AR on 01/29/2006 07:02 AM
Did the KATY in early April 2 years ago. You'll have to take clothing for both cold and mild weather, as I had both in the stretch of 4 days. The wind changes from day to day also this time of the year.
The Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 02/01/2006 09:40 AM
TRinJboro is so right....its when my siblings and I rode the KATY. I gets darn chilly in April, never mind March. We did find many busineses closed. Mark of the Dalton Boys
bryan from Springdale, AR on 02/05/2006 05:27 PM
Cathy j...My wife and I will be on the trail at the same time you are. This will be our first trip of any distance on it. We rode from Boonville to Pilot Grove and back the day after thanksgiving. That was a good time. Our daughter is going to drop us off in Hermann on the 18th, and pick us up the next weekend at where ever we get to. We plan to spend 2 nights in Herman, then move west. We are going to spend a couple of days in Jefferson City, and then continue on west. Look for us, we'll be on Fuji bikes, an Odessa (hers) and a Utah. If I can find enough pet friendly lodging, we'll have our little white dog with us too. That will be the subject of another post...where to find lodging for us and the dog. If any one reading this post has some info, you can email me at bcspain@sbcglobal.net.
Happy Trails
Clint Thompson from Moberly MO on 02/19/2006 09:16 PM
Well, you can never tell what March will bring. My wife, daughter, Mom and 4 siblings are doing a 2 day ride the weekend of the 25th. We are staying at a bed and breakfast in Peers that night. I guess if the weather is bad we will just hang out at the bed and breakfast and drive to the wineries. We are all looking forward to this trip. I sure hope the weather is nice.
Have a great time
Clint
Dolores from Wheaton, IL on 02/22/2006 09:11 PM
We want to ride the trail earlier--March 9, 10 and 11. We don't mind colder temperatures, but we are concerned about the quality of the trail. Could we count on it being relatively dry at that time of the year? Would it be spongy?
Thanks,
Dolores
ET from Columbia on 02/23/2006 12:15 PM
In general, the surface is excellent if it's really cold, but gets spongiest if it has been frozen at night and then thaws during the day. Of course, it will depend on rain near the time, too. We have had quite a dry winter so far.
western state border
- + Fron Clinton, how far can you take the trail to the MO-KS border? I am planning a cross-state ride utalizing the Katy trail and I was wondering how far I can take the trail to the west before I was f...
Discussion started 02/15/2006 02:44 PM by Justin - 1 reply (last reply by The Dalton Boys at 02/16/2006 06:45 AM)Justin from St. Charles on 02/15/2006 02:44 PM
Fron Clinton, how far can you take the trail to the MO-KS border? I am planning a cross-state ride utalizing the Katy trail and I was wondering how far I can take the trail to the west before I was forced to take roads. Please respond with routes or ideas. Feel free to email me at justinlarson13@hotmail.com, just be sure to use Katy Trail in the subject box.
The Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 02/16/2006 06:45 AM
Justin...You are at the end in Clinton. Go to MO. Bike Federation web and it will give an alternate from Windsor to KC. RT. 7 is the most direct from Clinton to KC and from what I've read not a good idea. Regards...Mark of the Dalton Boys.
Papa Jake's Donut Shop (Sedalia)
- + Also, please tell me of a GREAT bakery in Sedalia that does Birthday cakes. Have a great day!
Discussion started 01/13/2006 11:02 AM by Cynthia - 1 reply (last reply by Sarah Heimsoth at 02/14/2006 06:19 PM)Cynthia from warsaw on 01/13/2006 11:02 AM
Also, please tell me of a GREAT bakery in Sedalia that does Birthday cakes. Have a great day!
Cynthia from warsaw on 01/13/2006 11:02 AM
Also, please tell me of a GREAT bakery in Sedalia that does Birthday cakes. Have a great day!
Sarah Heimsoth from Sedalia, MO on 02/14/2006 06:19 PM
I don't know how, but I saw your comment on the internet, and I thought I'd let you know about Bing's Bakery in Sedalia, MO. I am the cake decorator, and I've been there for six plus years. We have wonderful cakes and if you'd like you may call us at the bakery. Not meaning to brag, but many of my customers tell us we're the best in Sedalia. (660) 829-1400. I hope you find what you're looking for.
Sarah Heimsoth
Sarah Heimsoth from Sedalia, MO on 02/14/2006 06:19 PM
I don't know how, but I saw your comment on the internet, and I thought I'd let you know about Bing's Bakery in Sedalia, MO. I am the cake decorator, and I've been there for six plus years. We have wonderful cakes and if you'd like you may call us at the bakery. Not meaning to brag, but many of my customers tell us we're the best in Sedalia. (660) 829-1400. I hope you find what you're looking for.
Sarah Heimsoth
Saving the Bridge?
- + This article appeared on STLToday.com this afternoon. http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/55B28A5B9F19D0888625711500651E47?OpenDocument Does anyone have any...
Discussion started 02/14/2006 04:17 PM by Big Rick - 1 reply (last reply by Big Rick at 02/14/2006 04:17 PM)Big Rick from St. Charles, Mo. on 02/14/2006 04:17 PM
This article appeared on STLToday.com this afternoon. http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/55B28A5B9F19D0888625711500651E47?OpenDocument Does anyone have any information about the organization working to keep the bridge intact?
Ray (webmaster) on 02/14/2006 04:36 PM
Yes.... Save the Katy Bridge Coalition