Don&Sue from Nebraska on 10/1/2007 10:18:51 PM:
Cliff Manor is a great place for a Katy Trail cyclist. Our Riverview Suite included complimentary snacks and cold drinks and a very, very comfortable bed. Hospitality and service are first rate and not
intrusive.
We took advantage of the Deluxe Katy Trail package, including a cyclist's "goody bag" in the room (including some Aleve) and a sack lunch as we rode away.
Thom doesn't seem to be a cyclist himself but he has certainly done his homework about what a cyclist wants and needs. Bikes are well cared for and the frozen water bottles keep you thinking fondly of his hospitality far down the trail.
Breakfast was good enough to ask Thom where he got his sausage and what was the recipe for the wonderful "sauce" on the pancakes. We also had Thom prepare dinner for us at the B&B, so after our long day of riding we just walked down the steps to a fine dinner and then back up the stairs to bed. Perfect. Thom cares a lot about food.
By the way, we came over the bridge with no particular difficulty. From the North Jefferson trailhead take the spur off to the right until you get to the parking lot. Ahead of you is a overpass as you look toward the Capitol. Head off to your right a bit then back over the overpass to the "wrong" side of the busy highway, then head down the offramp and onto the bridge. The bike lane is six feet wide but you are riding against the traffic. An experienced road cyclist should have no problems but Thom is very happy to ferry people to and from the trailhead. On the other side of the bridge keep left at the first street then turn left and head back up the short hill. Cliff Manor is the large white house just ahead on your right.
We were looking for a base for future Katy Trail rides, in both directions, and are happy to have found this place. The Amtrak station is just a few blocks away. We've already discussed the logistics of bookending a multi-day ride with two stays at Cliff Manor.