Rock Island Trail Forum

My girlfriend and I planned a short day getting here, but it turned out to be a rough one. Hail the size of nickels bouncing off of you makes the ride a bit less fun. Our hostess provided a hose to wash off our bikes and gear, and a fantastic stay. The decor was antiques, and beautiful. Fantastic muffins, and a bag for the road.

I don't see where you mentioned the name of the establishment. So let's have some fun and try to guess where you stayed. Since you mentioned a wonderful hostess, antiques and muffins, it could be so many places. But I'll guess The Globe B & B in Hartsburg.

Kathy, time for new specs? Look above at the green header. ;)

Bro, In Kathy's defense the Globe Hotel in brackets wasn't on the original post.

Yeah man, it wasn't there! I swear! I get credit for guessing right.

By the way, I'm glad you and your girlfriend had a great experience, come again soon. Now I'm going to have another glass of wine to celebrate my ability to guess stuff, or not.

There is another reasturant in Sedalia. Teh copper wolfe ice cream/deli. featuring home made ice cream and daily lunch specials

Just came across this page DNR puts out for flooding questions on the Katy Trail. Bookmark this page and you can check for yourself within seconds what the current river levels are, projections, area, and at what level the trail floods. It can't get any easier than this people. No need to post endless questions on this message board and hope someone comes along and answers them and assume they actually know what they are looking at.

ttp://mostateparks.com/page/58843/potential-flood-locations

Just insert the "h" in the above link.

Can't get simpler than that. Thanks

I believe most of the trail riders have been telling the "out of towners" to go to the DNR page for trail conditions. But you are also correct that they (DNR) has put a link to the river level for Boonville and St. Charles for flood levels. Keep up the good work DNR.

Those are helpful but there is still some uncertainty. The Columbia Tribune reported earlier that there were plans to erect barriers on the trail around Rocheport but that was delayed. Does anyone know if that will proceed and will it block the trail?

I'm planning to ride the whole trail with my boys beginning June 27th. A little local guidance would be much appreciated.

If it were me, I'd contact the MO Department of Natural Resources or contact Dawn Fredrickson the Katy Trail Coordinator at dawn.fredrickson@dnr.mo.gov.

I belive the annual ride is next week so they will have all the logistics and flooding and "ride arounds" identified before then. Dawn will be involved with the ride so she can answer that for sure.

Dawn will be out of the office with the ride next week so my guess is that she might not be checking messages.

In response to the question of barriers on the trail at Rocheport, those have been delayed. We will make sure to post to the Katy Trail website when they will be placed: www.katytrailstatepark.com. The barriers will take up a portion of the trail but users will still be able to get through -- it will be "one lane" while the barriers are in place.

So I've been monitoring the Boonville flood gauge daily - it was predicting 24' above flood all week. Now I see it has jumped up to 28'. We were planning to be in Rocheport / Boonville on Thursday/ Friday this week. Any updates on actual flooding? I read that the barriers are up but the trail won't be closed until the sandbags go down. Any update on that yet?

I don't know how much help this will be to you, but here is a direct and current observation. At 5:16 PM today the river was a little more than 8 feet below the Katy Trail at mile mark 117. That is one of the lowest spots along the trail near me. Hope this helps. I will be glad to post observed changes for you if this helps. If not I'll just keep fishing.

Ended a ride at Rocheport today and ate lunch at Abigails. I've always been a fan of their food but have slammed their attitude and service numerous times in the past. I'm pleased to say that every aspect of today's experience was great. The servers were young and inexperieced but they were pleasant and tried their best to make our experience enjoyable. Even Todd, the owner, was working the floor making sure everyone was taken care of. As usual the desserts outstanding. I highly recommend the mixed berry pie. Thanks to Todd & Co. for a great lunch.

Pass on the orange/chocolate cake. It's death. :)

We too ate at Abigails and the attitudes of the wait staff was horrible. The waiter threw our food on the table and the woman behind the counter was short and gruff. They must get away with it because they are the only stop.

our katy trail ride from st charles to bluffton and back was made perfect by our stay at the rendleman home. Doug rendleman did everything he could to accomodate our group of seven riders, including driving 60 miles round trip to pick up one of our riders who became ill saturday. after a fantastic dinner prepared by doug, we all hit the sack in very comfortable and clean rooms. we awoke to a breakfast you cant imagine. thank you Doug, see you this fall!

