secure parking at at the western end of the Katy trail
- + need a secure pace to leave the car for several days in clinton or calhoun are there any suggestions? thanks
Discussion started 09/10/2020 08:53 AM by dave parks - 1 reply (last reply by Ronald S Roberson at 09/11/2020 05:55 AM)dave parks from dallas tx on 09/10/2020 08:53 AM
need a secure pace to leave the car for several days in clinton or calhoun are there any suggestions? thanks
Ronald S Roberson from PLANO on 09/11/2020 05:55 AM
You can park at the Clinton Parks & Rec. You need to go inside and let them know your information and they will let you leave your vehicle in their parking lot.
Camping in Lions Club Park in Mokane
- + Has anyone camped here lately? Have any information such as, camp fires allowed, restrooms, electricity, parking, etc. Planning a fall bike in October.
Discussion started 09/10/2020 10:07 PM by Jim - 0 repliesJim from Alton on 09/10/2020 10:07 PM
Has anyone camped here lately? Have any information such as, camp fires allowed, restrooms, electricity, parking, etc. Planning a fall bike in October.
The Silos at Prairie Vale in Green Ridge
- + Fantastic stay in a cleverly designed and appointed silo. A delicious breakfast is waiting for you in the refrigerator, full kitchenette, and comfort bed in the loft. But the highlight is their livest...
Discussion started 09/10/2020 06:46 PM by Dave - 0 repliesDave from Minneapolis on 09/10/2020 06:46 PM
Fantastic stay in a cleverly designed and appointed silo. A delicious breakfast is waiting for you in the refrigerator, full kitchenette, and comfort bed in the loft. But the highlight is their livestock and feeding them, particularly the dwarf goats. Highly recommended.
Bunkhouse at the Homestead of Defiance in Defiance
- + The Bunkhouse at the Homestead of Defiance was opened to offer trail bicyclists clean, comfortable and affordable lodging next to the Defiance Trailhead. It is only rented online through AirBnB and do...
Discussion started 09/10/2020 12:08 PM by Chris - 0 repliesChris from Defiance on 09/10/2020 12:08 PM
The Bunkhouse at the Homestead of Defiance was opened to offer trail bicyclists clean, comfortable and affordable lodging next to the Defiance Trailhead. It is only rented online through AirBnB and does not take walk/ride-ups (last minute renters).
Here are links to all four rooms:
https://www.airbnb.com/h/defiancebunkhouse-1
https://www.airbnb.com/h/defiancebunkhouse-2
https://www.airbnb.com/h/defiancebunkhouse-3
https://www.airbnb.com/h/defiancebunkhouse-4
Rooms 1 & 4 are two single twin bunk bed rooms (sleeps 2), and rooms 2 & 3 are both a twin and double/full bunk bed (sleeps 3).
It’s more of a “Glamping” experience, as the Showerhouse is next door (which houses two separate bathrooms with showers. There is also a secure storage - The Bikehouse - to store your bike.
Your TWO favorite towns on the trail?
- + If you could spend a night in just one or two "favorite" towns on the trail -- which would be your favorites? This isn't to say anything negative about all the nice communities. But if your time was...
Discussion started 09/09/2020 11:46 AM by Iowa Cyclist - 3 replies (last reply by lcoons02 at 09/10/2020 09:34 AM)Iowa Cyclist from Northeast Iowa on 09/09/2020 11:46 AM
If you could spend a night in just one or two "favorite" towns on the trail -- which would be your favorites? This isn't to say anything negative about all the nice communities. But if your time was limited -- where would you want to spend the night? GO!
Anonymous on 09/09/2020 12:36 PM
Rocheport and Hermann win hands down.
A third if given that option would be Boonville in times of normal trail between there and Rocheport.
PTM from Stl on 09/09/2020 07:58 PM
Easley (Coopers Lansing)
Rocheport
lcoons02 from Adel, IA on 09/10/2020 09:34 AM
Herman hands down my most favorite town. Then I enjoyed the campgrounds in Sedalia. Plus your a short bike ride to some fabulous BBQ.
