Will my road bike tires of 28mm work on the Katy Trail in September?
- + I would like to ride the Katy Trail in September. Will my road bike with 28mm tires work on the trail?
Discussion started 01/16/25 9:24:33 PM by MJ of Paonia - 1 reply (last reply by Gary Winzenburger at 01/17/25 11:36:08 AM)MJ of Paonia from Paonia, CO on 01/16/25 9:24:33 PM
I would like to ride the Katy Trail in September. Will my road bike with 28mm tires work on the trail?
Gary Winzenburger from Washington on 01/17/25 11:36:08 AM
They should, but the type of tread is important. Katy is made up of packed chat that can become muddy and slick in places after a rain, which can happen in September. I would recommend tires with good overall traction. Good luck and have fun.
Early April conditions
- + Hi,
My wife and I are planning to ride from Clinton to St Charles in early April - with flexible start date April 5th to the 15th. Leaning on starting early to be home by Easter.
I have all the...
Discussion started 01/14/25 11:10:11 AM by Dave b - 4 replies (last reply by Jerome S. Whittle at 01/16/25 11:11:06 AM)Dave b from Boca Raton, FL on 01/14/25 11:10:11 AM
Hi,
My wife and I are planning to ride from Clinton to St Charles in early April - with flexible start date April 5th to the 15th. Leaning on starting early to be home by Easter.
I have all the stops and BnBs planned and will make reservations in the next few days.
I saw some posts about weather, etc from 2019. We know it will likely be cold and maybe some rain - we did the GAP last year same timeframe and survived the cold and rain and had a very good trip.
Can someone give us an update/advice about the trail in early April, including weather, trail conditions, possible trail closures, floods, businesses/restaurants closed, and any other helpful info?
Thanks!!
Kc from Kc on 01/14/25 1:07:48 PM
April is probably the worst month to travel the trail. You will likely be fine if the weather cooperates. Otherwise, deep ruts can form and freeze. I would be prepared with 50 mm wide tires. The state does an excellent job of maintaining a smooth trail but I’m unable to tell you what month the work actually starts.
You can generally navigate anything you come across, except for a flood.
Jim from St. Thomas on 01/14/25 7:27:06 PM
If you rode the GAP in April you should be fine on the Katy. A lot of the businesses in the small towns close on Mondays so sometimes it can be hard to find a place to eat if you're picky. There is usually something like a Casey's convenience store or a bar where you can get pizza etc.
anonymous on 01/15/25 9:58:10 AM
Agree with what Jim's post.
Weather info, trail conditions, closures (trail or business) is hard to predict in mid January for 3 months out. You can keep an eye on those as your ride date approaches both here and on Missouri DNR Katy Trail website. Trail conditions and closures are often posted in both places and on this forum. We tend to contact places we'd like to visit either on their website or by phone to ensure they are open and can accommodate us.
Missouri DNR does a great job of maintaining the trail. Keep in mind it is a chat covered trail across rural Missouri...a wilderness adventure if you will with small towns dotted along the path.
Happy Trails!
Jerome S. Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 01/16/25 11:11:06 AM
The GAP has a somewhat better surface than the Katy Trail. Between Boonville and Clinton there can be some large cracks usually in the middle of the trail. I recommend the largest tires that your bike can comfortably handle with tread or even knobbies. I also recommend fenders.
On the flip side, the Katy's surface is much, much better than the C&O!
El Jalisco Restaurant
- + Very good Mexican restaurant with large portions and fair prices. The carnitas platter and guacamole were excellent!
Discussion started 10/08/24 1:03:10 PM by Kevin - 2 replies (last reply by Jerome S. Whittle at 01/07/25 11:05:10 AM)Kevin from Washington, DC on 10/08/24 1:03:10 PM
Very good Mexican restaurant with large portions and fair prices. The carnitas platter and guacamole were excellent!
Acoustic Al from Fort Collins on 01/06/25 9:12:00 PM
Agreed 100%, delicious dinner, and last June there was a great selection of cold beers, too. A pleasant walk from Kim's Cabins for us.
