summit plaza best value inn -- holts summit
- + Although there are numerous signs along the trail offering free shuttle service from/to the trailhead to the Best Value Inn, the week of August 9, no shuttle was available. We had, therefore to cance...
Discussion started 09/02/2004 03:04 PM by heidi - 3 replies (last reply by Steve Case at 10/06/2004 11:00 PM)heidi from st. louis on 09/02/2004 03:04 PM
Although there are numerous signs along the trail offering free shuttle service from/to the trailhead to the Best Value Inn, the week of August 9, no shuttle was available. We had, therefore to cancel our reservations and used the Jefferson Inn B & B's shuttle service. The hotel still charged us for the accommodations we did not use. No amount of negotiating has budged them from their stance on this issue. If you feel compelled to stay at the Best Value Inn, I suggest calling in advance of the 24 hour cancellation notification time to confirm the shuttle is available or risk being charged for accommodations you don't use.
Best Value Inn Hotel from Holts Summit, Mo on 09/08/2004 03:16 PM
Heidi of St. Louis, Mo made her reservation though an internet service and only request was for a non smoking room. It was never indicated by Heidi that they were traveling the Katy Trail and were going to need the shuttle service offered by the hotel. She was not understanding that sometimes for one hour or more that the individual
doing the shuttle service is not available with no prior notice. Also since reservation was made through an internet travel agency service, those reservation can only be cancelled through the internet travel agency as any reservation made via a travel agency for any reason. All reservation made indicating need for shuttle service are accomadated or are informed that on that particular day for some reason it might not be available at time of making reservation. Even without prior notice shuttle is available 99% of the time and people are picked up within 20 minutes of calling.
nick(kc) on 09/29/2004 12:27 PM
I am with heidi on this. She didn't ask you said, did you bother to tell her? If it is available 99% of the time, then perhaps you should let EVERYONE making a reservation or using your hotel when it will not be available (that 1% of the time). The "internet" booking thing also sounds like a cop out...
Steve Case from Loveland, Colorado on 10/06/2004 11:00 PM
I just wanted to say that when my wife and I got to the trail head and found no phone we flagged down a policeman on patrol and he took us to a phone. When I called the hotel (no reservations) they very nicely said they would be there shortly. The next morning they shuttled us our two bikes and two bob trailers back to the trail head. As far as we were concerned they were the salt of the earth and we plan to stay there again one of these days.
Jefferson City to Sedalia
- + We are taking the train to Jeff City and biking to Sedalia the weekend of Oct 15th. Anyone have any suggestions for us as to scenic stops or events along the way? Any suggestions on that one thing y...
Discussion started 09/27/2004 09:38 AM by KD - 3 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/28/2004 10:00 AM)KD from KANSAS CITY on 09/27/2004 09:38 AM
We are taking the train to Jeff City and biking to Sedalia the weekend of Oct 15th. Anyone have any suggestions for us as to scenic stops or events along the way? Any suggestions on that one thing you wished you would have packed but didn't? Anyone going to be on the trail that weekend?
T-Dawg on 09/27/2004 08:38 PM
I'm going the same date! Hey, maybe we can hook up for a beer and to swap stories!
KD from KC on 09/28/2004 09:28 AM
Yeah, T Dawg that sounds good.......I like Miller Light in bottles..you pack 'em in and I'll meet you for one! I was really directing this question to someone that wasn't going on the trip w/me :)
Ray (webmaster) on 09/28/2004 10:00 AM
>suggestions for us as to scenic stops or events along the way?
You're riding one of the most scenic parts of the trail, along the river between JeffCity & Rocheport. There will be lots of nice scenery. Don't know of any events that weekend, along that part of the trail.
Be prepared: the ride over the bridge from JeffCity to the Katy Trail may be frightening - very fast cars zipping by very close to you!
>thing you wished you would have packed but didn't?
Kleenex/toilet paper. No, thankfully I don't have an interesting story to go along with that, but I wouldn't want to need & not have any. Extra water bottles too.
>Anyone going to be on the trail that weekend?
