Website updates
- + Welcome to the updated BikeKatyTrail website!
If you've been here in the past, you may notice that the website looks different. It actually still has all the same information, forum discussions, and ...
Discussion started 02/23/2019 06:43 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 6 replies (last reply by JK at 03/01/2019 11:47 AM)Ray (webmaster) on 02/23/2019 06:43 AM
Welcome to the updated BikeKatyTrail website!
If you've been here in the past, you may notice that the website looks different. It actually still has all the same information, forum discussions, and trip-planning tools as before... but now it features:
- An updated look (the site's design had been pretty much unchanged for fifteen years!)
- Better maps - more fully using the features available in Google Maps
- "Responsive design", which means the website should look good and work well in all different sizes of screens, from a desktop PC down to a cell phone
- A more interactive experience, using cookies to remember the selections you've made and customize
- Improvements and added features to the tools such as the Trip Planner and Interactive map
I developed this new format on the Erie Canal site that I also run, bikeErieCanal.com, and expanded it to the Cowboy Trail site (bikeCowboyTrail.com) and the C&O Canal site (bikeCandO.com). After lots of testing and refinement, the new design was finally ready for the Katy Trail site.
Your feedback is welcome and appreciated - please send any comments to contact@bikekatytrail.com
Thanks and happy trails!
Anonymous on 02/24/2019 10:57 AM
Very good Ray!
I've used this site for many years and sincerely appreciate and understand the behind the scenes work that you've committed to.
I've only looked the past few days via cell phone and had wondered what was going on....this forum is a bit confusing there with the long string of replies open for each original post. Similarly here too, but not quite as confusing. Is there a way to change the default to just the original post showing? Then click to view if you are interested instead of having to scroll through all of the irrelevant replies.
The maps are fantastic!!! Great feature to see the pin drop on the map of each entry listed.
Thank you for making such a great tool available to the biking community!!
Ray (webmaster) on 02/24/2019 01:05 PM
Thank you for the great suggestion!
I added a "Display Format" feature near the top of this web page. If you select "Expanded", you will see all full discussions with all replies. If you select "Contracted", you'll see just the starting post for each discussion, along with the date and count of replies.
Then you can use the little blue plus and minus squares to expand/contract each discussion individually.
If your browser allows cookies, the website will remember which option you chose.
I can't always implement people's suggestions, but it's fun when I can.
Thanks and happy trails!
Jim from St. Thomas on 02/24/2019 01:46 PM
Great job, Ray!
Jim from St. Thomas on 02/24/2019 01:51 PM
And, since you asked for suggestions and/or requests.........is there room to put the time/date stamp of the last reply on the minimized thread display along with the thread started time/date?
Ray (webmaster) on 02/24/2019 02:48 PM
You got it Jim!
Thank you for the input!
JK on 03/01/2019 11:47 AM
Its awesome! Much more user friendly!
Three Day Ride 12-14 March Full Trail
- + I will be starting at about 0800 in Machens at mile marker 0 (past the trail head). Day 1 is 105 miles stopping in McKittrick. Day 2 ends 80 miles down the trail at Rocheport. Day 3 will end in Clinto...
Discussion started 02/18/2019 05:12 PM by William Cleveland - 13 replies (last reply by Dave Murray at 02/27/2019 07:44 PM)William Cleveland from Knob Noster on 02/18/2019 05:12 PM
I will be starting at about 0800 in Machens at mile marker 0 (past the trail head). Day 1 is 105 miles stopping in McKittrick. Day 2 ends 80 miles down the trail at Rocheport. Day 3 will end in Clinton. Each morning will start at approximately 0800 (trying to ride by daylight). If you are interested in making the ride at the same time send me an email.
This site has provided me with a wealth of information. Thank you to everyone who has posted.
Jim from St Thomas on 02/18/2019 08:35 PM
I believe your day one mileage is off. Should be around 74 miles to McKittrick. I don’t envy you that 85+ mile ride on day three on the hardest section of the trail. It’s gonna feel good when you pull into Clinton.
Bobby from Fort Worth on 02/18/2019 08:48 PM
I am riding the same dates but in the opposite direction. Starting on RI in Pleasant Hill jumping on the KATY in Windsor. Good Luck and wish for warm weather!