Jerome S. Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 01/07/25 11:05:10 AM
I also agree. I'll add that Kim's Cabins are great.
OTET Site like this?
- + Ray, I feel like I asked this recently, and you answered, but I can't find it now. Do you have a site like this for the OTET (Ohio to Erie Trail)?
Discussion started 01/01/25 9:55:47 PM by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) - 2 replies (last reply by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) at 01/06/25 5:28:45 PM)Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 01/01/25 9:55:47 PM
Ray, I feel like I asked this recently, and you answered, but I can't find it now. Do you have a site like this for the OTET (Ohio to Erie Trail)?
Ray (webmaster) on 01/03/25 8:51:38 AM
Hi Bill, I apologize for the slow reply, been out of commission for a few days.
I built a website for the Little Miami Trail at https://trailhub.com/little-miami-scenic-trail.aspx
Little Miami runs from Cincinnati to Springfield, so it overlaps much of the southwest part of the OTET.
Beyond that, I've had a requests to expand this from Little Miami to the entire OTET, so it is on my long term to-do list - maybe by sometime in the spring I would like to have an OTET offering.
Happy trails!
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 01/06/25 5:28:45 PM
Glad you're back in commission, sir.
OK, will use the Little Miami site and will look for OTET in the future perhaps.
Thanks!
Lime trail effect on chain
- + Hello,
Can anyone give me info on what effects the wet or dry lime trail had on their chain? Did you get a buildup? Did you have any problems? I’m guessing it’s a good idea to clean your chain every...
Discussion started 11/23/24 2:27:16 PM by LU - 6 replies (last reply by plaseo, STL at 01/05/25 11:11:20 AM)LU from California on 11/23/24 2:27:16 PM
Hello,
Can anyone give me info on what effects the wet or dry lime trail had on their chain? Did you get a buildup? Did you have any problems? I’m guessing it’s a good idea to clean your chain every day. Thx!
Jerry Whittle from O'Fallon Illinois on 11/24/24 1:50:59 PM
Both are rough on a chain. If it's wet, cleaning and lubing daily might help. If dry, I'd just clean and lube it once halfway through if you're doing the entire trail.
I recommend putting on a cheaper new chain shortly before the trip. Then just replacing the chain shortly after the end. That's what I've done a few times including twice on a tandem. The tandem is like changing three chains.
John Hutchins from PACIFIC on 11/24/24 3:28:50 PM
If it's dusty you will get limestone dust on your chain. Probably not much of a problem this time of year. I've never bothered to clean my chain on a Katy ride, with no problems. But others might feel differently.
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/11/24 10:46:51 AM
We ride a million billion miles on the trail and I have not noticed any crazy wear. I'd take some lube in case of rain, but otherwise, it's no biggie.
I think that the carbonates in the limestone are much softer than the silicates in sand.
Do whatever makes you the most comfortable!
Jim from St. Thomas on 12/11/24 4:11:05 PM
I agree if you're only going to ride a million billion miles you will probably not have problems. If you ride a billion billion miles I would look at investing in one of those titanium chains.
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/12/24 12:24:45 AM
I'd only go Ti if I thought I might hit a bajillion miles. ;)
plaseo from STL on 01/05/25 11:11:20 AM
Especially when it's wet I notice grit buildup on my chain and have had it get to the point my gears aren't meshing and things start clicking. I've tried all the major chain lubes and have found that RockNRoll extreme keeps the chain cleanest the longest. I am not the best with cleaning/maintenance so others who are more diligent probably have a better time. I use a flashlight to look over the chain after every ride. Since the lube has wax in it the chain will look almost like it has a matte finish and if it starts to look shiny or gritty/dirty I know it's time to relube.
Air b and b or bed and breakfasts along Katy trail looks- reasonable and on a budget
- + We are looking for accommodations in August 2025. Hoping to ride part of the Katy Trail I’m looking for something quaint and very close to the trail. We may want to bike along the trail and then stay ...
