Pilot Grove to Machens and back in late October questions.
- + Planing to go late October and was curious to know how busy it was around that time? I'm assuming all campgrounds would still be open around then as I plan on tent camping. Any thoughts or tips would ...
Discussion started 08/09/2020 07:50 PM by Jacob - 3 replies (last reply by Jacob at 08/11/2020 06:55 AM)Jacob from Tuttle on 08/09/2020 07:50 PM
Planing to go late October and was curious to know how busy it was around that time? I'm assuming all campgrounds would still be open around then as I plan on tent camping. Any thoughts or tips would be appreciate it.
Cheers,
Jaek
Jacob from Tuttle on 08/09/2020 07:59 PM
and is it safe to leave my car parked at the pilot grove trailhead for say 5 days
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 08/10/2020 12:31 PM
The first week of October is one of my favorite times to ride. The leaves will probably not have started changing by then, but the air is crisp with low humidity -- perfect for biking. Pilot Grove is a wonderful small farming town. Very laid-back and safe. I would just make sure the police department (or Cooper County Sheriff) knows that you are leaving your car there, so it doesn't get towed. You could also talk to Jerry at the Katy B&B across the street to get his opinion. He was a former policeman.
Campgrounds have all still been open in October when I have ridden in years past. But best to check first since nothing is normal in 2020!
If we get a lot of rain, you might plan on ending in St. Charles, as the rest of the trail to Machens would be impassable.
Jacob from Tuttle, OK on 08/11/2020 06:55 AM
Thank you very much BikerBoy!
Trail Conditin
- + Hello all,
I'm planning a solo east (Weldon Spring) to west(Lee's Summit) trip from August 14 to 17. I'd like to ask folks who have ridden the trail recently.
1. water source
I've ridden a couple ti...
Discussion started 08/09/2020 01:08 PM by Astrid - 5 replies (last reply by Tyler Ferguson at 08/10/2020 09:38 PM)Astrid from San Francisco on 08/09/2020 01:08 PM
Hello all,
I'm planning a solo east (Weldon Spring) to west(Lee's Summit) trip from August 14 to 17. I'd like to ask folks who have ridden the trail recently.
1. water source
I've ridden a couple times around St. Charles since June. Yet, looks like the state/city shut down water fountain in parks due to covid. I wonder if this is true alone the way.
2. MM116-118 (Portland)
The advisory map showed this 2 miles section is closed due to rock fall and no detour (officially). However, it seems I can go to MO94 and come back to the trail at some point. MO94 doesn't look too bad on google street map(I'm used to ride with traffic, well-trained SF cyclist, LOL). Any recommendation/correction is appreciated.
3. Pleasant Hill to Lee's Summit
Looks like RIS is extending this part but hard to tell progress. Any recommendation is appreciated, otherwise I'll just go with google.
Many thanks, Happy trail!
Doug from Bluffton on 08/09/2020 02:18 PM
Astrid you are correct about getting around the rock slide west of Portland. When you go under Hwy 94 bridge just take gravel road and loop to your right up onto 94 then right and go about 1 mile to first gravel road on right and over to trail and then left. Depending on time of day traffic is not terrible and visibility pretty good.
Mark from Lee's Summit on 08/09/2020 05:52 PM
Answering your third question, the Rock Island Trail is going to be extended between Pleasant Hill and Lee's Summit in stages over the next 5 to 6 years. I just posted about my recommended route (in the post right before yours) that follows the route with the least amount of traffic. There are at least 4 other routes that people have used, but it is important to know that there is a very active quarry with large dump trucks that operates just north of Pleasant Hill. If you are very used to on road two lane rural cycling, then it isn't a big deal, but if you prefer mostly light traffic, trails, and striped shoulders, then I would go with the route that I posted. You will just have to follow the directions that I posted in reverse.
Astrid from San Francisco on 08/09/2020 09:23 PM
Thanks Doug and Mark for detailed routes! :)
Anonymous on 08/10/2020 10:09 AM
Webb City MO
Tyler Ferguson from Bloomington, IN on 08/10/2020 09:38 PM
Has the trail closure between Boonville and Rocheport been fixed yet? Or do you still need to get on the highway for a detour?