C Bar J near Windsor
- + Hello. I'm planning an out and back of the Katy Trail and Rock Island and all other spurs at end of October and beginning of November.
One campground listed on this site works out for me in terms of ...
Discussion started 09/08/2020 10:41 PM by John Little - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/09/2020 03:29 PM)John Little from Auburn, Alabama on 09/08/2020 10:41 PM
Hello. I'm planning an out and back of the Katy Trail and Rock Island and all other spurs at end of October and beginning of November.
One campground listed on this site works out for me in terms of mileage, but I'm concerned this place may not actually be an option.
C Bar J near Windsor
No reviews or comments on this site, but it is listed as an option.
I've called, messaged and emailed, but no response.
No big deal really. I can adjust my mileage. But if anyone has any info, I'd appreciate it. Would be cool to stay in a horse stall one night! :-)
brad wilson from st louis on 09/09/2020 01:40 AM
according to the C Bar J website, that location is all about equestrian activities, and they have 30 amp setups and covered stalls for overnight stays.
Sounds to me like a place to go if you are riding a horse.
http://www.cbarj.com/facilities.htm
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 09/09/2020 08:34 AM
Katy-Rock Junction or Farrington Park in Windsor great camping options
John Little from Auburn, Alabama on 09/09/2020 02:57 PM
Katy Rock Junction is probably where I'll end up.
Brad, I agree. Not sure why it's listed on this website. It still may be that my messages are not being ignored, but that they just haven't been able to respond yet.
Anonymous on 09/09/2020 03:29 PM
Horse riding is allowed on the trail between Clinton and Sedalia.
Winsor is prime location for C Bar J.
guide book
- + anyone know the best guide book ( most recent ) to get for a week long ride on the Katy?
Discussion started 09/09/2020 09:07 AM by Traveler from Independence - 0 repliesTraveler from Independence from Independence, Mo on 09/09/2020 09:07 AM
anyone know the best guide book ( most recent ) to get for a week long ride on the Katy?
camping
- + Had to change my plans since Amtrak canceled the early train out of stl so im looking for places to camp going east to west any suggestions other than Augusta going to try to stay there first night a...
Discussion started 09/06/2020 07:13 AM by maduniboomer - 6 replies (last reply by maduniboomer at 09/09/2020 06:12 AM)maduniboomer from op on 09/06/2020 07:13 AM
Had to change my plans since Amtrak canceled the early train out of stl so im looking for places to camp going east to west any suggestions other than Augusta going to try to stay there first night any towns that allow camping in city parks. btw Amtrak never emailed me called about the change read about it on this great forum thanks.trying to camp some where every night.
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 09/06/2020 09:13 AM
I have camped in Marthasville, Tebbetts (Turner Shelter), Easley, New Franklin, Sedalia and Windsor. All good experiences. But there are several other places I have been meaning to try.
maduniboomer from op on 09/07/2020 04:11 PM
thanks biker boy going to try camp every night somewhere no point in carrying tent if you're going to shell out a 100 bucks at b and b.
lcoons from Adel, IA on 09/08/2020 07:57 AM
Hermann has a really nice city park to camp in. Clean showers were available when we were there.
maduniboomer from op on 09/08/2020 11:18 AM
German town with unlimited beer and wine,and a nice park to camp in. yes going to stay there.thanks man
Iowa Cyclist from Northeast Iowa on 09/08/2020 09:04 PM
THANKS much for posting this. We are trying to plan an October trip to ride Katy Trail -- and we would not want to be depending on Amtrak and have the train canceled at the last minute. That's why I'm looking for a shuttle service (posted elsewhere on this forum!). Exploring our options -- but wouldn't know to do this without your sharing on this forum.
maduniboomer from op on 09/09/2020 06:12 AM
Amtrak just had a massive layoff because of covid i changed my plans so i wouldn't get stuck in Kirkwood waiting for a train.For as long as I can remember Amtrak has always been kind of a joke about reliability.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
camping
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11475&tonly=1
35th on MAIN in Hartsburg
- + The Facebook page, and google search, says they are no longer open as of late December 2019.
https://www.facebook.com/35thonMain/
Discussion started 09/08/2020 11:51 PM by Chris Hammond - 0 repliesChris Hammond from Wildwood on 09/08/2020 11:51 PM
The Facebook page, and google search, says they are no longer open as of late December 2019.
https://www.facebook.com/35thonMain/
Jeff city to st charles
- + Riding from.Jeff city to st Charles next week. Are the restrooms all functional?
