Rock Island Trail Forum

Can anyone reccomend a minimum tire size for the ride?

No offense Andy M, but this question is kind of like walking up to an Amish barn raisin’ and asking for Mr. Yoder. You may have to supply a few more details to get the response that will help you the most.

Andy,

It really depends on trail conditions. We've ridden 700 x 28 slicks on the tandem without concern...the trail was dry and in good condition.

We've also ridden the half-bikes with 700 x 38 inverted tread without concern...in conditions where the trail was not completely dry and ideal.

As long as you're are not riding when the trail is very wet and tracking, if you stay in the track and out of the loose chat the tire size doesn't matter all that much. Although, if you ride covering the whole trail width and/or you are going after a rain/in the rain and can't resist the urge to plow through those huge 29'r tire may be the ticket for you.

Such a wonderful place to stay! Very clean, comfortable and homey. If you are passing through, be sure and stay here! Home cooked breakfast is included and is amazing!

I have only shopped here a few times. I asked if the produce was organic and I was told that all their produce was organic. So I took them at their word. I got home today with my produce and found that the apples I had bought were not organic. Probably my fault for not checking but then again I was told their goods were safe to consume. Wondering now if they have Apeel sprayed on them. I asked that too. A word to the wise, if your farmer doesn’t know his source then neither do you!

Is there a better place to find parking locations along the trail? Crossroads\Intersections? The maps do not do a good job of showing these locations.

Try this: If you want to find parking in Hartsburg, MO, use google maps, enter Katy Trail Hartsburg Trailhead. Have your google maps set on satellite view. Then you should see the trailhead with parking. You can zoom in, if you see cars parked and it is labeled as the Katy Trail, you should be able to park there.

However, it may not be a place you want to park overnight. If that's what you are looking for, come back to this site and ask for more advice.

I want to take the train from Kirkwood to Independence and take the trail back to St. Louis. Has anyone ever done this before? How do you get to the trail from the train station? How many miles did you average daily. Any advice?

I did the opposite, I rode to StL and Amtrak’d back. You have three train stations to choose from in the KC area. Independence would be the least desirable in my opinion due to distance, lack of good bike routes and other factors including it’s not near the Rock Island trail. Lees Summit would be a better option because it’s not very far to the Rock. Also if you’re not aware there is something called the Greenwood Gap where the Jackson county section of the Rock ends in lees summit and the state park begins in Pleasant Hill. This gap is approximately 10 miles. You’ll ride on mostly rural roads between the two unless you choose the wrong route which is MO-291 to MO-150. The safest way involves getting to Hamblen Road from trails end then meandering down to Greenwood then to P Hill. I’m on my phone and unable to share a map. Another option which adds some scenery is riding Amtrak to Union Station in KC. There is a “cycleway” from Pershing and Gillham road all the way down to Brush Creek and then you can hop on that trail and ride east to within about two miles from Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums where the Jackson county portion of the Rock Island begins. You would then ride that trail I think 16 miles down to the other side of Lees Summit. At that point you’d do the Greenwood Gap thing. If you do the Union Station destination after you’ve gone south to Brush Creek you could then go west about a mile to see the Country Club Plaza since it’s one of our city features. Happy trails!

Had an awesome stay here! It was a great price and yummy breakfast! The couple was so sweet and fun as well! It was nice to feel so at home!

Doesn’t appear to be open, and the phone numbers directed us straight to voicemail.

A Most excellent B&B! Very hospitable hosts. Accomodations were excellent. I would stay there again and again. BTW it is nice to have a B&B that actually has a breakfast (and it was a good one); the other places should just be labeled as a B!

We are planning a trip to ride the Katy Trail in September. We only have 3 days to ride. What is the most scenic section of the trail to ride? We will be riding west to east.

Is the weather generally nice for riding in mid Sept?

We've always thought the most scenic is Rocheport and Bluffton areas along the limestone bluffs. Rocheport and Hermann are worth a visit.

Lodging often fills in the outlying areas of Columbia on MU football weekends. As always, plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

September is a good time to ride weather-wise...generally past the hottest days in July and August.

Considering your post title "best section of trail for e-bikes" Booneville towards Pilot Grove has several long grades that would make an e-bike nice to have on Lard Hill in Booneville.

I recommend starting in Boonville especially if you like views of rivers and bluffs.