Thanks!
Closures between Hermann and Treloar
- + Huge rains on Friday July 31 hit this section of trail hard. MDNR notes the section from MM 93.5 to 92.00 closed due to storm debris. Treloar was flooded and water was a foot or more over the trail at...
Discussion started 08/02/2020 09:26 AM by Hank - 6 replies (last reply by Big B at 08/08/2020 07:28 PM)Hank on 08/02/2020 09:26 AM
Huge rains on Friday July 31 hit this section of trail hard. MDNR notes the section from MM 93.5 to 92.00 closed due to storm debris. Treloar was flooded and water was a foot or more over the trail at times. I haven't seen any detailed reports but wanted to give a heads-up here.
Perry from OFallon, mo on 08/03/2020 07:39 AM
I just road yesterday from Weldon Spring to Treloar, and I found a couple of things to watch out for. About 2 miles west of Augusta, is a farm road you cross, and the road had ruts about a foot wide and at least a foot deep. Had to stop and carry the bike over the ruts. If you were to hit that road riding, you most certainly would crash.
As I got closer to Treloar heading west, the last few miles before Treloar were many spots where the gravel had wash away some, and within a mile of Treloar, it got progressively worse. The depot at Treloar was so bad, it was down to gravel bed, and even then had mud washed away from that. It was un-ride-able. I didn't go any further to see if it got better or not.
Big B on 08/03/2020 08:31 PM
Yikes-
We were planning a ride from near Machen to Clinton and back starting on Thursday..... That would put us in Treloar on Friday morning. Any suggestions on how to get around the bad trail. Could we walk our bikes through? Any suggested detours? Should we try to find a shuttle?
Thanks
John from O’Fallon, MO on 08/03/2020 08:58 PM
We did a west to east trip and passed through the area on Saturday 8/1. Definitely have to keep your eyes open but we rode through on 29er MTN Bikes. West of there several trees were down and we were able to navigate around them. Watch the detour at the 118 MM, do not go around the barriers you will never get through, major rock slide ( happened a while ago ). Also we followed the option 2 detour ( (posted in this forum ) at the bridge that was washed out. Creek crossing was simple....the river mud on the levee was thick...If it’s wet be prepared for a major bike cleaning!
Big B on 08/04/2020 08:49 PM
Thanks for the information John. We really appreciate the information you provided. We were aware of the rock slide and the bridge closure from our ride last year and are grateful for the work arounds provided by this forum. We are really looking forward to our trip.
Thanks again
CB from STL on 08/06/2020 10:01 AM
The trail west of Treloar for about 1/2 a mile is very rough (it’s down to the concrete underneath & a culvert is being repaired.
Deep sandy material on trail west of Augusta before the new bridge, nothing that wasn’t rideable but a watch out.
Trail is closed East of Ell Rd just before Machens, as they are working on the repair out there.
Trail was in really good shape considering the amount of rain we have had in short amounts of time. State is doing a great job doing repairs & clearing downed trees.
Big B on 08/08/2020 07:28 PM
Rode through Treloar to Rhineland on Friday and agree with CB, the parks department is incredable. Not a tree limb on the trail and they have done a lot of grating. Still a little rough so take it a little slow for the first mile west of Treloar. In Rocheport now and the trail has been pretty good. Great riding so far....
tire tubes
- + Do you all recommend a specific brand of tire tubes for riding the Katy Trail? I need to replace my spares. I ride a hybrid-type bike, with Schwalbe marathon tires. I have never had a flat on many ...
Discussion started 08/08/2020 10:28 AM by Dave - 1 reply (last reply by brad wilson at 08/08/2020 01:30 PM)Dave from Kirkwood on 08/08/2020 10:28 AM
Do you all recommend a specific brand of tire tubes for riding the Katy Trail? I need to replace my spares. I ride a hybrid-type bike, with Schwalbe marathon tires. I have never had a flat on many miles of the Katy, but did get some on city trails this summer.