Discussion started 09/07/2020 09:43 AM by Denise - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 09/07/2020 09:28 PM)Denise from Fulton on 09/07/2020 09:43 AM
Riding from.Jeff city to st Charles next week. Are the restrooms all functional?
Alex from Boonville on 09/07/2020 09:28 PM
We rode Tebbetts to Marthasville over the weekend, and all the restrooms we hit along the way we’re functional.
Rivers Edge RV Park & Campground in Portland
- + Stayed at River's Edge on Saturday 9/5. Two riders with Hammocks and it worked out great!
Nice warm shower (might need a little vent/fan in that shower, it's like a sauna after 3 cyclists shower in t...
Discussion started 09/07/2020 03:41 PM by Christoc - 0 repliesChristoc from Wildwood, MO on 09/07/2020 03:41 PM
Stayed at River's Edge on Saturday 9/5. Two riders with Hammocks and it worked out great!
Nice warm shower (might need a little vent/fan in that shower, it's like a sauna after 3 cyclists shower in there)
Owner was extremely pleasant and helpful. Was worried we would have some noisy neighbors in an RV, but I think they had more than enough to drink that they turned the music out before 10pm!
Will definitely stay here again if presented the opportunity.
Katy Junction B&B in Pilot Grove
- + Had a wonderful stay with Jerry. His home is comfortable and clean, breakfast was fantastic, and the bed quite comfortable as well. The thing that is special about Jerry’s B&B is Jerry. He genuinely l...
Discussion started 09/07/2020 03:39 PM by Dave - 0 repliesDave from Minneapolis on 09/07/2020 03:39 PM
Had a wonderful stay with Jerry. His home is comfortable and clean, breakfast was fantastic, and the bed quite comfortable as well. The thing that is special about Jerry’s B&B is Jerry. He genuinely loves spending time with his guests. The evening of my stay, he picked up a birthday cake for another guest, and we had a delightful little party on his back patio. Thanks, Jerry!
Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland
- + We grabbed food from Holzhauser's on Saturday 9/5.
Great place to grab a bit if you're staying at River's Edge.
I'll admit, I haven't been in a building where there was still smoking inside in man...
Discussion started 09/07/2020 03:39 PM by Christoc - 0 repliesChristoc from Wildwood, MO on 09/07/2020 03:39 PM
We grabbed food from Holzhauser's on Saturday 9/5.
Great place to grab a bit if you're staying at River's Edge.
I'll admit, I haven't been in a building where there was still smoking inside in many years. Other than that it was nice and convenient.
2 day ride
- + I'm going to be driving cross-country in Sept and would like to stop for a couple nights along the trail at inn or B&B on the trail. I'd like to ride in one direction one day (about 50 miles R/T), th...
Discussion started 07/25/2020 09:32 PM by Whyvonne - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/07/2020 01:18 PM)Whyvonne from Long Beach, Indiana on 07/25/2020 09:32 PM
I'm going to be driving cross-country in Sept and would like to stop for a couple nights along the trail at inn or B&B on the trail. I'd like to ride in one direction one day (about 50 miles R/T), then about 50 in the other direction the next day. So looking for recommendations....which city to stay in, a nice B&B or Inn, and the most scenic action of the trail. Thx
Mark Winkelmann from Rhineland on 07/26/2020 10:01 AM
Check out the White Wolf Inn in Rhineland, mo.
1 mile from Katy trail.
Anonymous on 07/26/2020 12:55 PM
Herman has many nice places to stay and is worth your visit with an out and back either direction. It’s a great German town to experience Missouri wine country. Rocheport is a very popular destination with an out and back to the East.
