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One day trip
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Patty from Roanoke, IL on 3/9/2009 10:23:24 PM:
We have a group of friends with which we take a bike trip once a year. It's our turn to pick a trail, and we'd like to try Katy. None of us have been on any part of Katy Trail, and we would appreciate some input from any of you who know the trail. There will be 12 adults (ranging from avid bikers to once-a-year-peddlers) and 7 children (ranging from 7-20 years old). We usually ride a few hours, find a place to eat, and then return. On some trips we have shuttled our vehicles down the trail, but with so many that gets to be a hassle.
We're looking for a beautiful section of trail with a good place to eat after a few hours ride. Since we're from Illinois, the Eastern end would be preferable. Most likely, we will do something in St. Louis as well. Looking forward to hearing from anyone with ideas.
Thank you,
Patty
 
brad from st louis on 3/10/2009 10:29:40 AM:
I think the Rocheport area is the most scenic. I live in St Louis and while I think the east end is OK (and more interesting than the far west end), I still find the bluffs and river views of the central portion to be the best part of the trail. I've eaten at the trailside restaurant in Rocheport and one of the downtown restaurants and found the food to be good and reasonably priced.
 
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 3/10/2009 12:03:28 PM:
I totally agree with Brad, Rocheport is far and away the best area. I suggest you start in Rocheport and ride east. There are good places to eat in Rocheport and Hartsburg as well. Just a warning, the trail is HOT and HUMID in the summer. I would go April/May or late Sept/Oct.
 
Patty on 3/10/2009 10:42:30 PM:
Thank you for the replies. I guess we'll be sweating this one; as you might imagine, setting a date for six families is tough. We'll be going in MID JULY. How's that for timing? Is the trail better shaded in some areas than others? What about the Rocheport area?
 
brad from st louis on 3/11/2009 2:49:01 PM:
It's shady right around Rocheport, but for most of the trail it's shady, then wide open, then shady, and so on.
 
Anonymous on 3/12/2009 10:40:54 AM:
Take lots of gatorade and water, and make sure you drink plenty and OFTEN !!
 
jd from gkc on 3/17/2009 12:26:36 PM:
Rocheport is easy to get to right on Hwy-70. A 20-mile SE ride from there to McBaine and back might suit you all. Great food in Rocheport, too. One cafe next to the trail, two more downtown (two blocks away). One of them serves gormet lunch food, reasonably. If you want swank, the Les DeBourgeois restaurant on the hill between Rocheport and Hwy-70 can be accessed from the road or trail. Enjoy.
 
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