Touring and Camping ?s
- + My sister and I were planning on biking from sedalia to st louis (I am planning 5 days of solid biking) this summer. I have gone on camping and biking trips before, but this will be the first time cam...
Discussion started 07/26/2005 04:30 AM - 4 replies (last reply by Jamie and Dan at 08/24/2005 11:16 AM)Anonymous from Chicago on 07/26/2005 04:30 AM
My sister and I were planning on biking from sedalia to st louis (I am planning 5 days of solid biking) this summer. I have gone on camping and biking trips before, but this will be the first time camping while biking. Any thoughts on necessary equipment, safety while camping, stove and food recommendations (we are both veggies), etc? Thanks!
Ray (webmaster) on 07/26/2005 03:18 PM
A great resource for this is the Bicycle Touring 101 website: http://www.bicycletouring101.com/index.html - all of the topics you mentioned are covered in detail, plus many other topics related to bike touring. Check out the "Table of Contents" link in the wheel logo.
savage24 from KC MO on 08/20/2005 07:35 AM
Another great source of information & inspiration:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/?o=as
ET from columbia, MO on 08/21/2005 08:13 PM
You probably want to do some planning if you want vegetarian fare all along the way. We had a vegan on our last trip, and there was one time that the only thing we could find for him to eat was french fries! That was in Hartsburg, when only the Hitchin' Post was open. I do know that the Trailside Cafe in Rocheport has vegetarian fare, and of course many of the more full-range restaurants will have salads and other vegetarian options, but this is the Midwest, where even the vegetables are often cooked with meat!
Jamie and Dan from St Louis, MO on 08/24/2005 11:16 AM
When we camped and biked we basically used backpacking equipment. I think the lighter the better. You can get some great backpaking meal ideas by googling. These work great on a bike trip like this as well. You can always do foil packs with veggies if you have a campfire. This is delicious. If you are a vegetarian and not a vegan I don't think you will have too much trouble finding stuff to eat are restaurants along the way. Just like any restaurant there are always salad options etc that you can eat. Have fun on your trip.
Klondike Park (Augusta)
- + It's a very nice place to visit, be advised of rock slides. One happened within 300 feet of me!!!
Discussion started 08/22/2005 04:08 PM by ws - 0 repliesws from St Charles on 08/22/2005 04:08 PM
It's a very nice place to visit, be advised of rock slides. One happened within 300 feet of me!!!
ws from St Charles on 08/22/2005 04:08 PM
It's a very nice place to visit, be advised of rock slides. One happened within 300 feet of me!!!
West to East or Vica Versa?
- + I am planning upon riding this trail in the next year or so and since I am coming from western Canada I would like some opinion on which end to start. Are there spots along the trail for my wife to me...
Discussion started 08/13/2005 01:41 AM by Derek Turvey - 2 replies (last reply by Rob at 08/19/2005 02:24 PM)Derek Turvey from Kelowna B.C. on 08/13/2005 01:41 AM
I am planning upon riding this trail in the next year or so and since I am coming from western Canada I would like some opinion on which end to start. Are there spots along the trail for my wife to meet me in our 5th wheel? Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thank-you. my e-mail is: dturvey@shaw.ca
Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, TX./Columbia, MO. on 08/16/2005 09:25 AM
Derek - Technically speaking its downhill from West to East on the Katy Trail. I got that information from the Missouri State Geological web site. The loss in elevation is in the neighborhood of 400-800 ft. so its not that noticeable. Many and plenty places for your wife to rendevous with your RV starting with Sedalia then to Boonville, Columbia, Jefferson City, Herman, and Marthasville. There are many other places that your wife may wish to visit even though you may not wish to necessarily rendevous there as you may not have attained your "mileage" for the day but those locations will have shopping etc. points of interest. I recommend doing the KATY in Spring, or Fall. Enjoy the Voyage...Mark of the Dalton Boys
Rob from Parker, CO on 08/19/2005 02:24 PM
Derek,
My wife and I just finished a west to east trip of the whole trail on August 11. We went that direction on someone's advice, but I believe it would be fun in either direction. We were told that the prevailing winds are to the east, but we actually encountered some westerly winds along the river. They were actually nice cooling breezes. I'd say that doing it in either direction would be fun and rewarding. Your wife could meet you in the many towns the trail goes through along the way. We had a great time-hope you do too.
