Katy Trail Forum

Due to personal commitments we must limit our dates of availability for guests in 2020. The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be open May 1st through November 24th. Reservations are preferred as we can not guarantee we will be available for walk-ins this year.

GLOBE HOTEL BED AND BREAKFAST, HARTSBURG, MO
The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be closed temporarily until September 1st. Reservations are preferred as we can not guarantee we will be available for walk-ins this year.

So, just to be clear........you are not taking reservations before September 1st, correct?

CLARIFICATION:

The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast in Hartsburg, MO will be closed through September 1, 2020.

What do you all think, will businesses, especially restaurants along the Katy be "open" after Memorial Day along the trail? I say open in quotes because I know there will still be social distancing efforts, but I'd love to still support them even if it means calling it in and eating it outside. Sounds like a lot of the more rural counties in MO are planning to phase things open as early as the first week of May, so might bode well for some of our planned trips.

GLOBE HOTEL BED AND BREAKFAST, HARTSBURG, MO
The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be closed temporarily until September 1st. Reservations are preferred as we can not guarantee we will be available for walk-ins this year.

Any recommendations for a nice saddle for the trip?

I ride on a Cloud Nine....and love it. I do not get ONE DIME for this endorsement.

We ride Brooks leather saddles and are always comfortable. They are a bit pricey but we just move them from bike-to-bike when we change bikes so, they are "for life". Many people will tell you that they are uncomfortable until they get broken in - that has never been true for us. They get more comfortable the longer you own them but they don't start off as uncomfortable at all. Excess padding can create serious chaffing problems for many people so, I always advise to avoid padding in their saddles. If you prefer some padding, wear bike shorts with a bit of padding.
With the Brooks saddles, we almost never wear padded shorts. Saddles are a very personal thing so, these are just what my wife and I have found works best for us.

Brooks B17. My experience is that they require some break-in. But worth the effort and the money. There is no more important component on a bicycle than a good saddle if you plan to ride a lot of miles. Plenty of information on the internet about breaking in a Brooks.

Saddles are super personal and individual. Whatever you do, don't buy a new saddle and put it on the day before your trip. Make sure its one you have spent plenty of time on.

My son and I are hoping to ride the whole trail again this summer. This would be our 5th time. We had to skip last year due to flooding! Does anyone have a detour of the Portland Area that they've used? I've heard 94 is not a great road for cyclists but it looks like the best detour would be 94 to county road 464 and would just add a couple of miles on a road. Are there any other ways?

I think this the route we took. Assuming you’re going west to east you get on Schmid Way and take it to 94. After a little under a mile on 94 you’ll cross the bridge over Logan Creek. Just past the bridge you’ll turn left on 476 to loop back down to the trail. If you look at google maps it’s easy to see the route.

Just letting everyone know we are open for business at Portland, MO at River's Edge Campground. The bar and grill is currently closed but we are open and asking for everyone to call ahead so we can assure social distancing. we are cleaning with bleach daily and not getting so busy as of yet. If you are looking for a quiet place to get away we are the perfect place with full RV hook-ups or tent sites available along with a shower/bathroom, firewood if wanted. 573-590-9159 or 573-676-3540

Do you have any information about potential Portland detours? It looks like taking County Road 464 over to 94 for just a couple of miles would work. We are experienced riders.

I was planning on riding from Boonville to Rocheport, so going west to east. I know there is a detour at the clay grain bin but can I ride past it on the trail and get all the way to the tunnel at Rocheport? I don't need to go into Rochephort, so I can turn around at the tunnel, but if I have to detour at the silo, there's not any point in starting at Boonville. If I wanted to ride on the highways, I sure wouldn't drive 2 hours to do it.

Tammy, the section that is causing the detour is east of the grain elevator, just under the Hwy 40 bridge. The trail bridge over Salt Creek was completely washed off its moorings. That bridge was about 200 feet long. The river washed out a huge section of the land and levee, exposing pipelines and all sorts of things. It's a huge repair effort, and I do not know the current progress, but MO State Parks is saying that section is not open. When I visited there last fall, there was no way to ride through that section without risking serious injury.

So, I agree there is no point at starting in Boonville, only to have to take a detour after 7 miles of riding. I intend to get up that way in a few weeks and hopefully provide an update with new pictures.

I took a trip up there about a month ago specifically to see that bridge. The bridge is still washed out. No work being done that I could tell. I wish some vendors would get together and maybe work something out with the park officials to even put in some sort of rinky-dink temporary/sacrificial bridge. Just having "communication" through that bridge would open up way more traffic to the businesses on both sides of the bridge. If I can post pictures of it on here, I will.