Thanks!
brad wilson from st louis on 08/08/2020 01:30 PM
If you used these tubes for a long time and just recently got flats, then I'd just get a new set of the same tubes.
Inner tubes move as the tire flexes and will eventually develop leaks. You have to replace them sometime. Some people put talc on the tubes to allow them to move with less friction.
I use schwalbe tires (Marathons, Big Ben, etc.) and find them to be the key element in flat protection.
I use brand name inner tubes like Giant, Specialized or Schwalbe.
Chuck's Bikes in Boonville
- + sorry to find out Chuck is gone. He was a great person. He replaced my kickstand when it broke while I was doing the Katy. Recently found the bill, sorry I was never able to pay him for this. He truly...
Discussion started 08/07/2020 11:04 PM by Julie - 0 repliesJulie from st louis on 08/07/2020 11:04 PM
sorry to find out Chuck is gone. He was a great person. He replaced my kickstand when it broke while I was doing the Katy. Recently found the bill, sorry I was never able to pay him for this. He truly was one of the good guys..
Clinton Trailhead in Clinton
- + I am planning a point to point, beginning to end ride of the entire Katy Trail. I would like to start in Clinton and work my way east. I plan to take a train to Sadelia and then get to Clinton somehow...
Discussion started 08/06/2020 07:47 PM by Kgirl - 1 reply (last reply by Ronald S Roberson at 08/07/2020 05:59 AM)Kgirl from St Louis on 08/06/2020 07:47 PM
I am planning a point to point, beginning to end ride of the entire Katy Trail. I would like to start in Clinton and work my way east. I plan to take a train to Sadelia and then get to Clinton somehow. Any suggestions?
Ronald S Roberson from PLANO on 08/07/2020 05:59 AM
When I did it, I just ate lunch in Sedalia and rode back to Clinton on the bike.
Shuttle from St. Charles-to Clinton on August 30
- + I am looking for a shuttle for 6 on Sunday August 30 leaving St. Charles and headed to Clinton? Any ideas of the best service or availability during this time of COVID-19?
Discussion started 08/03/2020 07:55 AM by Tom from Ohio - 1 reply (last reply by Alex at 08/06/2020 01:07 PM)Tom from Ohio from Mount Vernon, Ohio on 08/03/2020 07:55 AM
I am looking for a shuttle for 6 on Sunday August 30 leaving St. Charles and headed to Clinton? Any ideas of the best service or availability during this time of COVID-19?
Alex from Boonville on 08/06/2020 01:07 PM
Check with the Bike Stop Cafe out of St. Charles. They'll shuttle you to Clinton.
Where can I park for a multiday trip (doing both directions so start point isn't a deal breaker)
- + I'm thinking about driving down either October this year or May next year to do the length back and forth but don't know where is safe to park and near enough to the trail heads.
Discussion started 08/04/2020 05:54 AM by Lew - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 08/06/2020 07:39 AM)Lew from Gaithersburg on 08/04/2020 05:54 AM
I'm thinking about driving down either October this year or May next year to do the length back and forth but don't know where is safe to park and near enough to the trail heads.
John from O’Fallon, MO on 08/04/2020 08:44 PM
I would start in St Charles and park by the casino and get a shuttle up to Machens. Check with Bike Stop Cafe..they will have good info for you!
Big B on 08/05/2020 07:44 PM
I exchanged emails with the St. Charles visitors center. Their reply follows:
There is not an official overnight parking lot for vehicles for visitors using the Katy Trail starting in St. Charles -- most trail users park in the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum parking lot located right by the Katy Trail. Here’s a detailed Downtown St. Charles Map:
https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/stcharles/MM_Spring_merchants19_43417661-5b23-4100-a920-babc52dfff34.pdf
(you’ll see the parking lot located at the bottom of map by Lewis & Clark Boat House)
We just recommend that you notify our local City of Saint Charles Police Department with the make/model of your vehicle and the dates you will be parked in that lot – here’s their number: 636-949-3300. Lots of folks will do this and there is not a problem with doing so.
Enjoy your trip - we are starting tomorrow!