This is one of the busiest times of year on the trail; you'll see lots of riders out there, enjoying Missouri's great fall colors!
Old Town Augusta Inn (Augusta)
- + It is not published, but the Old Town Augusta Inn is ONLY open on weekends. I could have saved a long distance phone call if I had known that.
Discussion started 09/12/2004 08:32 PM by David S. - 0 repliesDavid S. from Indianapolis, IN on 09/12/2004 08:32 PM
It is not published, but the Old Town Augusta Inn is ONLY open on weekends. I could have saved a long distance phone call if I had known that.
David S. from Indianapolis, IN on 09/12/2004 08:32 PM
It is not published, but the Old Town Augusta Inn is ONLY open on weekends. I could have saved a long distance phone call if I had known that.
Gotta try out Emma's! (Augusta)
- + You HAVE to try the New Orlean's snowballs. I didn't believe that they would be better than a sno-cone, but, boy was I wrong! Great atmosphere and location! 3 thumbs up!
Discussion started 09/12/2004 07:45 PM by Bill - 0 repliesBill from St. Charles on 09/12/2004 07:45 PM
You HAVE to try the New Orlean's snowballs. I didn't believe that they would be better than a sno-cone, but, boy was I wrong! Great atmosphere and location! 3 thumbs up!
Bill from St. Charles on 09/12/2004 07:45 PM
You HAVE to try the New Orlean's snowballs. I didn't believe that they would be better than a sno-cone, but, boy was I wrong! Great atmosphere and location! 3 thumbs up!
Augusta Touring Cyclist
- + I see that The Touring Cyclist is not listed for Augusta. Did they close this store?
Discussion started 04/21/2004 02:49 PM by Rider - 2 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/11/2004 10:16 PM)Rider on 04/21/2004 02:49 PM
I see that The Touring Cyclist is not listed for Augusta. Did they close this store?
Rider on 04/21/2004 02:49 PM
I see that The Touring Cyclist is not listed for Augusta. Did they close this store?
Ray (webmaster) on 04/21/2004 06:22 PM
Yes, unfortunately the Augusta Touring Cyclist is permanently closed.
Ray (webmaster) on 04/21/2004 06:22 PM
Yes, unfortunately the Augusta Touring Cyclist is permanently closed.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/11/2004 10:16 PM
"Emma's on the Katy Trail" is now doing business in the former Touring Cyclist building. They have bike rentals, in addition to snacks and drinks. Their specialty is New Orleans snowballs - a refreshing treat after a hard ride on the trail.
Ray (webmaster) on 09/11/2004 10:16 PM
"Emma's on the Katy Trail" is now doing business in the former Touring Cyclist building. They have bike rentals, in addition to snacks and drinks. Their specialty is New Orleans snowballs - a refreshing treat after a hard ride on the trail.
3 day 150
- + My wife and I are planning to ride Pilot Grove to Defiance - approx 150 miles, staying in Hartsburg and McKittrick (or close by). Any suggestions or words of advice?
Discussion started 09/07/2004 09:02 PM by Russ S - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 09/11/2004 07:06 AM)Russ S from Jeff City on 09/07/2004 09:02 PM
My wife and I are planning to ride Pilot Grove to Defiance - approx 150 miles, staying in Hartsburg and McKittrick (or close by). Any suggestions or words of advice?
Ray (webmaster) on 09/11/2004 07:06 AM
St Charles Parking
- + Where is the safest place in St. Charles to leave a car parked for two nights?
Discussion started 07/31/2004 11:17 AM - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 08/26/2004 07:50 PM)Anonymous on 07/31/2004 11:17 AM
Where is the safest place in St. Charles to leave a car parked for two nights?
Anonymous on 07/31/2004 11:17 AM
Where is the safest place in St. Charles to leave a car parked for two nights?
Trevor on 07/31/2004 09:10 PM
St Charles Trailhead is the best place. There's plenty of parking, and overnight parking is allowed. It's a busy enough area that there are usually people around, since the historic district is right there. And best of all, you're right on the trail!