Discussion started 12/22/24 9:54:04 AM by Hannah and Tom - 5 replies (last reply by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) at 12/30/24 4:28:16 PM)Hannah and Tom from Venice florids on 12/22/24 9:54:04 AM
We are looking for accommodations in August 2025. Hoping to ride part of the Katy Trail I’m looking for something quaint and very close to the trail. We may want to bike along the trail and then stay at another section of the Katy Trail. Does anyone have any information on Accommodations besides hotels?
Thanks!!
Bill R. from Wentzville on 12/22/24 10:25:38 AM
Kim's Cabins in Windsor are very cool and super clean. Walking distance to the trail. The proprietor couldn't be any more friendly and helpful. Rocheport has lodging very close to the trail, also.
anonymous on 12/22/24 4:21:38 PM
This website has a lot of information on accommodations.
Have a look at the trip planner and search for lodging at the towns you wish to stay in.
Mark on 12/23/24 9:54:44 AM
White Wolf Inn
MM 105 Rhineland Mo.
contact mark at 636-359-0852
Scotty Mac from OKC on 12/23/24 11:24:17 AM
Joe's Birdhouse in McKittrick, trial side.
Happy Apples Bicycle Bunkhouse in Marthasville, very near trail.
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/30/24 4:28:16 PM
Go to the "Trip Planner" tab, and select Lodging only. You'll get lots of choices. Drop back in if you have a question about a particular place.
- + Planning a trip to ride from Clinton to Machens but looking for optional routes to get me back to Clinton....any ideas welcome.
Discussion started 12/16/24 2:59:50 PM by onemoremile - 1 reply (last reply by Ronald Roberson at 12/17/24 9:55:58 AM)onemoremile from SALT LAKE CITY on 12/16/24 2:59:50 PM
Planning a trip to ride from Clinton to Machens but looking for optional routes to get me back to Clinton....any ideas welcome.
Ronald Roberson from Plano on 12/17/24 9:55:58 AM
I biked into St Louis (crossing the river at Alton) from Machens and took Amtrak to Sedalia and biking back to Clinton. You can also take the train from Kirkwood.
A Sweet Expression in Pleasant Hill
- + Is sweet expressions still open. I meed to stop in on Tuesday the q7th of December
Discussion started 12/14/24 7:16:47 PM - 0 repliesanonymous on 12/14/24 7:16:47 PM
Is sweet expressions still open. I meed to stop in on Tuesday the q7th of December
Chillhowee City Park Camping in Chilhowee
- + 12/12/2024
I contacted one of two part-time City of Chillhowee employees for info about the Chilhowee City Park. Their phone number is 660-678-2081. I was informed that camping is free. Drinking...
Discussion started 12/12/24 3:23:38 PM by Bill - 2 replies (last reply by Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins at 12/14/24 9:32:22 AM)Bill from Kansas City on 12/12/24 3:23:38 PM
12/12/2024
I contacted one of two part-time City of Chillhowee employees for info about the Chilhowee City Park. Their phone number is 660-678-2081. I was informed that camping is free. Drinking water and Porta-Potties are available. There is a "cafe" in the city (population of about 300) with a limited breakfast, lunch items, and sandwiches,the latter of which are available in a cooler. I also was informed that there has been a dispute between the "corp", which I guess is the entity reponsible for the Katy Trail, and a private individual whose land the Katy Trail allegedly crosses over. The dispute is reportedly nearing resolution and, if so, the corp has proposed installing showers and toilets at some time in the future. I intend on camping there sometime in March, 2024 so things might have changed by then. Good luck.
Bill R. from Wentzville on 12/13/24 10:00:03 AM
Is the dispute about the KATY Trail or the Rock Island Trail? The KATY is 20 miles east of Chilhowee running through Windsor and to the southwest. I believe the RI intersects the KATY just a little northeast of Windsor. I'm not aware of a land use issue there.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 12/14/24 9:32:22 AM
You'd be referring to Chilhowee on the Rock Island Trail State Park between Pleasant Hill and Windsor. For anyone looking for the "cafe" there's a FB page Hometown Convenience Store. It would be Missouri State Parks who maintains that. Hmm haven't heard anything about improvements there but maybe we'll hear more
Forums
- + Hi, this is for Ray, the webmaster. Can you add a forum to the Paul Bunyan Trail and NETT websites? I have researched both trails and found a few current but mainly older reviews. It would be great to...