Anonymous on 08/06/2020 07:39 AM
On the other end of the trail, Clinton and Sedalia are options. I've parked at the trailhead in Sedalia several times without issue.
Kim's Cabin in Windsor
- + We had a VERY late start on a 95+ degree Sunday afternoon. We were dropped off in Clinton and we rode to Windsor for dinner (Happy China, yum) and a good nights rest to prepare for our ride east to M...
Discussion started 08/05/2020 02:10 PM by Lisa & Maeve - 1 reply (last reply by Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins at 08/06/2020 06:56 AM)Lisa & Maeve from St. Louis, Missouri on 08/05/2020 02:10 PM
We had a VERY late start on a 95+ degree Sunday afternoon. We were dropped off in Clinton and we rode to Windsor for dinner (Happy China, yum) and a good nights rest to prepare for our ride east to Machens. Kim was there, the cooled cabin was EVERYTHING, the showers amazing and the covered bike storage was perfect as the night/morning sky opened up and downpoured for HOURS. Knowing we were planning to head out early, Kim checked on us, we were safe in the cabin and were waiting out the storm. She even picked up our breakfast I ordered from the Wagon Wheel since the thunderstorm was holding us hostage. She and the cabin couldn't have been nicer! We will definitely be back to stay in the future - bonus: the cabins are located right by the intersection of Katy Trail/Rock Island.
Lisa & Maeve from St. Louis, Missouri on 08/05/2020 02:10 PM
We had a VERY late start on a 95+ degree Sunday afternoon. We were dropped off in Clinton and we rode to Windsor for dinner (Happy China, yum) and a good nights rest to prepare for our ride east to Machens. Kim was there, the cooled cabin was EVERYTHING, the showers amazing and the covered bike storage was perfect as the night/morning sky opened up and downpoured for HOURS. Knowing we were planning to head out early, Kim checked on us, we were safe in the cabin and were waiting out the storm. She even picked up our breakfast I ordered from the Wagon Wheel since the thunderstorm was holding us hostage. She and the cabin couldn't have been nicer! We will definitely be back to stay in the future - bonus: the cabins are located right by the intersection of Katy Trail/Rock Island.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 08/06/2020 06:56 AM
So happy you found me and stayed at the cabins! Hope you had a great rest of your adventure!
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 08/06/2020 06:56 AM
So happy you found me and stayed at the cabins! Hope you had a great rest of your adventure!
possible food stash at Hartsburg
- + Might seem like a stupid question, but here goes. A buddy and I are doing a short overnight ride to Hartsburg this upcoming weekend ( August 8th,9th,2020 ). Will not arrive till mid to late afternoon,...
Discussion started 08/04/2020 08:28 AM by WB - 0 repliesWB from St Joseph missouri on 08/04/2020 08:28 AM
Might seem like a stupid question, but here goes. A buddy and I are doing a short overnight ride to Hartsburg this upcoming weekend ( August 8th,9th,2020 ). Will not arrive till mid to late afternoon, apparently after the café closes. Planning on camping at the American Legion park. Drove there yesterday to scope out facilities. Noticed that there is a bbq grill at the park. Thinking that some charcoal grilled steaks sound pretty good for dinner. But not interested in packing charcoal, meat, etc on the 6 hour ride to the park. So anyway, does anybody know if I can drive there on Friday and stash a cooler with our stuff for dinner anywhere in that town, or with someone that we can pick it up from there?
Thanks..
Any idea if there is a Fastest Known Time Fkt for the Katy Trail?
- + With everything being cancelled i am looking for a new challenge. Considering riding the Katy Trail. Anyone know if there is a fastest time set I may just tour it but the thought of racing it sel...
Discussion started 08/03/2020 12:23 PM by Terry - 2 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 08/03/2020 03:16 PM)Terry from Arkansas on 08/03/2020 12:23 PM
With everything being cancelled i am looking for a new challenge. Considering riding the Katy Trail. Anyone know if there is a fastest time set I may just tour it but the thought of racing it self supported then touring it back to my car over a few days is also appealing.
