Reply to Trail Report from 5/19-5/20

Friend and I just rode east from Sedalia to St. Charles, and then into Washington to catch Amtrak back to KC. We've been leaning on these talk threads so wanted to share some quick recaps that might help others as they plan their Katy adventure. We somehow stayed dry for four whole days, but I fear that might not be the case looking ahead with the forecast as summer comes on.

Main takeaway? The rough midwest winter followed by persistent heavy spring rains have made the trail just a touch dodgier and rougher overall than a typical year. It's all still very passable, but I swapped from wide slick tires (38 mm) to wide grippier tires (Clemente X'Plor Ush is the brand I used).


Sedalia to Rocheport: No water from Sedalia until the Pilot Grove trailhead, some 24 miles or so. Drink up before this stretch! Cleared some branches and dodged some sticks but a nice stretch with no detours. The Rocheport tunnel opened right as we arrived on Friday, May 19.

Rocheport to McKittrick/Hermann: Bumpier, rutted past Jeff City midway, but overall fine. Saw a TON of various large snakes as we got back by the river.

Stayed in Joey's Birdhouse B&B and we had one of the best breakfasts we've had in years, along with good company and a great place to stay on the trail.

Hermann to St. Charles: A great stretch with a few minor detours. One puts you on a remote country highway for literally three seconds and is nothing to sweat, and the other brings you up a large hill and into Klondike Park for a couple miles. It's well marked through the park, scenic and free of cars.


Back in March we worried about all the detours, but now the Parks dept. seems to really be on top of them. Never hurts to have lights on your bike front and back in case flooding closes stretches where you have to go on the road and need to increase visibility. Watch those flooding reports if you're planning a trip as the river looks high and threatening in Mid-May.

Hope everyone has a great time on the trail, we certainly loved every minute of it.

I'm taking a couple of school groups next week/week after, Adam. This is *really* helpful. Thanks for posting. And let's hope we stay as dry as you did!

Frank keep your eye on the flood information on the DNR Katy Trail web site. The trail could be impacted by the recent rains (current and predicted) both along the Missouri River and northwest of the state of Missouri. If the predictions hold true, several parts of the trail along the river will be under water.

Adam, thanks for taking the time to report on conditions during your ride.