Anonymous from Pilot Grove mo. on 09/07/2020 01:18 PM
Small town in the center for a nice 2 day ride, 25 miles east to Roacheport and West 25 miles to Sedalia. The Katy junction B&B is 100 feet from the Katy trail.
Electric Campsites along Katy Trail?
- + Looking for options/suggestions for electric campsites located along/near the Katy Trail. My parents will be my sag support in their small campervan and electric is desired nightly. I have done resear...
Discussion started 09/07/2020 09:44 AM by Haley Jo of Iowa - 0 repliesHaley Jo of Iowa from Oskaloosa, IA on 09/07/2020 09:44 AM
Looking for options/suggestions for electric campsites located along/near the Katy Trail. My parents will be my sag support in their small campervan and electric is desired nightly. I have done research through this website and beyond regarding mileage/planning but haven't seen any forum discussions regarding electric campsites specifically. I plan to ride the trail from approximately Sedalia or Boonville area to as far east as Bluffton or Augusta, depending on weather and camping options, open to riding 50-80+ miles/day, so would need 3 nights of electric camping at different sites along the trail.
Thanks for the help, I'm very excited to check out the Katy Trail for my first time!
Potable water at Trailheads
- + My wife and I will be traveling later this month end to end. We are interested to know if the water fountains and restrooms are operating at the trailheads. Thanks for any information.
Discussion started 09/06/2020 01:38 PM by Tom Cassell - 3 replies (last reply by Tom Cassell at 09/07/2020 01:04 AM)Tom Cassell from Arizona on 09/06/2020 01:38 PM
My wife and I will be traveling later this month end to end. We are interested to know if the water fountains and restrooms are operating at the trailheads. Thanks for any information.
Melissa Zabecki from Fayetteville, AR on 09/06/2020 04:25 PM
https://bikekatytrail.com/towns.aspx has good info about water and also I hope you're traveling with the Katy Trail Guidebook?
Mark from Lee's Summit on 09/07/2020 01:01 AM
The water fountains are turned off, but the restrooms are open at all trailheads and you can fill up small water bottles using the sink spigot.
Tom Cassell from Arizona on 09/07/2020 01:04 AM
Thanks Mark, that is good news. This will be our 4th trip riding the Rock Island and Katy..
Mokane Bar and Grill in Mokane
- + Stopped in for lunch today; I was the only customer. When I walked in a little gir called to the back, "someone is here!" Very cute. Friendly service, clean bathroom, good bar food. Five stars! :)
Discussion started 09/03/2020 08:18 PM by Kathy - 2 replies (last reply by Karen C. at 09/06/2020 09:33 AM)Kathy from Kirkwood on 09/03/2020 08:18 PM
Stopped in for lunch today; I was the only customer. When I walked in a little gir called to the back, "someone is here!" Very cute. Friendly service, clean bathroom, good bar food. Five stars! :)
Karen C. from Harrisburg, MO on 09/04/2020 06:59 PM
Ditto what Kathy from Kirkwood said! We stopped in a couple weekends ago and the little girl was having a birthday and wanted to see pictures of everyones dogs since she has new puppies. Cute as a button! And the food was great! For sure a place I would stop again!
Karen C. from Harrisburg, MO on 09/06/2020 09:33 AM
It's me again! A friend and I are riding for Bike MS but like everything else, Covid has changed things up. A friend and I who ate here a couple weekends ago have made our bike MS route to stop in Mokane for lunch! Yay! Very excited! See you all on the 12th of September! :-)
Noren Access Campsite in N. Jefferson
- + Has anyone camped here lately? I am planning a round trip bikepacking trip from STL to KC. Thanks
Discussion started 09/04/2020 01:29 PM by Bikepacker - 2 replies (last reply by Humpty Dumpty at 09/05/2020 09:26 PM)Bikepacker from STL on 09/04/2020 01:29 PM
Has anyone camped here lately? I am planning a round trip bikepacking trip from STL to KC. Thanks
Mel Zabecki from Fayetteville,AR on 09/05/2020 06:11 AM
Scary scary scary-at least it was in 2018 for a woman traveling solo. I jumped ship and found an air b&b because I was sure I’d be murdered in my hammock.