Anonymous on 08/03/2020 02:22 PM
From the Frequently Asked Questions on the Home page:
Has anyone ever ridden the entire trail in a single day?
Amazingly, yes. We maintain a list of people who have ridden the Katy Trail in a single day, or covered the whole trail on foot.
Have a look there to see what the fastest recorded time is.
Ray (webmaster) on 08/03/2020 03:16 PM
Here's a quick link to that page:
https://bikekatytrail.com/one-day.aspx
Good luck! Whether you are fastest or not, let me know if you make it so I can add you to the list.
places to camp
- + Give me the LATEST details on places to tent camp along the way? Clinton to Machens. I would like to do the trail using only hammock or tent camp and want to make sure I have a good plan.
I am pl...
Discussion started 07/24/2020 07:24 PM by TJ - 2 replies (last reply by Al at 08/01/2020 07:10 AM)TJ from Neosho on 07/24/2020 07:24 PM
Give me the LATEST details on places to tent camp along the way? Clinton to Machens. I would like to do the trail using only hammock or tent camp and want to make sure I have a good plan.
I am planning on camping in Pilot Grove, Hartsburg, Marthasville, and then somewhere before Machens. This is the plan unless someone has a better one! :)
PTM from Stl on 07/24/2020 08:30 PM
My favorite places to camp are Sedalia fairgrounds, Coopers Landing and the big park in Hermann MO
Always was nervous I would not find trees to only hammock camp or an unfriendly park.
Use the search tool on this site for other suggestions.
Good luck and be safe there are some hot and oppressive sections along the way this time of year.
Al from Normal, Il on 08/01/2020 07:10 AM
Steamboat Junction Campground at Bluffton was a great place to stay. We stayed on 7/25/2020 on our bike trip west on the trail. Self checkin was easy, campground was clean and mowed. Shower was clean and nice. Very clean porta potty. We were the only ones there and it was nice and quiet. Dan, who runs the campground was very friendly.
Rock slide west of Portland
- + does anyone know if they have started to work on the rockslide west of Portland and is there a recommended detour like schmid way (east of Steedman) to 94...to main st.in portland? (Traveling east)
Discussion started 07/29/2020 10:57 AM by AM - 4 replies (last reply by AM at 07/31/2020 07:22 PM)AM from newalla, ok on 07/29/2020 10:57 AM
does anyone know if they have started to work on the rockslide west of Portland and is there a recommended detour like schmid way (east of Steedman) to 94...to main st.in portland? (Traveling east)
Doug from Bluffton on 07/29/2020 08:23 PM
Take 94 east about a mile but when you go over the Katy loop down to the left to get back on it. Do NOT continue east on 94
AM from newalla, ok on 07/30/2020 08:54 AM
Thank you Doug!
LH from Webb City on 07/30/2020 11:36 AM
I am interested in trail from Portland to McKittrick
AM from newalla, ok on 07/31/2020 07:22 PM
Dont remember much about that section (portland to Mckittrick) other then it was a nice ride and the rockslide was behind us. When we got to Mckittrick we stayed at joeys bird house and that was the best part of trail. Joey was accommodating, and a joy to talk to. Her place had everything you could need and very clean. Breakfast was amazing. We rode from windsor to Machen.
Forest Park vs Katy Trail
- + Hey everyone. Since COVID has hit, I picked my riding up again. I regularly do ~37 miles at Forest Park at a descent rate, ~16 mph on a hybrid. Wanting to do a Katy Trail ride soon. I’ll be prepared f...
Discussion started 07/19/2020 01:27 AM by Mike - 7 replies (last reply by John Solodar at 07/30/2020 07:35 AM)Mike from St. Louis on 07/19/2020 01:27 AM
Hey everyone. Since COVID has hit, I picked my riding up again. I regularly do ~37 miles at Forest Park at a descent rate, ~16 mph on a hybrid. Wanting to do a Katy Trail ride soon. I’ll be prepared for potential flats and of course the different terrain. Curious how you would compare Forest Park with the hills to the Katy Trail and the terrain difference. What would you recommend for a distance the first ride?