Mid-September was the best weather of all my 11 tours of the Katy. It was dry and had great temps. Of course it could be completely different for you.

I am happy tell everyone we will be offering
a apartment for rent for overbite stays and have camp sites with electric and water available should be up and running by August 1st for more info email is katherinewendel2891@gmail.com

Glad that lodging along the trail is finally available to cyclists with common dental occulsions.

Katherine; Thanks so much for the info, and maybe unintentionally injecting some humor into the forum. Green Ridge seems to be a good spot to stop for the late starters from Clinton. I'm planning a trip end of September, so I will be interested to see if your projected startup stays on schedule. Best of luck.

We biked half of the Trail, round trip, and stayed at the Lindenhof both ways. Both of our stays with Kathy were fantastic - the rooms are lovely and thoughtfully appointed with everything we needed (and more!), and the breakfasts were WONDERFUL. Highly recommend!

What are the lodging options in Hartsburg now? I heard the Globe was not open any longer - loved staying there in the past with Leaia & Mark.
Anything close by? Before you get the Jeff City.

We want to ride the trail with our small Australian Shepherd, Odin, who rides in a pannier. I have been looking at the services that do planning, shuttle, and luggage transfer but they do not seem to be able to accommodate our pup! I could make reservations and arrange a shuttle myself but the luggage transfer seems to be the piece that I am missing. We are 80 years old, want to do a six day trip, and one of us can’t carry panniers with gear. Any suggestion?

I think one of you could probably carry your change of clothes for both. I’ve done the trail 4 times and each time I know I could have carried way less. You need only one change of clothes each as you can usually get a B&B with a washer dryer. You really don’t need actual luggage. Toiletries are available where you stay. Just a thought unless you have special things you need and they are heavy. Best places to stay include Maxine’s in Sedalia, Doll House BB in Rhineland, and Katy Trail Cottage in Jefferson City. Also Applegate BB in Augusta. All have washer dryers. Hotel Frederick in Boonville is awesome as well but you’ll have to hand wash your clothes. Best of luck. It’s a blast. It’s the best trip ever.

Is the trail now complete between booneville and rocheport or do you have to ride on the highway for a bit?

I did Rocheport to New Franklin Sunday and that piece was open.

Has it been closed?

It was closed a year or two ago to replace a bridge. But that's long since been replaced.

We are traveling across country and wanting to do 2 out and back days from Rocheport. We cant find any bike rental that will reserve our bikes or allow us to keep them for two days in rocheport. Walts in Columbia was very nice and a great option but does anyone have info how to get to the trail from the shop? I think there is a U of Mo trail that connects. Or other ideas?

I believe you are talking about the MKT Fitness Trail. It starts in Columbia off Fourth Street behind the Flat Branch Pub & Brewing. It connects to the Katy Trail at Hindman Junction. Going east from there takes you to McBaine, going west takes you to Rocheport.

And this web page has a map of the MKT trail:
https://bikekatytrail.com/mkt-nature-and-fitness-trail.aspx

What is the status of getting from Dutzow to Washington across the bridge? Is there a bike lane on bridge? Shuttle? Taxi? Would prefer not to ride across in car lane if at all possible. Thanks.

There was a recent discussion on this and a person who lives there says the bridge is open but bike path is not complete and open yet. There is a 10 foot shoulder next to the travel lanes for cars on the bridge, so you wouldn’t be traveling in lane with cars. Keep in mind if you are really afraid of traveling around cars that the route from the trail to the bridge is along a hiway with a shoulder and some of the riding in towns will be around cars.

Does the bridge connecting Dutzow and Washington have a a bike/pedestrian lane at this time? Just looking into lodging in Washington only if a bike lane is complete.

The bike lane is not open and won't be open until mid-2019. I don't think MoDOT has given a date. However the new bridge has 10-ft shoulders which are fine for bike riding. Highway 47 south from Dutzow has 8-ft shoulders and this is a busy highway. It is doable though not ideal in my opinion. I live in this area and would have no concerns at all crossing the new bridge on the wide shoulders, but am not a big fan of the Highway 47 stretch with the narrow shoulders and high traffic.

Augusta Bottom Road is an option, though this is a gravel road that is also pretty highly trafficked. In dry weather the gravel gets extremely dusty and really is not a good option. It is tempting to take this route because it is a more direct route to / from Augusta on the Katy Trail, but it too is not ideal.