Rob
Rob
Staying in Holts Summit
- + I'm planning a trip for late September and was considering staying in Jefferson City one night. I 'finally' got my new Katy Trail Guidebook and it mentions Holts Summit as an alternative. Has anyone s...
Discussion started 08/19/2005 08:16 AM by bikerLaura - 2 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 08/19/2005 09:53 AM)bikerLaura from Round Lake, Il on 08/19/2005 08:16 AM
I'm planning a trip for late September and was considering staying in Jefferson City one night. I 'finally' got my new Katy Trail Guidebook and it mentions Holts Summit as an alternative. Has anyone stayed there? I like the fact that you can bike to the Best Value Inn. How far is it to get there and what is the trail/road like to get there?
bikerLaura from Round Lake, Il on 08/19/2005 08:16 AM
I'm planning a trip for late September and was considering staying in Jefferson City one night. I 'finally' got my new Katy Trail Guidebook and it mentions Holts Summit as an alternative. Has anyone stayed there? I like the fact that you can bike to the Best Value Inn. How far is it to get there and what is the trail/road like to get there?
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 08/19/2005 09:37 AM
Read the thread below:
Subject: summit plaza best value inn -- holts summit
I has some insight from others who have stayed there.
Enjoy
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 08/19/2005 09:37 AM
Read the thread below:
Subject: summit plaza best value inn -- holts summit
I has some insight from others who have stayed there.
Enjoy
Ray (webmaster) on 08/19/2005 09:53 AM
I would not recommend riding your bike to Holts Summit. It's only 4 miles, but you would be riding on the shoulder of highway 54, a 4-lane interstate. I think the speed limit is 65 or 70 there. If you read the thread mentioned in the post above, you see that Best Value Inn offers a ride from the trailhead - the key thing is to let them know you need the shuttle at the time you make your reservations.
Ray (webmaster) on 08/19/2005 09:53 AM
I would not recommend riding your bike to Holts Summit. It's only 4 miles, but you would be riding on the shoulder of highway 54, a 4-lane interstate. I think the speed limit is 65 or 70 there. If you read the thread mentioned in the post above, you see that Best Value Inn offers a ride from the trailhead - the key thing is to let them know you need the shuttle at the time you make your reservations.
best segment for a one day ride
- + I'll be driving from K.C. to St. Louis next month. I'll have one full day to ride on the trail. Where I begin is open, however, it will need to be a round trip ride of about 60-80 miles. I'm looking f...
Discussion started 08/17/2005 08:45 AM by rogead - 2 replies (last reply by trinjboro at 08/18/2005 12:08 PM)rogead from Minneapolis on 08/17/2005 08:45 AM
I'll be driving from K.C. to St. Louis next month. I'll have one full day to ride on the trail. Where I begin is open, however, it will need to be a round trip ride of about 60-80 miles. I'm looking for a segment of the trail that travels through less developed areas--preferably along the Missouri River. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks
savage24 from KC, MO on 08/18/2005 12:37 AM
That's easy! Rocheport!
Rocheport to Hartsburg is 50 miles round trip, or ride on to North Jefferson for a 70 mile round trip.
Trail access at Rocheport is about 2 miles north of I-70. Many people feel the area around Rocheport is some of the most scenic of the trail.
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 08/18/2005 12:08 PM
I give a hearty second to Rocheport to Hartsburg. This is by far the most scenic portion of the trail.
Calhoun
- + Nothing in this town! I have been there twice. The trailhead is nice, but do not plan on eating or picking up any supplies.