Humpty Dumpty from Houston on 09/05/2020 09:26 PM
Agree with other comment...
I stopped there 3 years ago with the intention of camping. I was very familiar with the site because of my kayak racing on the MO River, and Noren is a frequent stop (or finish line). Beautiful place.
But sitting on a picnic table while devouring some sort of dehydrated monstrosity, and looking around, it was clear to me that this isn't the safest place to camp. It's been said before, but the sites are distant from one another and there isn't any law enforcement presence to speak of, so it feels like Deliverance 2 might be filming close by, if you catch my drift.
Admittedly, I don't have any idea whether this area has a real crime history or not. Could just have been me viewing through suspicious peepers. In my case, I chose to mosey down (eastward) to Portland for a campsite (30 trail miles). Just didn't feel comfortable at Noren, even with my familiarity and my camping chops. Hope this helps a bit.
training for first katy trail ride
- + planning a full Katy trail ride in October with camping gear,how many miles a week should one ride to prepare.the plan is to add miles every week up to 150 to 200. Any riders out there that just go w...
Discussion started 09/03/2020 04:34 PM by maduniboomer - 3 replies (last reply by maduniboomer at 09/05/2020 10:38 AM)maduniboomer from op on 09/03/2020 04:34 PM
planning a full Katy trail ride in October with camping gear,how many miles a week should one ride to prepare.the plan is to add miles every week up to 150 to 200. Any riders out there that just go with out building up base before riding the trail.
Jim from St. Thomas on 09/03/2020 06:14 PM
Are you trading on the Katy or on blacktop. If you’re training on the Katy just do your whatever your daily mileage is going to be a couple or three times a week. The main thing is to get your butt used to saddle time. Most days on the Katy are not about cardio/muscle endurance - it’s about that part of you that rests on the saddle.
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 09/03/2020 08:34 PM
I train for Katy camping by putting 12 pounds of bricks or water (1.5 gallons) in my panniers and riding my local trails for two weeks prior. The advantage of using water is that if you are far from home and get exhausted, you can pour out the water and continue home. But I agree with Jim, it's time in the saddle that really matters.
maduniboomer from op on 09/05/2020 10:38 AM
thanks biker boy and Jim.
Cell phone reception
- + Is there decent cell phone reception along the Katy trail? I am planning on running from Clinton to machens and would like to track with my phone if possible. if reception is poor or spotty I may have...
Discussion started 09/02/2020 01:45 PM by Marlin - 3 replies (last reply by Marlin at 09/05/2020 05:30 AM)Marlin from Metamora, il on 09/02/2020 01:45 PM
Is there decent cell phone reception along the Katy trail? I am planning on running from Clinton to machens and would like to track with my phone if possible. if reception is poor or spotty I may have to buy a PBL.
Thanks
Dave from Minneapolis on 09/03/2020 07:14 AM
There are several areas of weak and absent phone signal, but your phone likely has gps (my iPhone does) so tracking your run should be no problem. Where signal is weak , save power with airplane mode
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 09/03/2020 07:17 AM
Most tracking devices depend on GPS signals from satellites in space and not cell phone tower reception. GPS strength is very good on the trail although things like trees and the bluffs can block it for short distances.
If you do use your smart phone, battery life can be a problem as using GPS can run the battery down quicker. You might want to bring a battery pack; however, I doubt that you want to carry extra weight during such a run. A fitness watch from someone like Garmin might be a better option. Just check that it uses GPS and has a long battery life.
If you do depend on cell phone reception, a lot depends on your carrier. There are a few dead spots in places but it's improving every year. However I have Verizon and once couldn't get a signal even though I was within 500 feet of a cell tower. People with other carriers didn't have that issue.
