Katy Trail -- July 2005

Rode the Katy Trail from Sedalia to St. Charles from July 18 to the 22nd. Carried camping equipment and camped along the way. Needless to say -- it was HOT! Insufferably hot. I had rode through hot and humid days recently to acclimate myself 'some', but this heat just took its toll. (And it didn't help matters that was all anyone could talk about -- the heat). I bought as much water and liquids as I could along the way, but after awhile none of it seemed to help. Still though... had a great time and learned some valuable lessons. The locals along the trail were friendly and helpful. Be careful cycling during the work week though -- some of the stores or cycle shops may be CLOSED as they are only open around the weekend days. As for my points of interest: SEDALIA TRAILHEAD - DEPOT. A good place to start and you can park your vechicle for up to 14 days in their parking lot. Don't forget to visit the gift shop -- lots of neat things in there. On down the trail and the first night of camping -- KATY ROUNDHOUSE -- A very nice shaded campground; with showers that are open all night. The restaurant though is only open on the weekends. Further on, DOTTY's CAFE in Hartsburg. Good home cooked meals and all the ice tea you can handle. Later... S.O.B's, a bar/grill in Steedman offers free camping on their front lawn, but no showers... though you're welcome to use the restsrooms while they're open. (And the beer is COLD). CHOO CHOO's FROZEN CUSTARD and CAMPING in Marthasville. Though CHOO CHOO's is still constructing their shower stall -- you can at least shower down with the lawn hose -- after 9 P.M. (They're new restroom is very clean and ready for use). Marthasville also has a gas station/convenience store with a bar/grill across the street that serves breakfast. I noticed some of these small towns along the way centered on their bar/grills... as this might be the only eating establishment in town. They're certainly put to good use by the hot and thirsty touring cyclist! My l

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I noticed some of these small towns along the way centered on their bar/grills... as this might be the only eating establishment in town. They're certainly put to good use by the hot and thirsty touring cyclist! My last stop was SUNDERMEIER RV PARK in St. Charles. Now, no matter what anyone says -- Sundermeier DOES NOT allow tent camping. And they will NOT make room for your tent either. They DO have fair-priced cabins and they were a life-saver in that regards, after the terrible heat we suffered through. They also have a fantastic restaurant on site, BEEFEATERS, and it's something that I would recommend for anyone to plan to have lunch or dinner there as a celebration of completing the Katy Trail. Excellant food and service. And lastly, but not least -- a big honorable mention to B & L SHUTTLE service out of Sedalia. I know "Bob" was super busy ... but he drove out of Sedalia to St. Charles in the dead of night to pick us up and back to the Sedalia trailhead to retrieve our vehicle. You could only dream of this type of service in this day and age (and I don't think you can find a more accomodating price for the service). Well, there it is. A great trail and ride regardless of the heat.