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Katy in the winter?
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kb from Independence on 9/6/2006 6:36:52 AM:
I was wondering if anyone has bike the trail in winter? I am currently in iraq but will be back mid nov and would love to bike the trail with some of my well deserved time off.
Has anyone did this? Any tips?

Thanks
 
Ray (webmaster) on 9/6/2006 9:59:36 AM:
KB - your time, efforts, and courage in Iraq are greatly appreciated. The tranquility of the Katy Trail may be just the ticket for you after your return.

The trail is open year-round, and can be great in the winter. There's more to see with the leaves off of the trees, and you'll just about have the trail to yourself.

The biggest thing to look out for, when riding between November and April, is to be able to get to all the services you need along the way (food, water, etc.). Some of the businesses that specifically cater to cyclists close for the winter or operate on shorter hours. Plan your route with this in mind, and maybe call a few of the stores or restaurants along your route to make sure they'll be open. Also, many of the trailhead restrooms on the western end of the trail are locked for the winter.

I try to keep up with winter closings on this website - the closed businesses will show up with "closed for the season" in red, in the various listings throughout the site.

Good luck, and enjoy your return to the states!
 
ggwbike from glasgow mt on 9/8/2006 8:59:04 PM:
I rode the western end of the Katy in February 2006 and the trail was in great shape. If the winter is dry and mild, the trail should be rideable. The Katy tends to dry more quickly than limestone trails in other parts of the Midwest after it rains. The water and restrooms at some trailheads will be closed or shut down for the season. If the weather cooperates, you will have a great time riding. Thank you for serving in Iraq. I'm planning an early November trip to the Katy myself and plan on spending a week there.
 
frank from festus on 9/10/2006 7:03:50 PM:
kb, from independence.

sorry, cannot help you on the water situation at the trail heads during the winter, just saying thank you for serving our country and protecting our way of life. God bless you, come home safe, and have a great ride. i garantee you will truly enjoy the ride. you certainly have earned it. again , thank you !!!!!!
 
Mary from Lancaster Pa on 9/27/2021 8:49:20 AM:
When do businesses along Katy Trail close for the season in general? We want to ride it the first week of November. Has anyone done that and found places to spend the night and eat? Thanks
 
Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast from Hartsburg on 9/27/2021 11:18:28 AM:
If you call early enough, like early October we will still take a reservation for the first week of November. (573) 657-5428. Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast.
 
Bill in Houston from Houston on 9/27/2021 11:35:44 AM:
I'd plot a course, and look for stops that don't seem seasonal, and then call them.

Casey's convenience stores will always be open. Some businesses may stay open just for hunting season. And some will close once the leaf/winery traffic dies down.

You'll want to carry enough food and water to last a couple of days in case things really go sideways. As sparse as resources can be in some stretches, it's not hard for me to imagine a couple of bad days in a row where the trailside amenities aren't open.

Besides that, winter ought to be a really nice, peaceful time to be out there.
 
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 9/27/2021 2:19:04 PM:
My woolly worm forecast indicates a mild winter this year, so you got that going for you.

The trailheads with running water will be closed for the winter but the trailheads with good old outhouses will remain open, always carry toilet paper just in case.
 
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 9/27/2021 3:04:51 PM:
My woolly worm forecast indicates a mild winter this year, so you got that going for you.

The trailheads with running water will be closed for the winter but the trailheads with good old outhouses will remain open, always carry toilet paper just in case.
 
Doug from Bluffton on 9/28/2021 2:11:16 PM:
The Bluffton Barn is open year round and you would be very welcome. I would suggest reservations though as that is the time of year I get to go hunting camping sitting around the fire playing music with friends. Of course, I do that all right here too.
 
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