Marlin on 09/05/2020 05:30 AM
Dave , Jerry thanks for the info
self supported recumbent trike
- + A good friend and I are thinking of drive his car to St. Charles taking our trikes and gear on the AmTrack back to ...? Clinton and ride the trail back to the car in St. Charles - is this a good idea ...
Discussion started 08/28/2016 02:29 PM by David - 4 replies (last reply by Jamers at 09/04/2020 01:48 PM)David from Texas on 08/28/2016 02:29 PM
A good friend and I are thinking of drive his car to St. Charles taking our trikes and gear on the AmTrack back to ...? Clinton and ride the trail back to the car in St. Charles - is this a good idea and does anybody know if AmTrack alows recumbent trikes?
Thanks for any Help ;)
Anonymous on 08/28/2016 03:36 PM
Diamond frame bikes only on the train as roll on.
MPH from St Louis on 08/29/2016 09:54 AM
I do not believe Amtrak will allow a recumbent, but I would all to verify.
Anonymous on 08/29/2016 11:19 AM
They are not diamond frames.
Jamers from San Diego CA on 09/04/2020 01:48 PM
Amtrak is required to take your trike in bike areas if you use it as a mobility device. You may need to have a Disability ID for transit though for that to work. On planes you can check it for free as a mobility device no questions should be asked, but Amtrak might require “proof of disability.” On a positive note, once you have that you can also ride at a deeply discounted rate and a companion gets a discount to too.
Getting from Sedalia back to Hermann
- + My husband and I are riding from Hermann to Jeff City, then Jeff City to Rocheport, then Rocheport to Sedalia and had Amtrak tickets for the 5pm train back to Hermann where I have a house rented for 3...
Discussion started 09/03/2020 10:43 AM by Kristin L - 4 replies (last reply by Kathy at 09/03/2020 08:22 PM)Kristin L from Webster Groves on 09/03/2020 10:43 AM
My husband and I are riding from Hermann to Jeff City, then Jeff City to Rocheport, then Rocheport to Sedalia and had Amtrak tickets for the 5pm train back to Hermann where I have a house rented for 3 days. Amtrak just cancelled the 5pm train. Any suggestions for getting back to our truck in Hermann with 2 bikes? I don't want to stay the night in Sedalia.
Also, is the trail still closed west of Portland?
Kristin L from Webster Groves on 09/03/2020 12:10 PM
Just booked the shuttle with Todd. We're set.
Still curious about the trail closure at Portland and the detour.
Anonymous on 09/03/2020 02:11 PM
Search.
There are several posts on this forum.
Dave from Minneapolis on 09/03/2020 04:04 PM
Kristin, wish this forum allowed images. Take Schmid Way off the trail (gravel) to hwy 94. Go East 3/4 mile cross bridge and immediately turn left onto 476 (gravel I think) which crosses the Katy trail in about 25 yards. Look at these instructions with google maps and it will be obvious to you. Have a good trip!
Kathy from Kirkwood on 09/03/2020 08:22 PM
I did this detour today. No issues, didn't even see any traffic on 94. I talked to a couple riders who dragged their bikes through the creek to go around the closure. Sounded like a pain and I don't mind riding on the road. Still curious why it's taking so long for the parks department to clear this up!
Portland Trailhead in Portland
- + Bathroom has been closed for "cleaning" for at least two weeks :/
Discussion started 09/03/2020 08:19 PM by Kathy - 0 repliesKathy from Kirkwood on 09/03/2020 08:19 PM
Bathroom has been closed for "cleaning" for at least two weeks :/
Peach baskets blogger
- + I met this man today; he's biking from Pennsylvania to California!
https://peachbaskets.net/peach-baskets
He said he's camping in Jeff City tonight (Thursday). If you see someone riding west with a ...
Discussion started 09/03/2020 08:14 PM by Kathy - 0 repliesKathy from Kirkwood on 09/03/2020 08:14 PM
I met this man today; he's biking from Pennsylvania to California!
https://peachbaskets.net/peach-baskets
He said he's camping in Jeff City tonight (Thursday). If you see someone riding west with a basketball strapped to his bike, say hi! :)