Hi all, this question is for those that ride the whole trail - how much time do you spend on the bike each day? I'm seeing people recommending 50-80 miles per day for a relatively fit cyclist, just curious how much time is spent on the bike. I'm trying to plan out my first out and back from St. Louis. For reference, I'll do a century ride on pavement in about 7 hours (6a-1p). Would I be completely out of my mind to think I could ride from Machens to Pleasant Hill in two days, and then back in another two, assuming I'm spending most of the daylight in the saddle?

100 miles on pavement in 7 hours means you average 14 MPH. I would say on the Katy, that could reasonably go down to 12 MPH. If you start at Machens and go to Pleasant Hill, that's 268 miles. That would be three 7-hour days each way for you. Of course, if you want to ride longer each day, then 2 days each way would work. However, you would not have much time (if any) to enjoy the sights and towns along the way. And if the weather is bad or the wind is not in your favor, then you put your schedule in jeopardy.

A good approach for most people is to decide if you want to do the Katy in as few days as possible, or to see as much as you can. And whatever you choose, add an extra "weather day" into your plans.

My only question would be "why?" Why would anyone try to ride any rail/trail as fast as they can? That kinda defeats the whole purpose of riding the trail, doesn't it. My wife and I have ridden rail/trails all over the country (KATY is on our schedule for June but, that might not happen) and we always enjoy just taking our time, stopping frequently to enjoy the scenery and take photos. We stop in most every little trail-side town or village and check them out. We are always courteous to those who come blasting along but, we never really understand why they are in such a hurry to leave the beautiful outdoors and get to their overnight destination where there really isn't much attraction. My advice, if you have limited time then limit your distance goals and enjoy the ride!

Al, there is no right way to do the trail. I’ve biked the whole trail many times (well, almost the whole trail - never done the St. Charles to Machens portion) mostly over 4 days but once in two days. Why? Because I wanted to see if I could do it. Lots to be said for a leisurely ride but it’s not the only option.

Agree with BikerBoy—you’ll go about 2 mph slower on Katy than you will on asphalt. So 10+ hours of riding time 4 days in a row is a pretty ambitious schedule for the vast majority of folks. Nor does it take into account meals, weather, wind, added bike/equipment weight, stops not being where you want them, etc.

So, can it be done? Yes. Does it sound fun? No. I’d suggest keeping it in the 60-80 miles per day range, drinking coffee in the AM, eating decent meals, drinking a few beers, and enjoying your time. If you want a big mileage day, do that too; then follow that up with an easier day.

Al - Would you mind sharing other favorite rail trails you have ridden? My husband and I rode the Katy last year and planned to to Pittsburgh to Cumberland in September (hopefully)...but we are open to other trails. I would love to hear your favorite ones.

Hello Jennifer - I'll try to answer but I'm not sure I'll remember them all off the top of my head. Of course, there's the GAP (Great Allegheny Passage)- we started on a different trail in West Virginia that hooked into the GAP and then rode it to the end (which I think is technically the beginning) in Maryland...it took a week. We've done a bunch of the Paul Bunyon and connecting trails - those are nice in sections but some sections are not so spectacular. We loved the tour we did in Wisconsin - Elroy-Sparta, Gandy Dancer, Glacial Drumlin, and maybe another. (not all of these connect so, there was some driving between trails)
For a wonderful 1-2 trip, do the Virginia Creeper - it's beautiful but you shuttle to the top of a very steep mountain and then meander your way down to Damascus but, don't stop there! Ride on the less traveled part to Abingdon and have a nice dinner. Damascus is more fun to stay in, though. There's a very cool trail in Iowa (more than one) - the High Trestle trail is kinda short but the bridge is a must see! I can't remember the other ones we did. Fox River Trail in Illinois is also a very nice ride but it's been a long time since I was on that one. OK, that's enough for now... There's a bunch of them across the country and we've probably only done about 20 or so. NOTE: I haven't ridden the KATY, yet! Our trip scheduled for last year got flooded out. We're scheduled to go in June but we may get postponed again if the COVID-19 thing doesn't feel safe to us by then. Al

Other rail trails that are noteworthy are the Mickelson in South Dakota, the Tunnel Hill in south central Illinois and the Raccoon River Valley trail east of Des Moines Iowa.

The High Trestle trail bridge is unique with the lights at night, but hardly worth the trip to Iowa for just that trail. Iowa has an extensive network of trails in the Des Moines area. Check out bikeiowa.com.

The Paul Bunyan trail in Minnesota is a decent paved trail as well.

The Route of the Hiawatha in Idaho takes the prize for being the most beautiful. It is definitely worth the time/expense to visit this trail. It's just pretty hard to beat a one way downhill ride in the mountains over majestic trestles.