Trevor on 07/31/2004 09:10 PM
St Charles Trailhead is the best place. There's plenty of parking, and overnight parking is allowed. It's a busy enough area that there are usually people around, since the historic district is right there. And best of all, you're right on the trail!
Anonymous on 08/26/2004 07:50 PM
Trevor, You were right on! We had no problems leaving our vehicle there for two nights. Just to be on the safe side, I contacted the St. Charles PD to let them know it would be there... Thanx!
Anonymous on 08/26/2004 07:50 PM
Trevor, You were right on! We had no problems leaving our vehicle there for two nights. Just to be on the safe side, I contacted the St. Charles PD to let them know it would be there... Thanx!
trailer on the AMTRAK
- + our family is planning a trip to clinton via amtrak with bikes in tow and then riding east to st. charles in august. does anyone know how amenable amtrak is to hauling bike trailers in storage. i'm ...
Discussion started 06/22/2004 04:18 PM by heidi - 6 replies (last reply by Bruce at 08/18/2004 05:17 PM)heidi from st. louis on 06/22/2004 04:18 PM
our family is planning a trip to clinton via amtrak with bikes in tow and then riding east to st. charles in august. does anyone know how amenable amtrak is to hauling bike trailers in storage. i'm assuming we have to pay a surcharge, but is it even possible?
Jon from St. Louis on 06/22/2004 09:13 PM
I didn't understand your question completely. It didn't say where you were coming from, KC? STL? If your getting on the train in St. Louis (Kirkwood) they can haul a few bikes unboxed. Now, one thing- you can't get to Clinton on a train, they pulled the tracks up when they made the KT Trail. The train will take you to Sedalia, and you will have to find a shuttle to Clinton. Let me know, I have some phone numbers. Cost is 22.00/person 10.00 for the bike. You need to make your reservations ASAP. Like yesterday.
Jon from St. Louis on 06/22/2004 09:19 PM
It cut the rest of my message off on the last post. Go buy the book, "Katy Trail Guidebook" by Brett Dufur. It has quite a bit of info. Again, I would make your reservations now. Have fun. Check to see that the train your on takes the bike as is, or needs the handlebars parallel to the body of the bike. You shouldn't have to mess with that.
Ray (webmaster) on 06/24/2004 01:00 PM
Here is a link to Amtrak's baggage policy, which discusses "Special Items" like strollers, golf bags, and bikes. I would think that a trailer would be just another special item. Just to be sure, you might want to call them at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
heidi from st. louis on 06/25/2004 07:24 AM
I called and spoke to the AMTRAK reservation/information line and when I asked about traveling with a toddler trailer, they had never been asked such a question. They said I could take the item boxed as long as the dimensions of the box did not exceed 22"x28"x14" and did not weigh more than 50 lbs. The reservationist also noted that there would be a surcharge although we never reached consensus about what that amount would be. I think our family is now leaning towards someone driving us to Clinton...it s
heidi from St. Louis on 06/25/2004 07:26 AM
...the rest of my comment was cut off. If anyone has traveled from Kirkwood to Sedalia on the train with a toddler trailer I would be interested to hear about your experience. Thanks to everyone for their previous input.
Bruce from San francisco on 08/18/2004 05:17 PM
I would like to take the same trip in early October,alone. If you have any info or suggestions I would appreciate them. I plan to rent a bike in St. Louis, Amtrack to Sedalia, ride to Clinton then back to St. Charles. Hopefully a 3-4 day trip. I prefer to stay overnight in lodging and not camp. My email is Bruce@bar-kmortgage.com
Thanks for your help!
Shuttle service swap
- + If you live in another state that has good rail trails and would like to ride the Katy Trail, contact me for a 'shuttle swap'. I will haul cyclists and bikes to any location on the Katy Trail in exch...
Discussion started 08/13/2004 02:37 AM by savage24 - 0 repliessavage24 from Kansas City, MO on 08/13/2004 02:37 AM
If you live in another state that has good rail trails and would like to ride the Katy Trail, contact me for a 'shuttle swap'. I will haul cyclists and bikes to any location on the Katy Trail in exchange for a similar service for myself on another trail. I am particularly interested in: Elroy-Sparta (WI), Little Miami (OH), Caprock Canyon (TX) and will consider other trails/states.