William from Knob Noster on 02/19/2019 12:21 PM
My day one milage should be off because I am starting at the end past the trailhead.
I have read about the section between Booneville and Sedalia being tough.
Right now I am debating whether I need to buy winter cycling shoes.
See you on the trail (at least in passing) Bobby.
Thank you for
replying back so fast.
Anonymous on 02/19/2019 04:47 PM
The end of the trail is 30 miles from the Machens trailhead?
That'd put you across the river wouldn't it?
William from Knob Noster on 02/19/2019 05:52 PM
Looking at the map available on the site (waiting on my physical copy to arrive in mail). It would be 26.9 miles. It looks like I rounded when making my original calculation.
Jim from St Thomas on 02/19/2019 07:25 PM
You have peaked my curiosity. I was not aware the Katy went past Machens but I’ve ridden east of St Charles. When I look at google maps I don’t see anything resembling a rail bed - does it run along the back roads?
William from Knob Noster on 02/19/2019 07:56 PM
It looks like I needed to examine the map a little closer. I guess I am starting at the road just past the trail head. A whole 187 feet.
The weather today has convinced me that I need to go ahead and get the winter riding boots.
In order to ride those extra miles I would have to start down the road.
Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 02/19/2019 08:52 PM
The Katy Trail mileage markers can be confusing. It's what the railroad people used for going all the way into St. Louis. The end of the trail at Machens is at MM 26.9. I had assumed that William might have been starting from St. Louis.
TheRammer from DFW, TX on 02/20/2019 02:38 AM
3/12 3/13 3/14
Historical Average High/Low 54°/35° 55°/36° 55°/36°
Actual Temperature 2018 47°/30° 49°/28° 57°/24°
Current Forecast 2019 59°/30° 59°/30° 45°/26°
One can dress for cold weather riding, but these temperatures are too cold for all day riding, for me. Personally, I prefer a low temperature of at least 50°. This would suggest a start date in mid-April.
Good Luck.
P.S. You could start your ride exactly 26.9 miles from the Machens trail terminus, if you want your trip to match the mile markers.
William from Knob Noster on 02/20/2019 03:26 PM
Thank you for the advice.
Due to timing between college courses the next time I would be able to do this ride would be May. I'll be wearing Lake MXZ 303s with wool socks and I will be equipped with hand/feet warmers.
I did a 3 hour ride in 30 degree weather with summer cycling shoes.
I plan on doing a 3 hour out and back a week or two before.
I will follow up in a couple weeks with a pre-ride.
Jim from St Thomas on 02/21/2019 02:41 PM
We’ve done rides in mid-October where the starting temps were in the low thirties. Never had a problem with my feet getting cold - it was always ears and hands. A good knit cap takes care of the ears and wool gloves with an outer shell works for the hands. Hand warmers sound even better.
Cathy from Pittsburgh on 02/25/2019 07:44 PM
Since you are doing this in March, and it is in Missouri, keep in mind the weather can be good, bad and ugly, even without climate change. As they say in Missouri, if you don't like the weather, stick around and it will be completely different tomorrow. Sometimes in March the weather goes from freezing to in the 40s to 50s and up. And that causes the trail to freeze and thaw. In those conditions it is like biking on wet cement. Hopefully you won't run into that, but if you do, well, it will be quite unpleasant.
Dave Murray from Fox on 02/27/2019 07:44 PM
I totally agree with Cathy, Be prepared for precipitation in the form of rain, sleet or snow with variable winds most likely from the west southwest gusting up to 25-30 mph. Or to your benefit it could be calm winds with clear skies with highs in the low to mid 60s. Good luck.
E-Bike Shop Along Han River
- + Paul Toigo since you have may have some knowledge of the subject line can you provide a contact to inquire directly to you?
Discussion started 02/27/2019 07:29 PM by Donaldo - 0 repliesDonaldo on 02/27/2019 07:29 PM
Paul Toigo since you have may have some knowledge of the subject line can you provide a contact to inquire directly to you?
Hermann - Jefferson City - ?
- + It was our first time riding the Katy Trail this past October from St.Charles to Rhineland (140 miles round trip) this past October that we'll be riding another section after the Go St. Louis Marathon...
