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Tom from Baton Rouge LA on 3/10/2012 3:42:12 PM:
Wife & I are trying to plan a 3 or so day trip in late March/early April. Not "athletic" riders but do ride often. Looking at about 20 miles/day and overnight at B&Bs. How scenic is the Mokane to Defiance section? Mileage breakdown looked about right in that stretch but don't know about scenery (bluffs etc...). Any help appreciated.
 
Anonymous from St. Charles, MO on 3/10/2012 8:06:35 PM:
Mokane to Defiance is along the northern edge of the river bottom and fairly flat. No bluffs, just tree tunnels, woods to the north and river bottom farm land to the south. Some stretches are completely open but mosty tree lined. A couple bridges and a tunnel. If you have Google Earth (free) you can see.
 
Newbie on 3/10/2012 8:17:21 PM:
Not sure if this figures in your plans, but 20 miles on the Katy does not equal 20 miles on the pavement: The limestone chat slows you down regardless of your level of fitness. You may want to consider some out-and-backs instead. I highly recommend "The Little House" B&B in Marthasville. From there, you could travel east for towns/bars/civilization, and west for solitude with some river views.
 
Anonymous on 3/10/2012 8:21:15 PM:
I really like the 25 mile section from Rocheport to Hartsburg. Places to stay and places to eat on both ends. (Lots of other folks like this section as well, so I would make reservations early.)

Enjoy the KATY!
 
Doug from Bluffton on 3/10/2012 9:37:54 PM:
There are several sections with bluffs between Mokane and Defiance. There are some only a few miles east of Mokane and some of the most photographed are just west of Rhineland close to the aptly named town of Bluffton. There are more just a few miles east of McKittrick as well. All are quite scenic but some are right on the river and give more perspective on the rivers effect to the land.
 
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 3/11/2012 5:17:16 PM:
Something to consider is that if you are accustomed to riding 20 miles, you may actually be able to do quite a bit more on the Katy. Not that it is an easier ride (probably isn't), but you will have all day to do it, which you rarely get at home. You might even find yourself doing a leisurely 20mi in the morning, having lunch, then another 20 in the afternoon.
 
Tom from Baton Rouge LA on 3/11/2012 10:08:24 PM:
Just want to thank everyone for the great information. Got a 3 piece pannier for my bike and rigged up an old XBox carrying case as a handlebar bag for Sue's bike. Our latest bicycles are Electra Coasters - you know - old people bikes. We replaced the already large seats with truly GIGANTIC ones. They're very comfortable but I think they may almost qualify as furniture. Did a 15 mile - 3 hour (asphalt) ride a couple of weeks ago on the Tammany Trace Rails to Trails offering here in Louisiana with no problem. Anyway, we'll be making reservations soon and we're getting more excited daily. Thanks again!
 
Pistolero45 from Columbia on 3/12/2012 12:13:37 PM:
I agree with Bikerboy. 20 miles for an entire day is rather light. Most people average between 8 and 11 miles per hour, which figures in stops to rest, take photos, etc.
 
Joey Los from McKittrick, Mo on 3/18/2012 9:43:52 PM:
Stay in McKittrick at Joey's Birdhouse travel east 1/2 day beautiful ride, lunch at Treolar, back to McKittrick. Also nice easy ride to Portland to the west 16 miles either way. Hope to see you in McKittrick.
 
High Street Victorian B&B from Boonville on 3/19/2012 6:52:48 PM:
If you're looking for a B&B in Boonville, The High Street Victorian, is a wonderful place close to the trail. We will take great care of you!
 
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