Katy Trail Forum

Rideable? Still a dotted line on the map at top of page as "future trail", but is it passable on bike (looking at St. Charles to Raytown) but I may need to make other bikepacking plans

You will need to ride on lightly traveled roads and very wide sidewalks. It was very calm and not stressful. Here are the excellent directions and guidance from Mark from Lee's Summit.
Map Route from the Lee's Summit Amtrak Station to the Rock Island Trail in Pleasant Hill
Mark from Lee's Summit on 09/19/2020 09:15 AM:
There are several other on street routes (like Hamblen, Ranson, or Smart Road), but if you are looking for the least amount of traffic then I would use this following route. Please note that you still have to be prepared to ride quite a bit on rural roads and through residential neighborhoods, so this isn't a route for little kids. Leave the Amtrak station by going NORTH (right) on Main Street for about 200' where you will then turn left before the bridge and take the ramp down to 2nd Street. Turn left onto 2nd Street (there is a small 3' wide striped mini shoulder next to the curb that the city loves to use as an unofficial traffic calming mini bike lane. Stay straight on 2nd Street for about a mile until you see a QT gas station where you will turn left onto Blue Parkway. Go past the QT and turn right onto 3rd Street. For about 800', you will have to ride in traffic along 3rd Street so you can go under the 50 Highway bridge and then turn left onto Oldham/Ward Road. Go straight on Ward Road for about 1000' and as you pass the Walgreens ride up onto the sidewalk because from there for another 4 miles the sidewalk becomes a wide bike/ped trail running straight south along the west side of Ward Road.
Take the trail south along Ward for 4 miles until you reach MO 150 where you will cross the road and turn left along the sidewalk (if you don't want to ride in the lane of traffic). Go east along the MO 150 south side sidewalk for about 1.25 miles where eventually you will have to use the wide shoulder to get across the 291 Highway interchange.
Now you have to make a choice to either ride for 1/2 mile along the busy two lane 150 Hwy. with no shoulders (in order to reach Doc Henry) or immediately turn right and take the east 291 outer road which has almost no traffic. If you take the outer road route , you will add another mile to your trip because of all the looping back that you will have to do inside the residential subdivisions.
If you look on a map, you will see that you are trying to get to Doc Henry Road/Cherokee Drive/20th Avenue/Allendale Drive and finally South Allendale Lake Road. The key is to weave through the subdivisions to get to South Allendale Lake Road which has a nice paved sidewalk trail heading south (for at least the first mile). Once you get past the residential area along South Allendale Lake Road please note that the pavement gets rougher, but that rough pavement also helps to limit the number of vehicles you will encounter. These last 5 miles will also have quite a few rolling hills that you get to enjoy before all of that flat, gradual railroad grade along the Rock Island and Katy trails.
You will take South Allendale Lake Road for 2 miles south where you will turn left onto County Road which eventually weaves around becoming 167th Street, Groll Road, 171st Street, and then South Gray Drive (just 1 mile total, but the street keeps changing names after each curve)...finally turn left (eastward) onto 175th Street for 3 miles until you reach the trail which is right past the railroad tracks. Turn right onto the trail and into Pleasant Hill. Once you get into the town of Pleasant Hill, follow the signs because they have to weave you around another active railroad line.

Wow Bill in CoMO--THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH

You're welcome! The real credit goes to Mark from Lee's Summit.

Great instructions. I will keep those handy!

Willie ... I will try and add a Google Map link that you can copy and paste in order to see this route in more detail. I have edited a map that includes how to ride on roads with the least amount of traffic from the Rock Island Trail in Pleasant Hill across the trail gap, to Lee's Summit, along the Rock Island Trail again to the Arrowhead Stadium complex, then continuing on mostly trails and separated cycle tracks to the Amtrak Station at Union Station near Downtown Kansas City. Most people are trying to get to that train station because you can take more long distance train trips as compared to the Lee's Summit train station. It all depends where you are trying to go. You will notice my bike route is not the shortest route because I have picked the absolute lowest traffic routes where you can use sidewalks or sidewalk trails to take a break from road traffic (like along 150 Highway or Ward Road).