Discussion started 02/19/2019 08:58 PM by TriGirl262 - 3 replies (last reply by Jeanne at 02/25/2019 10:24 PM)TriGirl262 from Memphis on 02/19/2019 08:58 PM
It was our first time riding the Katy Trail this past October from St.Charles to Rhineland (140 miles round trip) this past October that we'll be riding another section after the Go St. Louis Marathon in early April. We're going to stay one night in Herman at the Crown Suites, then ride to Jefferson City Capital Plaza and stay there one night and ride as far as we like - maybe 30-40 miles west, then back to Jefferson City overnight and then ride back to Hermann. Are there any breweries/wineries and restaurants we should check out along the route? Any towns you recommend that we should stop in when leaving Jefferson City heading west?
Anonymous on 02/22/2019 10:57 AM
Every small town on the Katy has something to offer and is worthy of checking out. You can view the towns amenities here and determine if you'd like to stop. That said, Rocheport has a nice winery that is bluff top with an awesome view to the south....also a nice bistro and A-frame with a large deck. The town itself has several nice B and B's, eclectic shops, and restaurants from fine dining to pizza on the patio next to the trail.
Hank on 02/23/2019 09:18 AM
Have you considered bicycling one-way from Hermann to Sedalia, and then taking Amtrak back to Hermann? This would allow you three nights (Hermann, Jeff City and then Boonville in my recommendation) and still be back in Hermann by mid-day the last day of the trip.
Jeanne from Omaha on 02/25/2019 10:24 PM
We have done multiple trips on the Katy, always west to east to keep the wind and sun at our backs. Our favorite ride is Sedalia to Herman then take Amtrak back to Sedalia. On one occasion we caught the train at Jeff City as the weather was too stormy to continue our ride. We have also ridden to St. Louis where you can also catch Amtrak. Be sure to make reservations for your bike early as the train takes a limited number of bikes.
dog
- + we were riding bikes this weekend 2/3/19 me my wife and daughter now she is 23 a dog from across the gravel road bit my daughter did not hurt her bad but just thought you should know incase you have l...
Discussion started 02/04/2019 03:08 PM - 6 replies (last reply by Bike Daizy at 02/25/2019 08:37 AM)Anonymous on 02/04/2019 03:08 PM
we were riding bikes this weekend 2/3/19 me my wife and daughter now she is 23 a dog from across the gravel road bit my daughter did not hurt her bad but just thought you should know incase you have little kids it could of been bad don't want to get the person in trouble just letting you know to watch out for it
Sarah Jeanne Eber from Hartsburg on 02/04/2019 03:22 PM
Where were you when the dog bit your daughter?
Anonymous on 02/05/2019 03:07 AM
at the trail head
Anonymous on 02/05/2019 03:48 AM
CLIFTON CITY
Anonymous from Hartsburg, MO on 02/06/2019 05:58 PM
Their dogs are much worse than ours. Next time ride around Hartsburg.
Anonymous on 02/07/2019 10:12 AM
thanks for the offer we are riding the trail a little at a time it is a great trail we love it this is the first time we had anything happen but the bad thing it was the first time are daughter rode with us we started at Clinton.
Bike Daizy from alyaska on 02/25/2019 08:37 AM
Hi! I bikejor with my dog every week. This is training for me and the dog.
The gravel road is dangerous, you need to be careful. Nice trip!
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
dog
https://bikerockisland.com/talk.aspx?tid=9444&tonly=1
Hartsburg Camping
- + Are there any places in Hartsburg to park a camper and stay overnight? I'm biking, but my family is meeting me at different stops along the way and we plan to bring the camper along. I found that we c...
Discussion started 02/24/2019 10:00 PM by HP - 0 repliesHP on 02/24/2019 10:00 PM
Are there any places in Hartsburg to park a camper and stay overnight? I'm biking, but my family is meeting me at different stops along the way and we plan to bring the camper along. I found that we can tent camp in the city park, but there's no parking spaces there for a camper. Can we park at the trailhead area?
Lee's Summit
- + Where can you park your car when you bike
Discussion started 02/24/2019 11:37 AM by Chris Gates - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 02/24/2019 07:16 PM)Chris Gates from Concordia on 02/24/2019 11:37 AM
Where can you park your car when you bike
Anonymous on 02/24/2019 07:16 PM
At the trailhead parking lot.
New Updated site
- + Congratulations on the new site. Ray (webmaster) you did a great job!