Discussion started 08/15/2005 07:52 PM by Tom - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 08/16/2005 09:55 AM)Tom from St. Louis on 08/15/2005 07:52 PM
Nothing in this town! I have been there twice. The trailhead is nice, but do not plan on eating or picking up any supplies.
Ray (webmaster) on 08/16/2005 09:55 AM
You won't find anything on the town square, but actually there is a small convenience store 1/4 mile west of the Calhoun trailhead & square:
Jug Town Food & Feed. Look for the big red grain elevator; the store is located in the eastern part of this building. Not a huge selection, but you can get basic snacks and drinks.
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Calhoun
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=274&tonly=1
Katy Roundhouse (New Franklin)
- + The Katy Roundhouse has tidy grounds, reasonable rates and nice showers!
Discussion started 07/19/2005 04:54 PM by Jean and Dave - 2 replies (last reply by Mark of the Dalton Boys at 08/16/2005 09:52 AM)Jean and Dave from Lincoln, NE on 07/19/2005 04:54 PM
The Katy Roundhouse has tidy grounds, reasonable rates and nice showers!
Jean and Dave from Lincoln, NE on 07/19/2005 04:54 PM
The Katy Roundhouse has tidy grounds, reasonable rates and nice showers!
D & K from Blue Springs, MO on 07/23/2005 10:51 PM
We enjoyed camping at the Katy Roundhouse over the Independence Day weekend. John, the manager, was very helpful. He installed a grill on our fire pit, sold and delivered us ice, and gave us the combination on the women's showerhouse (a nice security measure). It was a great place to crash in our tent each night after riding. We went from 184 to 210 round trip one day and Sedalia to 210 roundtrip the next. John is out and about the campgrounds on his 4-wheeler...you can't miss him and his faithful dog.
D & K from Blue Springs, MO on 07/23/2005 10:51 PM
We enjoyed camping at the Katy Roundhouse over the Independence Day weekend. John, the manager, was very helpful. He installed a grill on our fire pit, sold and delivered us ice, and gave us the combination on the women's showerhouse (a nice security measure). It was a great place to crash in our tent each night after riding. We went from 184 to 210 round trip one day and Sedalia to 210 roundtrip the next. John is out and about the campgrounds on his 4-wheeler...you can't miss him and his faithful dog.
Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, TX./Columbia, MO. on 08/16/2005 09:52 AM
The Dalton Boys gave the Katy Roundhouse a 5 Star rating when they camped there on their 2002 Katy Ride!!! All previously noted on other missives this vein are absolutely and wonderfully true. When we arrived at the end of the day the manager told us that the local Pizza place delivered to the campground and then whipped out his cell phone to order for us....dreamworks!!!! Had we giggled while piledriving pepperoni pizza down our gullets we would have been mistaken for hyenas in a feeding frenzy. Regards....Mark of the Dalton Boys
Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, TX./Columbia, MO. on 08/16/2005 09:52 AM
The Dalton Boys gave the Katy Roundhouse a 5 Star rating when they camped there on their 2002 Katy Ride!!! All previously noted on other missives this vein are absolutely and wonderfully true. When we arrived at the end of the day the manager told us that the local Pizza place delivered to the campground and then whipped out his cell phone to order for us....dreamworks!!!! Had we giggled while piledriving pepperoni pizza down our gullets we would have been mistaken for hyenas in a feeding frenzy. Regards....Mark of the Dalton Boys
Dotty's Cafe (Hartsburg)
- + If you haven't stopped at Dotty's you don't know what you are missing!
The Nicest restaurant and people around!
Discussion started 07/04/2005 06:54 AM by Sally - 1 reply (last reply by Tom at 08/15/2005 08:00 PM)Sally from st charles on 07/04/2005 06:54 AM
If you haven't stopped at Dotty's you don't know what you are missing!
The Nicest restaurant and people around!