Discussion started 11/26/24 8:11:26 AM by Cindy Q - 2 replies (last reply by Cindy Q at 12/11/24 12:20:10 PM)Cindy Q from Fort Worth on 11/26/24 8:11:26 AM
Hi, this is for Ray, the webmaster. Can you add a forum to the Paul Bunyan Trail and NETT websites? I have researched both trails and found a few current but mainly older reviews. It would be great to be able to get up-to-date feedback on the conditions of the trails.
Ray (webmaster) on 12/10/24 6:01:25 PM
Thank you for the suggestion Cindy. The reason that the NETT and Paul Bunyan sites do not have a forum, all comes down to the amount of visitors on those websites.
The NETT website only gets about 10% the number of visitors that the Katy Trail site gets. Unfortunately in situations like that, a forum would probably end up with just a handful of questions and few or no answers. It's depressing to go to a forum and see that the last post is several months old.
Similar situation with the Paul Bunyan site. It's a popular trail, but that website has not been on the web for very long, and it takes years for search engines to start directing serious amounts of traffic.
Having said all that, I'll try to get a forum added to the NETT site before the next season starts. A Paul Bunyan Forum is further in the future, but it will eventually have enough visitors to justify a forum.
Thanks and happy trails!
Cindy Q from Fort Worth on 12/11/24 12:20:10 PM
Thank you for explaining why there isn't a forum for the other websites. I saw firsthand about a few questions asked with little or n response. I saw it on the Mickelson site when I was planning that ride. Thank you, too, for the work you put into maintaining the websites and answering questions.
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Forums
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=14035&tonly=1 E Bikes
- + Looking to purchase a new e-bike in the early Spring. I've not owned one previously. I'm not interested in an on-line purchase. I've done quite a bit of research. I have a shop in mind. Models I'...
Discussion started 12/02/24 12:14:28 PM by Bill R. - 1 reply (last reply by John Hutchins at 12/03/24 1:22:34 PM)Bill R. from Wentzville on 12/02/24 12:14:28 PM
Looking to purchase a new e-bike in the early Spring. I've not owned one previously. I'm not interested in an on-line purchase. I've done quite a bit of research. I have a shop in mind. Models I've researched are: Denago; Specialized; Giant; and Aventon. I ride quite a bit. I'm looking for a pedal-assist. I ride the KATY mostly and I've seen all of the aforementioned models on my rides. Anyone have any first-hand knowledge? Mid-drive vs. hub-drive seems to be the wild card. Thank you.
John Hutchins from PACIFIC on 12/03/24 1:22:34 PM
I bought a Trek ebike last year and love it. I live in the St Louis area and bought and had it shipped from a shop in Ashville NC because they had the one I wanted. The dealer said you can't go wrong with a bike from what he called the big three, Trek, Specialized and Giant. I have a Bosch hub motor which would always be my choice over a hub drive. But I'm not sure it matters that much. FWIW, Yamaha is getting out of ebikes in the US and has some great deals right now. I was very close to buying a Yamaha but backed off because their dealer network is weak to non-existent for ebikes. But they make great bikes with good components. You might want to look into those and maybe talk to a LBS about taking care of it when needed.
post to Facebook
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E Bikes
https://bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?tid=14038&tonly=1 Safe overnight parking in St. Charles
- + Looking for safe overnight parking in St. Charles. Comfort Inn & Suites? Suggestions?
Discussion started 11/30/24 1:06:11 PM by Hiker Largo - 2 replies (last reply by Anne Reed at 12/02/24 9:24:34 AM)Hiker Largo from Columbus,Indiana on 11/30/24 1:06:11 PM
Looking for safe overnight parking in St. Charles. Comfort Inn & Suites? Suggestions?