Contact: dwalc@netzero.com Put shuttle swap in the subject line so I know its not spam. Thanks!
Camping in Bluffton
- + Tried to contact the campground, and recieved a recording that the number was wrong. I then tried the B&B phone, and recieved a recording said # no longer in service. Is the campground open if so do...
Discussion started 05/24/2004 12:48 PM by srbella - 1 reply (last reply by Scott N at 08/09/2004 07:43 PM)srbella from lawrence on 05/24/2004 12:48 PM
Tried to contact the campground, and recieved a recording that the number was wrong. I then tried the B&B phone, and recieved a recording said # no longer in service. Is the campground open if so does anybody have the new number?
srbella from lawrence on 05/24/2004 12:48 PM
Tried to contact the campground, and recieved a recording that the number was wrong. I then tried the B&B phone, and recieved a recording said # no longer in service. Is the campground open if so does anybody have the new number?
Scott N from Davenport on 08/09/2004 07:43 PM
Talked to the owner today, August 9th, 2004, her name is Sandra Benz. (314) 831-4807. The campground is open but the B&B is closed. Reservations only needed during Holidays and Peak times, otherwise they use the honor system and there is a drop box for fees.
Scott N from Davenport on 08/09/2004 07:43 PM
Talked to the owner today, August 9th, 2004, her name is Sandra Benz. (314) 831-4807. The campground is open but the B&B is closed. Reservations only needed during Holidays and Peak times, otherwise they use the honor system and there is a drop box for fees.
Steve's End-to-end Ride July 2004
- + We rode the entire trail from Clinton to St.Charles from Monday July 5 to Friday July 9. The storms on Sunday and Monday evening blew a lot of trees and branches on the trail between Sedalia and Boon...
Discussion started 07/29/2004 10:43 AM by Steve - 0 repliesSteve from Grapevine, Texas on 07/29/2004 10:43 AM
We rode the entire trail from Clinton to St.Charles from Monday July 5 to Friday July 9. The storms on Sunday and Monday evening blew a lot of trees and branches on the trail between Sedalia and Booneville. It was still great fun though. We spent the night in Sedalia, Rocheport, Tebbets, and Treloar(actually drove up to Warrenton for the night). When we rolled into St.Charles on Friday evening, there was a band playing a concert in the pavillion near the final St.Charles trail kiosk. Very cool! It was a great trip!
End of the trail
- + Does anyone know the mile marker # at the end of the trail just north of the 370 bridge? Thanks.
Discussion started 07/23/2004 04:08 PM by BJM - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 07/27/2004 04:56 AM)BJM from Chesterfield on 07/23/2004 04:08 PM
Does anyone know the mile marker # at the end of the trail just north of the 370 bridge? Thanks.
Ray (webmaster) on 07/27/2004 04:56 AM
MM 38 is just south of the 370 Bridge; 37 is the first one to the north of the 370 Bridge.
By the way, the Mo DNR hopes to open the Katy Trail all the way to Machens (MM 27) within the next month or two. I've posted some basic information on the
home page, and will update this info whenever I learn more.
Mile marker system
- + I'm new at riding the trail. Why are the mile markers here in the low 40s when this is the beginning of the trail? Is there more north of St. Chas.? Thanks.
Discussion started 06/14/2004 07:16 AM by BikerBev - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 06/17/2004 01:05 PM)BikerBev from Chesterfield on 06/14/2004 07:16 AM
I'm new at riding the trail. Why are the mile markers here in the low 40s when this is the beginning of the trail? Is there more north of St. Chas.? Thanks.
Ray (webmaster) on 06/17/2004 01:05 PM
The Katy Trail uses the exact same mile markers that the railroad used. So even though the Katy Trail starts in St Charles, the railroad started their numbering somewhere 39 miles farther east/north. The DNR indicates that there is "undeveloped trail" for another 12 miles past St Charles, going through the towns of CuldeSac (34.5), Black Walnut (30.05), and Machens (26.9). But I do not know anything about the condition/ride-ability of this undeveloped section.