I have enjoyed these. Shorter trails. (1) Root River Valley trail in SE Minnesota. Stayed at Eagle Cliff Campground near Lanesboro. (2) Heritage Trail in Dubuque Iowa. My go to trail to have a few hours away from the city. (3) Summerset Trail south of Des Moines Iowa. Hoping to bike the Katy trail and possibly the Paul Bunyan trail in 2020.

Does anyone have thoughts on reception of out of state bikers in small towns along these trails given the Cover situation?

Anyone ridden from Hunstdale to Rocheport lately? Advisory for that portion, but is it still rideable even though "trucks and heavy equip spreading rock"? Thanks:)

Is the ENTIRE Katy Trail (Clinton, MO to Machens, MO) fully functional at the moment, or are there certain sections of the trail to watch out for or that are closed off completely? If you have any input at all, it would be appreciated!

I would like to know the answer to this Question also

This website has good information on trail conditions:
https://katytrailmo.com/katy-trail-closures-and-conditions-spring-2020/

A bridge between Rocheport and Boonville is out, but there is a detour. Here's a good discussion of that closure and detours: https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=11173

I've also been told that you can get around the closure near Portland by using the adjacent roads, but have not been able to get specific details. If anyone has details of how to detour the Portland closure, please share.

The missing portion of trail near Machens looks pretty bad; I don't think you'll get around that. See the photo on the Trail Conditions page, where you will see info on trail conditions, as reported by other trail users:
https://bikekatytrail.com/trail-condition-report.aspx

Any recommendations for a nice saddle for the trip?

Saddles can be difficult. Basically though, whatever works for you is the one you need. Not much help, but that's been my experience.

Years ago I had a Brooks on a Peugeot that was fantastic. It was easy to break in and was very comfortable. A few years ago I bought another Brooks that was sprung and road several hundred miles on it. It was stiff as a board the day I sold it. Glad to have the cash in my pocket and to get rid of that thing.

I have a Terry Fly that I've ridden on a couple of different bikes that I like pretty well.

Saddles to me are often like a science experiment gone wrong. Try a few out, and ride what fits best.

First time riding Katy Trail ....Curious how recent trail conditions are from Columbia to Rocheport ??

I just called the Katy Trail SP office and they said the bridge over Salt Creek will definitely NOT be replaced this summer.

I don't think you have to cross Salt Creek to get from Columbia to Rocheport, though, do you?

Sorry, my goof. I thought she said Boonville. Brain not working today.

We rode the trail from Columbia (Scott Blvd Access of MKT) to Rocheport this weekend, and the trail was in great condition. No issues whatsoever

Has anyone done the trail on a recumbent trike, how well did it work? I do have some physical limitations and sometimes i am forced to use my electric assist is that a problem?

I've seen trikes on the Katy and there doesn't seem to be a problem at all. I know of one 80 year old who rode his trike from end to end in both 2017 and 2018. The trail is plenty wide in most places.

Electric assist also isn't a problem as long as you aren't going too fast. Finding a place to recharge can be as issue if you are going long distances.

Thank you for your response, don't use e-assist much, plus wife will be following with van.

I’ve ridden the Katy trail with my “trike” and both times it was great! Will probably do it again. A great way to sit back and enjoy the view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYAMEF5xeOk

The youtube was not available.

Brett Dufur the author of The complete Katy Trail Guidebook say recumbent will be the only way he rides it again. If you haven't read his book it's worth every penny even if you don't plan to ride the trail.

https://www.abebooks.com/Complete-Katy-Trail-Guidebook-Show-Series/30608006175/bd?cm_mmc=ggl-_-US_Shopp_Trade-_-new-_-naa&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsoOulev66AIVgonICh1_DguQEAQYBiABEgIIYfD_BwE

Great place! Stayed at Ashcreek many times while biking the Katy. They have lots of house options. Can put bikes inside in basements easily. Great location in town. Near lots of restaurants and a couple convenience stores. Trolley stops in front if you want to go to the wineries. Hot showers and comfy beds. Great for small or big groups. Book directly on their web site to save Air B&B fees. Nice owners and they are bikers!

Me and 2 of my friend were going to do a round trip on the trail we are all 16 is there any age restriction on the trail or any camp sites?

I looked over the MO State Parks info & there don’t appear to be any age restrictions. The campgrounds are all run by businesses or cities, so it would be a good idea to check with wherever you are camping, but I doubt there will be any problem with your ages. Be sure to read the Katy Trail usage guidance at https://mostateparks.com/page/57944/general-information before you go. Take lots of water & sunscreen :-) & have fun!

Thank you so much!

Has anyone ridden a tadpole style trike on the highway 49 detour?