My wife and I just rode our bikes from N. Jefferson to the Claysville store. We made a reservation ahead of time, and it's recommended you do too just to be safe. The food was delicious - especially the biscuits... Ridiculously good! Service was great, the owner was friendly. We got a ton of food for the money (fried chicken, ham, coleslaw, applesauce, mashed patatoes & gravy, green beans, and peach cobbler w/ ice cream). Great down-home cookin'. Definitely worth the trip, and we will go back... soon.

I got there at 11:30 this morning was pleased that they were still serving breakfast. My two friends ordered sandwiches and they both said the food was delicious. I thought the breakfast was out-of-this world! I love eating locally and while some people complain that the service may be slower and prices higher, they don't understand that this is the price you pay to eat at a local food establishment. Well worth the money and the trip out there!

I had a great breakfast this morning too. And I have to admit, I make a pretty darn good cup of coffee. I can hardly wait to see what I can come up with for lunch. I just love it here!!!

There does seem to be a growing trend lately to extoll the the virtues of nameless places......

In an effort to improve the Katy Trail and learn more about the people that use the trail, Missouri State Parks is conducting a survey of Katy Trail users starting in June and continuing to this fall. Look for staff and volunteers at various trailheads this weekend asking you to fill out questionnaires about your Katy experience. Your input is very valued and your time and willingness to participate in the survey are much appreciated!

Dawn, here are a few suggestions.
1. Build a canopy over the entire trail for the shade.
2. Drain the river to keep it from flooding.
3. Install cooling fans and vending machines at every mile marker.
4. Are the bugs really necessary?
I am certain other riders can have better suggestions than I. Honestly, you guys to a wonderful job with the trail.

Seriously, is there opportunity for input from those that might not be able to be on the trail when these people are there as well?

Skyguy, your input is always welcome, even if you're unable to participate in the survey. You can email your suggestions to me directly at dawn.fredrickson@dnr.mo.gov. Also, we take note of the comments posted to this forum. :)

Thank you for the offer. I will definitely keep it in mind.

To clarify, though, is there specific questions that the staff and volunteers would be asking at the various trailheads? Or was it just a "do you have any ideas?" kind of venture?

Pave it! The Washington and Old Dominion Trail in Virginia is paved. It's a very nice ride.

Please don't pave any of the trail - this state has paved enough trails.

I agree, don't pave it. Keep it in nature. Once paved and it starts to crumble the ride would be horrible.

We rode the entire trail the week of June 4. We enjoyed our trip and the trail. Conditions in spots were rough due to washouts, but most were well marked with 'rough conditions' signs. It might be helpful to have a trail conditions hotline number we could call to report unmarked hazards. There was one huge hole that was recent and not yet marked. It would be helpful to have water at all trailheads. In the heat it was hard to stay hydrated. Businesses along the way were friendly and helpful.

I saw the survey takers on Saturday and went over. Pretty short, mostly harmless. What's your main purpose for visiting the Katy Trail today? (Bike ride) How long do you plan to stay? (Two hours) Planning to visit any wineries, shops, food establishments? (Nope.) What's your zip code? (Starts with a 6 or something.) How often do you visit? (Try for five times a week.)

They gave me a longer survey form in a postage-paid envelope. I'll probably get it filled out and sent back in.

At least the survey folks were offering water. I didn't need any, as I was just starting the ride.

I'd spoke to some folks from the Natural Resources dept hosting a ride today. The toughest thing that I experience on the trail is educating new riders on the rules of the road. Folks are having a great time on the trail, which is good. However, they often forget the trail is much like any other road. Traveling side-by-side, darting out onto the road or passing unexpectedly on the wrong side can potentially cause accidents. I'd like to see more education to let everyone know how to be safe. Thank you.

I echo the trail education comments. As an example....I have seen some Scout groups that were extremely well prepared for an adventure on the KATY and other Scout groups who had no clue how to ride a bicycle in any kind of a public setting whatsoever.