Here is my Google Map link: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1lUHjbxZp89GJAql4MPeGpzq-NPtwBwk&usp=sharing ... hopefully it gets posted to the forum and doesn't show up as SPAM.

Thank you for figuring out and sharing these routes, Mark! Local knowledge is so valuable.

I would like to ride The Katy on an Ordinary (penny farthing) I am a solid rider, but am I going to be able to do it?

I wouldn't want to. Too many recurrent obstacles (rocks, sticks, squirrels, ruts). I like to be closer to the surface. But Hey! U do U.

I saw a group of cyclists riding pennyfarthings near Sedalia a few years ago. Can't say how far they went or where they had come from, but it was interesting. The biggest obstacle (IMO) would be the road crossings where the edge can be abrupt and the difficulty in seeing approaching vehicles on curving roads. But maybe that high up in the saddle would provide better visibility. Might want to consider riding in the fall when the weather's nicer.

Depends on your skill level and bike. I have a good friend who has been riding HighWheelers for years in all sorts of conditions and has done the 5 Bourough bike Tour for at least the past 15 years as well as lots of riding around Manhattan (NYC not Kansas). It can definitely be done. the trail is gently graded and fairly smooth for dirt. Bigest challenge would be carrying gear and water and dealing with some of the softer sections. If it rains you are going to not like it much as the trail can get soft but seems to generally drain reasonably quickly. I would not recommend it on a Ridable Replica as they are not very well made and you would be risking serious mechanical's. We welded then replaced the forks on my friends RR over the years and now the "tire" is almost worn to the rim and the spokes are constantly needing adjustment. We just rode the 5 Bourough Bike tour together this year and he was constantly adjusting spokes, and the headset and the fork ends were needing regular attention.

However with a higher quality machine with a skilled committed rider it would be possible but would be challenging at times with soft or loose surface conditions. Road transitions can be a bit sharp but that big wheel and adjusting speed accordingly it should be fine (nothing as bad as riding up a concrete curb). If you are riding a farthing on dirt and gravel and can manage 30 to 50 mile days then you should be ok. Just rinse and repeat for 240 ish miles and you are good to go.

http://www.63xc.com/erikf/highwheel.htm

This is an old article about my friend for reference. Sadly the Edlee in the top picture is the one that got wrecked when Erik got hit by the car and I haven't gotten an chance to fix it since I moved out of NY after the trade centers came down. Plus fixing a taco'ed close to 50" wheel with glued tire/spoke nipples is not an easy job. We are planning on riding the KATY this fall or spring but he will probably be on my 80's Ibis not a Farthing.

If you do ride the trail please post. I'm sure Erik would love to hear about it and would possibly like to give it a try when he gets his new bike.

OrdinaryTim,

There is a journal entry by someone who rode a penny farthing on the Katy trail on https://www.crazyguyonabike.com. If you go there and search 'penny farthing Katy trail" you may gain some insight from their Katy ride.

I live on the trail between Pilot Groves and Boonville. I would LOVE to know what day you will come by here so that I can see your bike!

If you have been reading the PennyFarthing World Tour and the guys riding to Sedalia and thought "that looks like fun" then absolutely do the KATY. It is mostly well packed crushed and pea sized limestone that seems to drain well over a hard packed 100 year old railroad bed. When dry the surface is typically very hard with only a couple of sections of recently applied loose stone. When wet the upper layer gets soft and slows you down but it wasn't deep muck on our trips. There are no real obstacles other than low branches. The hills, such as they are, are train graded and gentle. The highest point on the trail is under 1000' so no real elevation. The state seems to do a great job of maintenance on the trail. In season flush toilets and potable water are very nice.

On my most recent ride I did think an Ordinary KATY trip would be just the sort of thing Erik would be interesting in doing. The KATY is probably in better shape than most of the roads from the late 1800's, and with proper planning you could do the trip with a minimal amount of gear due to reasonably available food stops and the very handy planning resources on this web site. Logistically the shuttle might take a little work due to the size of the bike but otherwise I think it would be a great adventure.