I've been using/reading this forum for over five years now (my first trip on the Katy) and I'm planning my June ride as I type. ...
Discussion started 02/24/2019 11:21 AM by Jin - 0 repliesJin from Arvada, CO on 02/24/2019 11:21 AM
Congratulations on the new site. Ray (webmaster) you did a great job!
I've been using/reading this forum for over five years now (my first trip on the Katy) and I'm planning my June ride as I type. This is a great new tool.
It took me a minute to get used to the new look, but I really enjoyed the ease of "surfing" through the site and then going back and planning my ride for each day.
I particularly like the tab to see what to do in each town.
Thanks for all your hard work.
The Little House B&B in Marthasville
- + Permanently closed.
http://www.littlehousebnb.com/
Discussion started 02/24/2019 08:00 AM by John Wesley Brett - 0 repliesJohn Wesley Brett from Silver Spring on 02/24/2019 08:00 AM
Permanently closed.
http://www.littlehousebnb.com/
The Inn at Defiance in Defiance
- + Link to website is broken
Discussion started 02/24/2019 06:25 AM by John Wesley Brett - 0 repliesJohn Wesley Brett from Silver Spring on 02/24/2019 06:25 AM
Link to website is broken
Grapevine Vacation Rentals in Defiance
- + Link to the website is not working for this business.
Discussion started 02/24/2019 06:23 AM by John Wesley Brett - 0 repliesJohn Wesley Brett from Silver Spring on 02/24/2019 06:23 AM
Link to the website is not working for this business.
Transport
- + I'm in the planning stages for riding the KATY trail and the Rock Island trail east (Saint Louis) to west (Kansas City). Is there transport service from Saint Louis to the KATY trailhead?
Discussion started 02/21/2019 12:23 PM by Urban Trekker - 0 repliesUrban Trekker from Nevada on 02/21/2019 12:23 PM
I'm in the planning stages for riding the KATY trail and the Rock Island trail east (Saint Louis) to west (Kansas City). Is there transport service from Saint Louis to the KATY trailhead?
3-wheel cycle
- + I am new to cycling after many decades. Due to health reasons, I have been looking at a 7-speed 3-wheel bike on Amazon. What is your opinion about this bike and the trail?
Discussion started 02/20/2019 11:10 AM by Nelda - 2 replies (last reply by Debbie at 02/20/2019 03:55 PM)Nelda from Springfield on 02/20/2019 11:10 AM
I am new to cycling after many decades. Due to health reasons, I have been looking at a 7-speed 3-wheel bike on Amazon. What is your opinion about this bike and the trail?
Marna from Boonville on 02/20/2019 12:15 PM
One wonderful thing about Amazon, you can take the bike out and try it, if it does not work out for you, return it.
I have Adult Sized Trikes. Riding a Trike is NOT like riding a Bicycle. It's like riding a Tricycle.
Debbie from Nebraska on 02/20/2019 03:55 PM
I did a round trip of the Eastern half of the trail with a 27 speed rambler terratrike. Recumbents are great for not creating hand nerve numbness and constant butt pain. It was very easy. If you only have 7 speeds you will find it hard to go up the hills on the Western half of the trail. A recumbent with more gears is easier. One with front/rear or both suspension will make it even nicer. But mine had no suspension and was doable. Good luck! It is fun.
Sedalia Parking options
- + We will be making an out-and-back ride on the Katy Trail starting in Sedalia in September - tentatively Sept 14-21. Is there anywhere in Sedalia where we can securely park our vehicle with U-Haul tr...
Discussion started 02/20/2019 08:46 AM by Chuck Mason - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 02/20/2019 11:54 AM)Chuck Mason from Houston on 02/20/2019 08:46 AM
We will be making an out-and-back ride on the Katy Trail starting in Sedalia in September - tentatively Sept 14-21. Is there anywhere in Sedalia where we can securely park our vehicle with U-Haul trailer for 1 week timeframe?
Anonymous on 02/20/2019 11:54 AM
The parking lot east of the depot/trailhead is where I've parked. Let them know inside that you are leaving it there and give them your phone number. I've left my vehicle there several times without incident.
Bike help
- + Hello, I just moved to Missouri and I think I'd like to ride the katy trail this spring. I started cycling about 2 years ago - I'm certainly not an expert but not exactly a beginner either. I have ...