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 07/19/2020 01:59 PM
I've found flat tires on the Katy pretty rare. It's still good to be prepared. A hybrid is a great bike for the Katy.
You might be a couple of MPH slower due to the crushed gravel having more resistance than the pavement at Forest Park. If you are airing your tires to the max or nearly so, consider reducing tire pressure some. I run 700x32 tires at 75 psi and weigh about 215 lbs.
Bring plenty of fluids as there aren't as many options to fill up the water bottles compared to Forest Park.
If you can do 37 miles at Forest Park, I don't see why you can't do the same on the Katy Trail. If you have the option, head into the wind so that you'll hopefully have a tail wind on the way back.
brad wilson from st louis on 07/19/2020 03:41 PM
Also bring plenty of calories.
I've done rides of 33, 42 and 50 miles on the Katy this year, and each time I didn't bring enough snacks.
Mike from St. Louis on 07/19/2020 07:32 PM
Awesome. Thanks for the insight. Definitely going to wait until the St. Louis humidity calms down a bit but thanks to COVID, I’ve got plenty of time now days. ??
k on 07/21/2020 06:37 PM
Mike, consider something like a 20 mile ride to start, with your turnaround point at a place that offers easily-accessible water (and possibly also toilets). In terms of planning ride length and duration, many folks find that it takes fewer miles on crushed limestone to provide an equivalent to paved miles.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 07/28/2020 02:48 PM
The gravel sucks way more energy out of you than you'd expect. Set reasonable goals, take plenty of water, plenty of calories, a spare tube/pump, and a happy attitude. It's a really nice time.
As far as hills, because of the gravel it all feels uphill. :) Besides that, you don't really notice hills.
Chris from Lees Summit on 07/29/2020 10:37 AM
Can't stress enough to bring plenty of calories, especially if riding during the week. Most eateries are only open Sat-Sun.
John Solodar from Chesterfield on 07/30/2020 07:35 AM
Hey Mike. I'm back into biking as well since February. One of my favorite starting points for the Katy Trail is the outlet mall parking lot in Chesterfield next to the Daniel Boone Bridge. The ride over the river is a great start / finish. From there, you can head north / east to St. Charles or make a loop into Creve Coeur Lake. Head south / west towards Weldon Springs and Defiance. You can also head up the Busch Greenway and take the Hamburg trail back down to the Katy to make another loop. Those are some of my regular loops on my hybrid bike.
Trail Head Hopping
- + Wife rides an E-bike, so we are hoping to stay in St. Charles, Jefferson City, Columbia and Sedalia. From each of these towns we’ll be driving to close trailheads and ride east then west and return t...
Discussion started 07/27/2020 08:44 PM by Double D and L - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 07/28/2020 02:21 PM)Double D and L from Eastern Indiana on 07/27/2020 08:44 PM
Wife rides an E-bike, so we are hoping to stay in St. Charles, Jefferson City, Columbia and Sedalia. From each of these towns we’ll be driving to close trailheads and ride east then west and return to our accommodations for the night and to recharge her battery. Any suggestions where to stay in each town....hoping for mid-range motels. Can drive or ride to trailheads.....so looking forward to this long time dream....Thanks
Bill in Houston from Houston on 07/28/2020 02:21 PM
Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, for sure. They have bike storage in the basement.
In Jeff City we stayed at the Baymont. No complaints. We rolled our bikes to our room.
No opinion on the other two.
HWY 47 Bridge - Washington to Dutzow
- + Has anyone traversed the new Highway 47 bridge over the Missouri River from Washington in to Dutzow? Is it safe / is there a biking lane? I have not been to the area in a long time and google earth ...
Discussion started 07/28/2020 12:40 PM by WÖLFGANG - 0 repliesWÖLFGANG on 07/28/2020 12:40 PM
Has anyone traversed the new Highway 47 bridge over the Missouri River from Washington in to Dutzow? Is it safe / is there a biking lane? I have not been to the area in a long time and google earth is not much help. From what I have found online, it appears as though the new bridge is similar to the bridge found in Chesterfield valley that crosses the river. Any input is helpful. Thanks.