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Mark Rovenstine from Dallas, TX on 7/14/2021 5:55:09 PM:
I have cycled the Katy Trail about 8 times and just completed my latest ride. The trail this year is in the worst condition of any ride I've taken. There were hundreds of washouts that seem to occur because the ditches have not been maintained or cleaned out and when filled up with dirt and debris, the water backs up and can't drain and then, spills over the trail and damages the trail. I have never seen it so bad. Many cuts in the trail were a foot deep. The bridge 3 miles east of Rocheport is so washed out you should not count and ANY work around other than to take Highway 40 to get to Rocheport. Trust me, I tried and it's impossible. There is one long hill to climb but once on top, it is not a bad ride into Rocheport. I recommend the School House B&B in Rocheport. The new owner, Andy, was a great host. And IF you ike some nice dinning, go to Abigails for dinner. Reservations are required and Andy can make them for you. Hotel Frederick in Boonville and the Globe Inn at Hartsburg I also recommend. And IF, you like adventure and want to meet the "old man on the trail" you need to stay in Bluffton with Doug at the Old Barn. Doug is a very interesting guy and you will never forget him. He'll take good care of you.

 
Deron from Boonville on 7/15/2021 7:52:08 AM:
The Katy Trail was actually in great shape until two weeks ago. Torrential downpour brought us _over_ 12 inches of rain. We actually had bricks in the middle of our gravel road which had been washed out of the ditch (who knew we had bricks in the ditch!) and pushed into the road. We had leaks (plural) in our roof, standing water in the basement and in ponds in the yard that we have never seen hold water before.

Karen C (another local) posted a photo of the bridge near McBaine after the storm. The bridge had sticks poking through the guard rail (yes, the water had been over the bridge) and the gravel up to the bridge had been washed such she had to climb nearly 3 feet to get on the bridge.

Obviously these serious problems are being addressed first. Sorry for them because they had just come through and brought in gravel even in places that didn't really need it and cleaned out ditches etc. The sections along the Missouri river are beautiful, but they are a nightmare to maintain.

We would all like to see the bridge replaced east of Rocheport, but supposedly it requires engineering and special budget bill from the state. If you get a chance, leave a nice note with them and prod them on the bridge. Hope we see you on trip number 9!

 
MapMedic from KCMO on 7/15/2021 1:04:48 PM:
Mark: Is this the route you took? I copied this from a post after yours. Looks like a nice gravel ride despite the elevation.
https://goo.gl/maps/JWgKXBqu7tZ4QASW6

 
Doug from Bluffton on 7/15/2021 4:36:18 PM:
Thanks Mark! Good to know the youngsters still appreciate me.

 
Goodnightx2 from Edmond, OK on 7/19/2021 9:00:11 AM:
We rode to Rocheport yesterday via the MKT Tail from Columbia. A bit rough and messy right when we joined the Katy at the trailhead but otherwise smooth going and gorgeous. The bridge is out WEST of Rocheport so if you are coming from the east, Rocheport is accessible as is that cute Merriweather Cafe and bike shop for a good meal! Oh, one warning: the mosquitoes are fierce! Bring bug spray!!

 
Goodnightx2 from Edmond, OK on 7/19/2021 1:10:29 PM:
We rode to Rocheport yesterday via the MKT Tail from Columbia. A bit rough and messy right when we joined the Katy at the trailhead but otherwise smooth going and gorgeous. The bridge is out WEST of Rocheport so if you are coming from the east, Rocheport is accessible as is that cute Merriweather Cafe and bike shop for a good meal! Oh, one warning: the mosquitoes are fierce! Bring bug spray!!

 
Steve m from Boynton Beach fl on 7/26/2021 8:56:26 PM:
From Boonville to Jefferson City,how is the rehabilitation of the trail progressing? Are the crews in the midst of repairs?
We are planning on riding through in mid August and hoping to get your all’s insights.
Thank you