Discussion started 02/16/2019 08:34 AM by Will - 2 replies (last reply by John Hamilton at 02/17/2019 11:14 AM)Will from Chillicothe on 02/16/2019 08:34 AM
Hello, I just moved to Missouri and I think I'd like to ride the katy trail this spring. I started cycling about 2 years ago - I'm certainly not an expert but not exactly a beginner either. I have two bikes: a 2017 Trek Marlin 4 and a 2000s Scott S30 road bike. I've never ridden on crushed limestone before and it seems like neither of these bikes would be great options. Can I retrofit one of my existing bikes for the trail? By say, getting heavier tires for my road bike? Or should I look at getting more of a hybrid or cyclocross bike? If I should just look at getting something new, if anyone has suggestions that would be good. I'm not looking to crush any speed records, but I don't want to be a turtle. I like to ride 30-50 miles at a time and comfort is definitely key for me. I'm 6'4 and 200#. I feel like i've never owned a comfortable bike in my life!!! I'm thinking about just getting rid of my Scott and getting something that I can ride more comfortably.
Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 02/16/2019 12:28 PM
I weigh around 220 lbs. My touring bike has 700x32 tires and that's adequate for the Katy Trail. I just ordered a new bike with 650x47 tires which is probably overkill but should be comfortable riding at lower tire pressures. I've ridden my road bike with 700x25 tires on the Katy and it was pretty rough for even short rides. At your weigh, I think 700x28s at 80 psi would be the smallest I'd go.
I think that your Marlin would be just fine. You don't need knobby tires on the Katy so going to something smoother might work better. If you can lock out your front fork, that could help also. I suggest using the Marlin first to see how that works for you before spending any more money.
John Hamilton from Pleasant Hill on 02/17/2019 11:14 AM
I weigh over 240 and ride a Cannondale Quick 6 with 700x35 tires. It's a little rougher than I would like, but I can cover a lot of ground compared to when I rode the Katy on 26 inch tires on a mountain bike. We've ridden the Katy in it's entirety many times from Clinton to St. Charles. After a day on the trail, camping is not an option for me so I always find hotels. An example of our breakdown has been Clinton to Sedalia one afternoon. A super long day from Sedalia to Jefferson City on day 2. A 50 miler from there to Hermann (McKittrick) on day 3 and the remaining 70 or so on into St. Charles on day 4. Now that the Rock Island is open at Pleasant Hill, you could access the system much easier form the KC metro at the Cass Co. Fairgrounds, but it makes for a much longer first day.
Long term bike rental
- + Hi I am planning to ride the rock island spur from Pleasant hill to Winsor pick up the Katy trail to St Louis. I would like to rent a bike in Kansas City and drop it in St Louis. Is this possible? I l...
Discussion started 02/07/2019 03:18 PM by Barbara webb - 3 replies (last reply by Mr. Bump at 02/08/2019 08:00 PM)Barbara webb from Kerikeri New Zealand on 02/07/2019 03:18 PM
Hi I am planning to ride the rock island spur from Pleasant hill to Winsor pick up the Katy trail to St Louis. I would like to rent a bike in Kansas City and drop it in St Louis. Is this possible? I live in New Zealand so do not want to bring a bike with me. Thank you for any leads.
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 02/07/2019 07:24 PM
Consider flying into St. Louis and renting a bike and having a shuttle take you to Pleasant Hill. Then ride back to St. Louis and return the bike. The Touring Cyclist in St. Charles (near St. Louis) seems to offer that kind of service.
Cathy from Pittsburgh on 02/08/2019 10:56 AM
This topic has come up in the past. Others have suggested buying a bike at a Walmart or similar store at your starting point, and donating it to Goodwill at your end point. If you are not real picky about your bike you could probably get something that would work for about what you would end up paying to rent a bike, perhaps involving a shuttle service, etc. There's been other suggestions, I just don't remember them. Try using the search filter on this forum to find those previous discussions. Good luck.
Mr. Bump from Hannibal on 02/08/2019 08:00 PM
The bike stop cafe in St. Charles rents bikes, and will also drop you off at your start point (for a fee) so you can bike back to them. Alternatively, you can get a cheap ticket on the Amtrak train from St. Louis going west and bike back east to St. Charles. Check out the Amtrak website. It's easy to use and low cost if you purchase in advance.