Scotty Mac from OKC on 12/01/24 10:02:46 AM
Country Inn & Suites is a great place to stay. Ive stayed there twice after completing the ride.
It’s clean, safe, the staff was friendly and its right by the trail. Included breakfast is pretty good too!
Anne Reed from Phoenix on 12/02/24 9:24:34 AM
Oh yes. Country Inn. Every year, every time. The best people and place. Safest parking.
Turner Shelter Winter Reservations
- + The Turner Katy Trail Shelter in Tebbetts has been closed to walk-in traffic for the winter. Bikers wanting to stay at the shelter will need to contact the office a week in advance.
Discussion started 11/27/24 4:53:57 PM by Jim - 0 repliesJim from St. Thomas on 11/27/24 4:53:57 PM
The Turner Katy Trail Shelter in Tebbetts has been closed to walk-in traffic for the winter. Bikers wanting to stay at the shelter will need to contact the office a week in advance.
Weather/Best time of year to do the entire trail?
- + Any advise on the best time of year to bike the entire trail from St. Louis to KC?
Discussion started 11/24/24 8:28:41 PM by Burke on Bike - 7 replies (last reply by Cathy from Churchill at 11/27/24 12:20:38 AM)Burke on Bike from San Diego, CA on 11/24/24 8:28:41 PM
Any advise on the best time of year to bike the entire trail from St. Louis to KC?
patrick from Overland park ks on 11/25/24 7:39:31 AM
mid october
Scotty Mac from OKC on 11/25/24 7:50:34 AM
Indeed, I've ridden the Katy twice, both in mid to late October. Beautiful weather. During the last few days of the end of October ride in '23 we did get a little rain and it got a little chilly. But, overall, it was great weather.
Jerry Whittle from O'Fallon Illinois on 11/25/24 9:28:48 AM
I've ridden the trail 11 times end-to-end. June mostly and it was hot and sometimes wet.
Mid-October was OK except it was wet and one morning there was frost on the tent.
The one time that I rode in September, there was one morning that was cool and very foggy. Other than that, perfect. Of course YMMV.
Deby Elliott from Dallas on 11/26/24 6:21:03 AM
For my, September (or May) is better than October, but of course every year varies. The problem with waiting until October - well there's a couple of problems. First and foremost is once the leaves really start falling they cover the trail entirely. If there is any moisture they get a little slick. But the worst part is they cover the inevitable cracks and ridges in the trail, so you are riding blind to the surface you are on. I found this messed tremendously with my confidence as a rider. The other main reason is that Octoberfest time brings in so many people, and I prefer a quieter rather than party like atmosphere.
Bill R. from Wentzville on 11/26/24 6:56:12 AM
Deby, You are spot on. If you're trying to maintain a pace, then it can affect that a lot. I find myself slowing markedly when I can't see the actual trail surface. Hitting a layer of wet leaves can easily dump your bike thus ruining your ride by either injury or bike damage or both. I don't mind the heat so I ride all season long. Happy trails.
Burke on Bike from San Diego,CA on 11/26/24 3:26:48 PM
Thank you everyone for your replies! Sounds like Sept or early Oct is best. May sounds like a viable choice as well. I'm planning the trip for next year and so will probably go in May since I don't want to wait till the fall for my annual bike trip.
Cathy from Churchill from Churchill, PA on 11/27/24 12:20:38 AM
Another thing about riding the Katy Trail in September and October is that if you are planning to stay in B&Bs, Air B&Bs in local towns or hotels in the vicinity of Columbia you might be competing with people coming in for football games. And if there is a big game the same weekend as Oktober Fest or the Hartsburg Pumpkin Fest, then it's even more challenging to find a place to stay.
May is good. There can be some rainy weather, and even temperatures in the 50s and 60s. But if you wear layers and have rain gear you'll be fine. There won't be as many people on the Katy, and the leaf problem others mentioned won't be an issue.
Enjoy planning your ride, and doing your ride. It's a wonderful trail, the best I've ridden.