I was on the bridge today (in a car en route to Marthasville trailhead). Hank explains the situation very well. My only extra comment is that one needs to be careful getting onto or off the bridge (with nice wide shoulder) given the construction. The shoulder currently disappears on both ends, so one may need to wait for a break in cars to get on or off the bridge safely.

If you prefer to shuttle, give Revolutions Cycles or Hoeffel Haus B&B in Washington a call. They both will shuttle bicyclists to/from the Katy Trail and Washington.

Riding from Dutzow to Washington was pretty easy for us (on a sunny day). The bridge has a separated bike lane. The highway leading up to it was busy, with some trucks, but has a pretty good bike lane/shoulder. The other option we used was the Augusta bottom road. That was pretty terrible. Gravel of all sizes and a washboard effect on a lot if it. I don't recommend it.

Kind of an ancient thread until the last post, but would agree 100% that riding from Dutzow to Washington on Highway 92, then 47 to Washington is far preferable to the Augusta Bottom Road. I rode this last June '23 when the shoulders had just been surfaced on 92 and 47; hadn't been striped then but must be by now. Shoulders are about 3 or 4 ft wide, and there is steady traffic on both highways, but once you're at the bridge it's a totally separate bike lane. So, if you don't like riding in traffic, this is not going to be to your liking. A beautiful crossing once you get to the bridge. You will also be riding in traffic in Washington pretty much everywhere. Can't comment on riding west to old town; went east to the Best Western, a really nice place and bike-friendly. Just be aware that if you're riding on 5th to the BW, the last hill (about 1/2 mile from the hotel) is a real beast. It sneaks up on you since 5th from the highway intersection in town until that point is a nice gentle downhill. It would be nice to have a short connector from the bridge lane to the river bike trail; you'll see it as you cross to Washington; maybe some day. Nice restaurants and B&Bs on the west side, but the streets are somewhat narrow. I've seen some comments where riders travel toward traffic when riding paved roads (facing oncoming traffic). That works for walkers, but is a terrible idea when riding a bike. You're operating a vehicle, and the best thing is to have a rear blinking light, as bright as you can get. Happy trails.

This was a last minute stay and we were very happy that they were able to accommodate us. Nice place, nice town.

I'm doing the Katy from west to east, beginning July 1st. I'll spend my second night in Rocheport. Formerly from the St. Louis area, I've been to Rocheport many times and love it. However, I understand my favorite restaurant, Abigail's, which used to be a real institution has closed. Are there currently any restaurants operating weeknights in Rocheport? Many thanks.

I’m curious as to which direction to ride the Katy trail? Is it better to ride East to West? Or West to East? I’m also wondering why you say that. Thanks for your response.

Most people recommend riding west to east because in the warmer months the usual prevailing wind is from the southwest. Northeasterly winds are rare and usually only last for one day after a cold front blows through the state. The fact that the Missouri River flows downhill west to east with an overall drop in Katy Trail elevation is not a big reason, but people do mention that too. The biggest reason that I prefer west to east is to get the rolling hills out of the way early in the trip. The west end of the trail has long, gradual rolling hills all the way to just outside of Boonville, Missouri...then you get to experience a great downhill all the way into Boonville along the Missouri River. After that, you are riding along the Missouri River (or the flood plain in some areas) and that is all very flat riding.

I've done the Katy 11 times about equally split on the direction. I prefer west to east. As Mark mentioned, the prevailing wind is usually that way and there's a little more downhill.

There is another reason. Often stores and restaurants in the smaller towns are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays especially during the non-summer months. So if you start in Clinton on Monday; leave from Sedalia on Tuesday; and leave from Boonville on Wednesday, you avoid that issue.

I highly recommend both good sunglasses and a blinking taillight when going west to east. The sun will be in your face, and the face of anyone riding behind you, especially if you get on the trail early.

After my first vacation spot was canceled out, I decided to do the Katy. I want to start in St Charles and will ride until I'm tired and head back. I am not much of a planner. I love the thrill of the unknown. However, since I am going solo to an unfamiliar area, I need to do SOME planning. is St Charles a good place to start on the trail? I read somewhere it's a great area surrounded by great views and towns. I want to encounter towns with things to do when I'm not riding. I also need a place to stay (probably three nights). it doesn't have to be St Charles, it can be someplace near. But I have read of some great places in the feed and figured someone would be able to give me some leads. I am on a budget, so please keep that in mind.
PS: If anyone wants to recommend a different area in MO to ride (other than st. chas.) - please do so.

