Reply to Fabulous Trip on the Katy Trail

Three of us recently rode the whole trail, starting in Clinton and finishing up in St. Charles (one of us completed the out-and-back to Machens). We had a wonderful trip, with the exception of one day when it rained the entire day. Riding that crushed rock trail was a challenge in the rain and we learned that fenders are a must! One thing we noticed, however, was that getting food in these small communities along the trail was sometimes a challenge. We pulled into Augusta, for example, on a Monday night. There were no places open to get dinner, or breakfast the next morning. The restaurants and wineries all closed on Monday! The Augusta Brewery (great place, BTW) closed at 6pm. Fortunately, our host at the Weinstrasse Cabins brought us some cheese, sausage and crackers or else we would've been out of luck. Do want to give kudos to a couple of folks who provided us some fantastic service along the trip. First, Joey Los and Rich Lauer, who run Joey's Birdhouse in McKittrick - the best lodging we had along the trail and the best hot breakfast. Joey's a chef and that meal was one of the best we had in Missouri! Also, we ran into some problems with our shuttle from St. Charles back to Clinton. The driver's car had some mechanical issues and we were left stranded right outside St. Charles. Thankfully, Barb and Roy Gokenbach with Show Me MO Tours were able to pick us up at the last minute and drive us to Clinton - great folks to work with! Finally, I was able to get a copy of Brett Dafur's new edition of The Katy Trail Guidebook before we started our ride and this proved to be an invaluable resource along the trail.

Deb, I am glad you enjoyed your ride. Since you have a copy (and I do to) of Brett's book, he does mentions some of the reduced services in the fall for trailhead closing, B&Bs and local restaurants and businesses. Having an organized tour is also a big benefit for first timers too. But being from Boulder roughing it a little is fun too. Not as hilly I imagine too? Now that you are "hooked" I am sure you will return.

Deb, If you three are who I think you are, my wife and I were on the KATY at the same time as you all and we ran into each other several times, though not literally. Glad to see you finished and that you enjoyed your ride. We had already heard about the Monday thing and since we preferred to camp as much as possible we were carrying food, stove, etc... We camped at Klondike Park our last night out and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Katy Trail is a real jewel and we have recommended it to our friends. As for ourselves, we are now planning for next year's Southern Tier. Happy Riding.