Sally from st charles on 07/04/2005 06:54 AM
If you haven't stopped at Dotty's you don't know what you are missing!
The Nicest restaurant and people around!
Tom from St. Louis on 08/15/2005 08:00 PM
I can't say enough great things about Dotty's. You are missing something special if you don't eat there. The bike shop is great too! I had a bad wreck about 10 miles outside of town and lost most of my higher gears. This guy had my bike fixed in a few hours. He saved the trip.
Tom from St. Louis on 08/15/2005 08:00 PM
I can't say enough great things about Dotty's. You are missing something special if you don't eat there. The bike shop is great too! I had a bad wreck about 10 miles outside of town and lost most of my higher gears. This guy had my bike fixed in a few hours. He saved the trip.
Windsor
- + Very nice stop on the trail! Casey's General Store is about a stones throw from the trail----good deal since we needed GatorAid ASAP!!!!
The Subway was excellent and about two blocks south. Good ...
Discussion started 07/05/2005 09:36 PM by CP - 2 replies (last reply by Tom at 08/15/2005 07:55 PM)CP from Grain Valley on 07/05/2005 09:36 PM
Very nice stop on the trail! Casey's General Store is about a stones throw from the trail----good deal since we needed GatorAid ASAP!!!!
The Subway was excellent and about two blocks south. Good Stop!
Sarah from Denver CO on 07/12/2005 05:13 PM
There's also a little main street just beyond Casey's. We ate at a great little ma and pa cafe whose name I can't remember. Does anyone know? After turning left coming into town, it's about a block. There's also a cafe the other directions.
Tom from St. Louis on 08/15/2005 07:55 PM
Raymond's is a fantastic spot to eat. Great breakfast and good service. It is about two blocks from the trail.
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MO weather at Thanksgiving
- + I may be in St. Charles for Thanksgiving and was looking for roadrides. However, the Katy Trail thing looks very cool. Although I live in Houston I grew up in Omaha so I know what winter can be like...
Discussion started 08/12/2005 06:24 PM by Mark - 1 reply (last reply by savage24 at 08/14/2005 06:59 AM)Mark from Houston on 08/12/2005 06:24 PM
I may be in St. Charles for Thanksgiving and was looking for roadrides. However, the Katy Trail thing looks very cool. Although I live in Houston I grew up in Omaha so I know what winter can be like. Omaha occaisionally got early lite snow in November. I have clothing to cycle in Houston down to about 45F, w/o rain. I assume the weather in MO can be quite variable around Thanksgiving but there's a reasonble chance of decent enough weather. Is there much chance longsleeve jersey, ear protection, arm & leg warmers will be adequate for riding the Katy trail in the 3rd week in November? Am I kidding myself??
savage24 from KC, MO on 08/14/2005 06:59 AM
Quite variable indeed. Here is some November weather info for Missouri (I hope the link works):
http://www.intellicast.com/Local/USLocalStd.aspx?loc=kjef&seg=Travel&prodgrp=Climatology&product=ClimateData&pid=none&prodnav=1124
Lewis & Clark Marathon and Half Marathon in St Charles
- + What hotel (cheap but clean)do you reccomend? I like to be able to walk to the start!
Discussion started 08/12/2005 09:25 AM by janie smith - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 08/12/2005 05:35 PM)janie smith from paducah ky on 08/12/2005 09:25 AM
What hotel (cheap but clean)do you reccomend? I like to be able to walk to the start!
janie smith from paducah ky on 08/12/2005 09:25 AM
What hotel (cheap but clean)do you reccomend? I like to be able to walk to the start!
Ray (webmaster) on 08/12/2005 05:35 PM
That depends on how much of a "warm up" you hope to get before the marathon. Unfortunately the closest hotels are over a mile away. The starting line is at the Family Arena - this page has a map of the location. Several "chain" hotels (probably your cheapest option) are clustered around the hwy 70 / 5th Street intersection: Best Western, Comfort Suites, Quality Suites, to name a few. The B&B's are even further north, mostly around the Main Street historic area and just west of there.