It's worth noting that because the trail leaves the railroad right-of-way in Rhineland and Sedalia, your actual mileage will differ slightly from the mile marker mileage when riding through these towns. As you follow the trail off of the railbed in these two towns, you are no longer travelling the measured distance of the railroad mile markers; you're actually riding a bit farther. This difference is minimal, but it's worth mentioning for those riders who wonder why their bike computers have suddenly gotten out of sync with the mile markers.
Page Bridge mile, St Charles bike parking
- + What is the mile marker on the Katy Trail at Highway 364 (Page extension, between Saint Charles and Greens Bottom)? Where can we lock up our bikes in Historic Saint Charles? Thanks Tom
Discussion started 06/10/2004 06:59 AM by Tom B. - 2 replies (last reply by Hambone at 06/12/2004 11:18 PM)Tom B. on 06/10/2004 06:59 AM
What is the mile marker on the Katy Trail at Highway 364 (Page extension, between Saint Charles and Greens Bottom)? Where can we lock up our bikes in Historic Saint Charles? Thanks Tom
RayS on 06/10/2004 11:31 AM
The Page/364 Bridge is at mile 42.8, which is just over three miles from downtown St Charles.
Hambone on 06/12/2004 11:18 PM
You can find bike racks at these businesses on Main St: Lewis & Clarks Restaurant, Touring Cyclist, St Louis Bread Co, Caffe Tostare. Also at the pavilion in Riverside Park (near mile 39), and near the green caboose.
Safe evening rides in St Charles area
- + I ride Katy Trail in evening by myself in St.Charles and Weldon Springs area. Is safe for people to ride alone like that?
Discussion started 05/20/2004 09:35 PM by onefinecow - 2 replies (last reply by Psychlist at 05/25/2004 10:46 PM)onefinecow from st. louis on 05/20/2004 09:35 PM
I ride Katy Trail in evening by myself in St.Charles and Weldon Springs area. Is safe for people to ride alone like that?
RayS on 05/24/2004 12:01 AM
I've never heard of any crime problems. You're certainly safer from cars by being on the trail.
Psychlist on 05/25/2004 10:46 PM
Officially, the trail is only open from sunup to sundown. Doubt that this is enforced though.
Printed Map
- + Where can I get a printed map of the trail?
Discussion started 04/28/2004 08:08 AM by X - 1 reply (last reply by RayS at 05/23/2004 11:45 PM)X on 04/28/2004 08:08 AM
Where can I get a printed map of the trail?
RayS on 05/23/2004 11:45 PM
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has a glossy brochure which includes a map of the trail. They will send you one if you call them: 800-334-6946 or 660-882-8196.
Almost to 1000
- + Well I'm ready for the first trip of the year tomorrow, almost to my first 1000 on the trail now, and it's different and new every trip. What an incredible resource for our state - if you like to ride...
Discussion started 05/06/2004 09:42 PM by froggy - 0 repliesfroggy from NE Mo on 05/06/2004 09:42 PM
Well I'm ready for the first trip of the year tomorrow, almost to my first 1000 on the trail now, and it's different and new every trip. What an incredible resource for our state - if you like to ride, this is just about it. We do need to move it along on both sides...
Lew's October 2003 Photos
- + I rode the trail in Oct. 2003 with my bicycle club. I don't have a ride report, but my photos are available at http://worthem.com/ktr
Discussion started 05/05/2004 12:03 PM by Lew - 0 repliesLew from Elmhurst, IL on 05/05/2004 12:03 PM
I rode the trail in Oct. 2003 with my bicycle club. I don't have a ride report, but my photos are available at http://worthem.com/ktr
Mo state capital
- + Watch for the nice view of the Missouri state capitol around the low 140's mile markers.
Discussion started 04/13/2004 06:43 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 04/13/2004 06:43 AM
Watch for the nice view of the Missouri state capitol around the low 140's mile markers.