Reply to 2019 Missouri Parks KATY Trail Ride

The 2019 Missouri Parks KATY Trail Ride is due to start in the middle of June. In looking at projected flooding, which generally does not go to far out ahead, the projections were updated in the last day that shows flood levels will be at the highest rate so far on June 8. While water could recede rapidly under the right conditions, the aftermath of flooding can take much longer in regards to siltation, mud, washouts, and cleanliness. Often the smell of a flood lingers for quite awhile. One of the campsite locations is presently under water and according to projections will remain underwater until after June 8, which could be updated at any time to be even longer. Frontier Park where the ride was to end and many vehicles parked, is closed due to flooding. I realize further arrangements can be made in regards to campsite and parking locations as well a rerouting to riding on the road. However, the general character in regards to what is expected on this ride will likely be different. I am seriously concerned about whether or not the ride will be as positive an experience. I know the Summer Olympics in the area have already been cancelled. It would seem that priority involving recovery efforts is now #1 and that possibly it would be best to postpone this year’s ride.

I'm starting to get seriously worried about it too. I haven't heard anything from parks about a cancelation or postponement, but it wouldn't surprise me. While the current NOAA forecast is for the river to drop back under flood stage around June 8, it doesn't take into account forecasted precipitation more than 24 hours out. We will get more (it's already in the forecast for this weekend). Even if the river drops enough to uncover trail on June 8, that only gives them 9 days to clean it up. The parks department is currently busy cleaning up tornado debris last I heard.

sections of the trail have already been underwater this year. It had just dropped back under flood stage west of the Jeff City trailhead ~1 week before the current flood. Some spots were VERY rough. Some were blocked by fallen trees. Sections of the trail east of the Jeff trailhead were unpassable.

oh pineapples from Jefferson City, so sorry you all are having to go through this and hoping a sense of normalcy will return as soon as possible. Just checked the NOAA forecast which has been updated through June 11 and shows all gauges at moderate flooding level east of Jefferson City to St. Charles with Jefferson City still showing heavy flooding level.

Like oh pineapples, I'm getting worried also. It's to be my ninth year on the ride plus I bought a new gravel bike. Hopefully things dry out by then. I'm sure that the good people at the DNR are more worried than I am.

This will not help the MO Parks ride, but "generally" the last 3 weeks of July are dry and, of course, hot. This is when I am planning my cross-state ride from KC. Exceptions to this pattern were 2006 (Hurricane Dennis remnants) and 1993, in which the flood finally crested on August 1st.

Given the current weather patterns though, dry weather does not guarantee a delightful ride. Mosquitoes will be a problem for a couple months. But I have to ride for my sanity!

I spoke with the parks department this morning. They are still planning on having the ride, but will re-evaluate a possible cancellation on Friday. I'm assuming they want to see what this weekends precipitation will do to forecasted river levels. The crest has now been bumped to 33 feet Fri-Mon. 34 feet will cause major traffic problems as they close sections of the highways (63&50).

I'm starting to go a bit nuts too. I had worked my way up to some fairly long rides to prepare for this. I hate road biking, because everything around here is 55 mph rural highways. But I don't know what else to do.

I could see riding Clinton, Sedalia, Boonville, then out to where the flooding starts. Turn around and head back to Clinton with maybe Windsor to Pleasant Hill on the Rock Island Trail added in. That could make for 5 days of riding. Of course some of the most scenic parts of the Katy along the bluffs would be missed.

Logistically it might be crazy hard to do at the last minute.

They would have to make arrangements for those of us who bussed from St. Charles to get back. I'd probably just drive my car to Clinton in that case.

Just a thought.

I just received email that the 2019 State Park Ride is cancelled.

It's on the ride web page also:

https://mostateparks.com/2019ktride

Missouri State Parks and the Missouri State Park Foundation are canceling the 2019 Katy Trail Ride set to begin
June 17. At this time, nearly 100 miles of Katy Trail State Park are closed due to flooding. For more information, email katytrailride@gmail.com or call Missouri State Parks toll-free at 800-334-6946. Check back to this page in the coming weeks for follow-up information.

Maybe the follow-up info will be about rescheduling.