Ray (webmaster) on 08/12/2005 05:35 PM
That depends on how much of a "warm up" you hope to get before the marathon. Unfortunately the closest hotels are over a mile away. The starting line is at the Family Arena - this page has a map of the location. Several "chain" hotels (probably your cheapest option) are clustered around the hwy 70 / 5th Street intersection: Best Western, Comfort Suites, Quality Suites, to name a few. The B&B's are even further north, mostly around the Main Street historic area and just west of there.
daily shuttle service availability
- + First time riders, (2). Is a shuttle service available that will take one of us back each evening to our starting point to pick up our vehicle ? We want to eliminate packing luggage. We will also go 3...
Discussion started 08/08/2005 09:52 PM by Jerry - 3 replies (last reply by Jerry at 08/12/2005 12:34 PM)Jerry from Maria Stein, Ohio on 08/08/2005 09:52 PM
First time riders, (2). Is a shuttle service available that will take one of us back each evening to our starting point to pick up our vehicle ? We want to eliminate packing luggage. We will also go 30 to 40 miles per day, starting at Sedalia, and ending in St. Charles. Also interested in the rates. We plan to stay in hotels or b&b's. Ideas and e-mails welcomed to jschmack@adelphia.net
Friend from Sedalia on 08/10/2005 12:25 AM
Have you called B-L Shuttle? 660-221-4406
Ray (webmaster) on 08/11/2005 01:34 AM
Here's a web page with a list of all the trail shuttles. Can't tell you about rates - you'll have to call them.
Jerry from Maria Stein, Ohio on 08/12/2005 12:34 PM
Appreciate your reply. I was hoping for a recommendation for a shuttle service, since I am not familar with them. I plan on calling them right now.
Camping in Hartsburg and Bluffton
- + Does anyone know anything about the three campgrounds in Hartsburg (volunteer park, busch's landing, or hartsburg inn) or the two in Bluffton (steamboat junction and rendelman home)?
Discussion started 07/31/2005 12:57 AM - 2 replies (last reply by ellen at 08/11/2005 02:54 PM)Anonymous from chicago, il on 07/31/2005 12:57 AM
Does anyone know anything about the three campgrounds in Hartsburg (volunteer park, busch's landing, or hartsburg inn) or the two in Bluffton (steamboat junction and rendelman home)?
backpacker from southern Indiana on 08/03/2005 11:29 AM
I visited the steampoat junction campground this weekend and it is a quaint little place with 10 or so sites some with electric. there is a shower room, clean, with small tables and two chairs at each site. The sites are shaded and cheap ($9 w/o electric). Looks like no problem getting in there.
ellen from Springfield, MO on 08/11/2005 02:54 PM
Our group of nine camped in volunteer park in Hartsburg. It isn't large and it is right off the trial in the middle of town.
The restrooms on trial were open and since we were
tent camping, the running water was welcome. Everyone we met was
friendly and although the local bar was rocking on Saturday night, no
one bothered us. All the town dogs came by for a visit. Hartsburg is a charming town. There was a minimal fee.
Starting in Clinton vs Sedalia?
- + I am planning a trip for later this summer. I'm debating whether to start in Clinton or Sedalia. I rode the Katy before and started in Sedalia, which was convenient since the Amtrak stopped there. If ...
Discussion started 07/03/2005 10:58 AM by bikerLaura - 7 replies (last reply by Trek Biker at 08/09/2005 10:45 AM)bikerLaura from Round Lake, IL on 07/03/2005 10:58 AM
I am planning a trip for later this summer. I'm debating whether to start in Clinton or Sedalia. I rode the Katy before and started in Sedalia, which was convenient since the Amtrak stopped there. If I start in Clinton, any suggestions how to get from Amtrak to the trail? We would probably arrive about 7 PM on the train. Is it worth it to ride the extra part from Clinton to Sedalia?