PPS: I love reading about everyone's adventures and look forward to any tips and insights!

Had a great stay at Maxine’s. I would highly recommend. Very clean and convenient to the trail. Great people will definitely rent again! And loved Maggie Mae!

Staying at Pete and Maxine's was one of the high points of our Katy Trail ride. The are WONDERFUL people. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The hospitality was tremendous. Pete and Max know so much about Sedalia (they've lived there for decades) and were kind enough to drop us off in town for dinner and pick us up afterwards. Pete gave us the "$5 tour" and we learned so much about the area. Our bikes were safely stored in their garage. Beautiful home on a 3 acre lot. Perfect place to relax after a long day of riding.

Absolutely agree! Maxine’s was the best! I can’t wait til next year to stay again!

A must stop on the KT Trail. Best food I had on the trail and also the most affordable. The owner is amazingly friendly and good hearted. The Caboose setup with the sun deck is a really good place to hang out. Camping, shower and restroom for USD 10 came with a free ice cream - what's not to love here :D

6.22.24 Shout out to the great folks at Revolution Cycles who when I needed a resupply of tubes drove to meet me at Augusta Trail head and provided great service. Called at noon and they were able to meet me by 1pm. Alex was great; knowledgable bike technician and had been a Katy Trail Guide and has done the Katy 30+ times. If you need help - Revolution Cycles gets my vote. Thank yoiu.

Hi there, I'm trying to figure out how to get from the airport in KC to Pleasant Hill for 2 of us and our bikes. And then at St. Charles how should we get from there to the St. Louis airport. We're planning on camping along the way.
TIA

There is not a shuttle that I know of, but I can help with transportation from the KC airport to Pleasant Hill trailhead.
A small fee of $50 is appreciated.

Hi Terry Sharp, How can I get ahold of you regarding transport. My email is freedos@comcast.net
We are looking at doing this in Oct. Thank you. Susi

I’m back and trying again. My husband and his visibly impaired friend are flying into Kansas City with their bikes and planning on riding the KT as far as St. Charles. Initially they were going to try and get to Pleasant Hill but have learned there is no place to stay or camp so have switched to trying to get to Clinton and starting there. I’m on the search for a way for them to get to Clinton with their bikes from the airport. They can unbox the bikes before or after the shuttle, whichever works the best. This will be in early Oct. Does anyone out there know of a way for them to do this?
While I’m at it they will need to find bike boxes in St. Charles or so for the return flight home out of St. Louis. Any suggestions?
Thank you.

I can't help you with the shuttle, but I did want to mention that Pleasant Hill has camping at their lake and those campgrounds are only a 1/2 mile from their MOPAC trail that connects to the Rock Island.

I've never been there, but I'd suggest you contact the Bike Shop Cafe in St Charles about bike boxing and possibly a shuttle to the airport.

Feels like a shuttle to Pleasant Hill would be much much cheaper than a shuttle to Clinton. Surely KC has Uber.

My two cents: Contact a bike store in St Charles area to purchase bike boxes and pick them up on arrival. Or, buy online and ship to your destination or the bike store in St Charles. The bike store in St Charles has probably dealt with this situation before.
In KC, Uber or other ride to Lee's Summit where there are many places to stay overnight. Then Uber or maybe hotel shuttle to P. Hill which is about 10 miles away. Also, if you have bike boxes you arrived with from home, perhaps have them shipped to your destination in St Charles. If you arrange this ahead of time it might work out. The hotel might drop them off at the local UPS office for a reasonable tip. FYI: I use Bike Stop in Blue Springs. They have a sister store in Lees Summit. Good people.

A

After a hot 64 mile ride from Hermann to St Charles and the challenge to find a camp site - my experience of St Charles was less than ideal until early morning when starting my ride back to Hermann and searched the Main Street historic are for a coffee shop - I just happened to see people outside the Bike Shop Cafe. What a delightful place; great customer service, amazing selection of drinks and food and has bike shop next to cafe. This Bike Shop Cafe changed my whole St Charles experience. Wonderful place.