There is a tree across the entire trail between mile markers 29 and 30 (just north of Black Walnut). You can walk your bike down the side of the embankment but it's tall thick weeds. Bikes with trailers or wider frames will have an issue getting around it.

And now I'm hearing (or not hearing) there's no music allowed to be played open air on the trail? Is that correct?

a single earbud gives me music while I am still able to hear my surroundings. i do not know what rules there may be.

The prime directive is to do no harm and be considerate of others using the trail.

Thanks!

I use Shokz bone conduction earphones when riding, and have used them twice on the Katy. They also will hold a charge for a full day of riding. You can hear your music just fine and also, others who may be talking to you.

Crank up the tunes!

If people crumble at a minor "inconvenience" such as music, they can slow down or speed up; if they go the same speed, that's they're problem! I'm bringing my small Bluetooth speaker- I was going to bring the big Bazooka Blaster (JBL Boombox) like I do for RAGBRAI, but the front and rear rack have bags on top ??

Their* problem (edit)

With the technology available these days I don't understand the need to blast music through Bluetooth speakers but you do you. I'm sure everyone will survive their brief interaction with you.

In all my years and trips on the trail, I've only encountered a couple people playing music while riding. It was very brief as they passed by so it wasn't that obtrusive. I guess they want the companionship or are warding off bears or other evil spirits. :) Not my cup 'o tea but like Jim said, u do u.

I suppose some might see their selfishness as inconvenient to others, but blasting so-called music in what is otherwise a pretty enjoyable experience is just being inconsiderate. I've ridden many biking events and the clowns who insist on playing what they consider music get the pleasure of riding alone.

Riding with music blaring from a speaker seems to be a distinctively Iowa thing. I have ridden rail trails all over and it’s just in Iowa where people regularly make everyone else listen to their music. So- be respectful of those around you. And- if you encounter me- expect me to start singing. .. loudly. If I have to listen to your music- well, you won’t mind listening to mine.

Enjoy the ride!

I can listen just about anything but Mexican Band(slow tempo Polka)Music, not on the Trail , there I like to listen Nature.

Two separate trees came down across the trail between mile markers 49 and 50. We may have been the first to come across them as we were following right behind the storm. The West one is easy to roll a bike over but is still a big log. We cleared out most everything else. The Eastern one blocks the whole trail and we were able to go around the the North but it took two people and lost the expletives.

Losts of other large branches down from Defiance to Greens Bottom. Something serious went through.

Good luck.

How was the trail from Greens Bottom to Weldon Spring? I rode that stretch on Father's Day and that first half-mile west of GB was pretty tough. The fine chat was really thick and it was like riding on the beach. Looked like they had a pretty significant wash-out that they covered.

It was still an issue early Friday. I've been riding on the shoulder until Caulks Hill Rd.

Greetings,
I just wanted to share there is a new lodging option in Sedalia Mo right off the Trail. Wally's Bike Retreat is a cost effective dorm/camp-style lodging that can accommodate up to 8 riders.

Perfect for those tourer and bikepackers that want a night off the ground, or those who want to have a unique experience while out on the trail.

Check us out. Ride in - Rest up!

I suggest you mention how to find info on your lodging. I found it, but I had to work for it and I know how to use google, Airbnb, etc….maybe include a link for the internet challenged. Looks like a great use for that house.

If you put an address and contact number, Ray might be able to add you to the Sedalia map. Glad there's a new option in Sedalia!

Yeah I'd love to know how to find/reserve this place for my next ride....what's the secret?

Yes, Wally's is listed on the Sedalia page at https://bikekatytrail.com/sedalia.aspx

If you click that listing, it leads to a separate page with details on Wally's, including the AirBnB link

Ray, as always you are on top of it! Thanks for keeping us updated!

Nice!