Friend on 07/16/2005 11:37 PM
Many want to start in Clinton because it is the beginning of the trail. You can get to Clinton from Sedalia by shuttle for a very reasonable rate. B&L shuttle is a shuttle service I have used. Their number is 660-221-4406
Dale Nimmo from Springfield mo on 07/21/2005 10:23 PM
I too will be riding the WHOLE Katy trail from end to end and back again within the first week of august. This will complete my goal this year of 2000 miles on my new LeMonde road bike. Am very eager to begin and really don't have a care in the world about what happens. Except perhaps for laundromats!!
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 07/22/2005 04:25 PM
Unless you're simply wanting to say you rode the entire trail, I wouldn't waste the time and money to shuttle to Clinton. The portion of the trail from Clinton to Sedelia is boooooooring, and you stand a good chance of having to dodge horses and the resulting manure piles.
Sarah from Denver CO on 07/24/2005 10:17 PM
2000 miles is a worthy goal--good for you! Have you considered commuting to work? I put 10,000 miles on my bike in less than 3 years commuting. It's fun to watch them add up.
Dale Nimmo from springfield mo on 07/24/2005 11:46 PM
if gas prices don't drop I just might!!!
actually, I only live 1.5 miles from work, but sometimes have to use my car for business purposes.....
It would be good to try and use the bike instead tho for many reasons
peace to you....go carefully out there
J.B. from PITTSBURGH, PA on 08/08/2005 09:28 PM
Take an earlier train out of St. Louis (arrive before noon) and head to Booneville or stay overnight at the Hotel Bothwell and depart east the following AM. A one-word answer to your question is, "No."
goodsrwe@netzero
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 08/09/2005 10:45 AM
You may want to check with Amtrak......according to their website they do not stop in Booneville. Stops along the trail are in Sedalia, Jefferson City, and Herman.
Shakespeare in the Vineyard
- + Do we bring a blanket or chair to sit on, or does your amphitheater have seating? Thanks!
Discussion started 08/08/2005 07:47 PM by Loretta - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 08/08/2005 11:46 PM)Loretta from Lohman, MO on 08/08/2005 07:47 PM
Do we bring a blanket or chair to sit on, or does your amphitheater have seating? Thanks!
Loretta from Lohman, MO on 08/08/2005 07:47 PM
Do we bring a blanket or chair to sit on, or does your amphitheater have seating? Thanks!
Ray (webmaster) on 08/08/2005 11:46 PM
"Bring a blanket" according to the Les Bourgeois website.
Ray (webmaster) on 08/08/2005 11:46 PM
"Bring a blanket" according to the Les Bourgeois website.
Safe Parking at N. Jefferson trailhead
- + I'm planning a roundtrip from N. Jefferson to Hermann. Does anyone know if it is safe to leave a car at N. Jefferson trailhead overnight? Is it around a safe area or patroled? Or should I park some...
Discussion started 08/02/2005 07:38 PM by Mike T - 2 replies (last reply by Mike T at 08/06/2005 09:29 PM)Mike T from Harrisonville, MO on 08/02/2005 07:38 PM
I'm planning a roundtrip from N. Jefferson to Hermann. Does anyone know if it is safe to leave a car at N. Jefferson trailhead overnight? Is it around a safe area or patroled? Or should I park somewhere in Jefferson City or extend our trip out to Hartsburg? Thanks.
John from Jefferson City on 08/05/2005 11:02 AM
A safer place might be the Jefferson City Parks trailhead, take the spur from the North Jefferson City Katy Trailhead (about 2 miles additional riding) to the JC trailhead. This location is in clear view of the highway and many park cars at this location.
State parks officially close at sundown, earlier this year some breakins of cars occurred at the North JC trailhead, I understand the perps were caught.
Mike T from Harrisonville, MO on 08/06/2005 09:29 PM
Thanks for the response. We will take your suggestion.