I'm CERTAIN it's WAAAYY better than and noisy, windy FG AND you don't have to worry about old Mr. Grumpy pulling his truck up to about 3 ft from your tent shining his headlights right at your tent door at 1000 to collect your fee...because no one was around when you arrived. :/

I stayed in the dormitory building of this B&B while doing a Katy Trail bike ride. It was just what I needed. Small room with two twin bunk beds and a pull-out full size sofa. Very comfortable with TV, fridge, and wi-fi. Plus a nice shed next door that I could lock up my bike in. Plus washer/dryer so I could do a load of laundry. No noise during night so I slept fine. Continental breakfast items (yogurt, muffin, cereal, instant oatmeal) were provided so I could eat as early in the morning as I wanted and get on with my ride. Price was very reasonable. The owner made check-in/check-out very easy. I highly recommend this place for bikers who want to spend a night in Rocheport.

Just spoke with Meriwether Cafe in Rocheport. They are on the Katy Trail. They have a lot of rentals available! 573-698-1222

We have reservations for the tram tour June 25. Where do we park to get on the tram?

Do you encounter a lot of hikers/walkers on the trail? Are there any safety concerns on the path?

I’ve been on the trail traveling west to east for the last 3 days and have only seen the occasional hiker.

On weekends in the more populated areas or tourist areas, you might see hikers/walkers/runners. Otherwise, pretty quiet. As far as safety concerns, running over a scampering squirrel might be about it. Crossing paved highways can be tricky. You just gotta use common sense and realize you will never win an encounter with a motor vehicle.

We were disappointed to find this establishment closed Sunday, Monday AND Tuesday! Only place to find food was Casey’s, which does make a good pizza.

It isn’t on this site but the Katy Junction B&B is right across the street from the trailhead. Jerry the owner fixes a great breakfast & served us brownies & ice cream as an evening treat. Great place to stay.

I have been riding the Katy trail regularly for over 10 years now.
This year I have noticed nearly all what I will call street riders, not
Giving any kind of notice or warning that they are going to pass you.
Today I almost inadvertently spat on someone who just appeared and
Without notice and passed me.
What if I had wandered out of my lane having to avoid an object? it could
Be disastrous for both riders!
This is careless and irresponsible behavior so either get a bell or at the least
Give a verbal warning when passing either another cyclist or runner!

My spouse and I just stayed at the Dormitory at the School House B&B in Rocheport. It was comfortable and clean. There is a shed available for storing bicycles overnight (we took advantage of this service). After our one night stay at "The Dormitory at School House B&B", we headed west on the Katy Trail. There is a parking lot where we left our car that is adjacent to Meriwether's Restaurant in Rocheport (a few minutes from our B&B) - the parking lot is part of the state park so available for use.

I have never ridden any part of the katy trail. We will be in St Louis soon and I am looking for advice of where to start St Charles, Defiance...? Which way is more scenic to do a 20-30 mile out and back. Is there a spot you would recommend parking, and then which direction would you recommend going for a nice scenic view?

Both St Charles and Defiance have nice places to park and to grab a snack after riding. Between the two, I'd probably start in Defiance and head west.

1) St. Charles to Dutzow and back (with a stop in at Blumenhoff winery in Dutzow explore towns along the way.

2) Dutzow to Mackittrick/Herman area and back check out restaurants in Hermann and along the way.

The adventure is in finding those unique treasures along the trail.

Certain places are trail legends. Loutre Market is not to be missed if you're in the McK/Hermann metroplex. :) Hot food, cold beverages. Bikers to chat with.

Wife and I just spent the night here. Gotta say, our expectations were low.

The staff did not bat an eye at the bikes rolling through the lobby. A Road Scholar bike trip was staying there as well, and they had about 20 bikes with them. We got three bikes into the elevator with no problem.

Lobby and casino were lightly smoky. Hallway on our floor was not smoky, and the room was also totally non-smoky. We were really happy about that.

The place looked surprisingly new inside. Carpet was clean, room was clean, A/C was cold, shower was hot, bed was good.

We ate at the restaurant in the casino. I had a really good burger and fries, and it was $16. They had local beer on tap. Wifey got some kind of giant nachos, which were also good. And of course, gooey butter cake for dessert.

I always say to support small business, but on this night, the convenience and low price of the big guy delivered.