Thank you for your comment. It's so easy to get lost in the beauty of the trail that folks sometimes just forget they are sharing it with others. If we all look out for each other, everyone will stay safe and have a good time.

Does anyone know if the events as scheduled for Katfish Katy and Cooper's Landing have been cancelled for today?

Need tips on where to sleep. Riding from Augusta to Rocheport in July. Planning on staying the night in Bluffon and Hartsburg but open to other ideas. Looking to do this on a tight budget and packing light. No b/b. Thinking tent or something cheap. Thanks much.

I've utilized options in Hartsburg that are generally cheaper than most B-B options.

The Katy trail hostel is in Tebbetts. It is cheap.

The stops you have listed, Bluffton and Hartsburg are about right for a days ride. At least those stops have worked out well for me in the past. In Bluffton 9 or 10 bucks to camp and reasonable price to for B&B, Hartsburg is about as inexpensive as it gets whether you camp or B&B, a good place to feed the trail/park donation box. Click on the towns above to see what your options are.

How do I get to the Machens trail site by car? I am meeting someone who is didn't on the Katy trail & I'm not sure how to get there. Any help, please.

I was there two weeks ago. Drive to Machens from St Charles. It's on the map. Turn south on Machens Road towards the live railroad tracks., Once you cross them, veer to the left a short distance, the road bends right, and behind the tree line the trailhead will appear. There's no real parking lot. But the trailhead is fine- just like all the others. I hope that helps.

Where you turn south on Machens Road there are about two or three houses. The tracks are about 1/4 mile south. Watch for rail traffic as this BNSF RR crossing is not signaled with flashers or gates. Machens is essentially a junction point on railroad maps for where the MKT RR made connections with the Chicago Burlington & Quincy RR for trackage rights into St Louis.

Any idea where one could leave a vehicle for 4 days near Machens?

Anonymous, best bet is to leave your car in St. Charles and bike back toward Machens before heading west on the trail. What I do is park in Frontier Park in the City of St. Charles. However, you have to call the City of St. Charles police department to give them your automobile info, dates you will be there, etc. I usually tell them that I am parking on the parking lot right behind Country Inn & Suites Hotel in St. Charles as that borders on the trail. That lot could flood during a very severe flood from the Missouri River, so that is something else you may want to keep in mind.

I rode St. Charles to Machens yesterday. Luckily we did not attempt to try to meet the rest of the group by car in Machens. I didn't see a paved road nearby. Until there's more specific information, I'd advise rendevousing in St. Charles rather than wandering around the bottom roads unless you are a local.

Is there any parking at Machens trailhead? We would like to ride to St Charles and back after lunch to Machens.

There is a small parking lot at Black Walnut(MM 30). No real parking at Machens(MM 27), and the other day, I noticed a stopped train blocking the entrance there, so don't count on being picked up there either assuming you can find the right road from Hwy 94.

We ran out of steam on our trip from Hermann to Sedalia and called for a pickup at Pilot Grove on a hot & windy day. The price was right and the service was excellent. Real hospitality and good fun chit-chat on the drive back to our car at the Amtrak station. I highly recommend their service. (Trip date 6/14/2011 Hermann to Sedalia)

There is a lot of uphill grade heading the direction you were headed....especially coming up out of Boonville heading west...and most of the time you are probably going to be heading into the wind. I have had some tough rides along that stretch myself on a couple occasions. Glad you got some good service.

We stopped for lunch and had a good meal at a great price. Location is very convenient if you run through Boonville around meal time.

We had a wonderful time at the School House. The host & hostess are a welcoming and entertaining couple. The room and the house are beautiful, we enjoyed the spectacular French toast breakfast, working on that puzzle, and the comfy beds. I would consider this B&B a destination, not just a place for weary cyclist to rest their bones. We look forward to returning. (Trip date June 14, 2011 trip from Hermann to Sedalia).

We had a great stay at Briar Rose. The host & hostess are super friendly and our room was luxurious. Breakfast was super, and we appreciated the trail pickup & delivery, running us by a bike shop, and pointing out good places for dinner. (stay date 6/13/2011 on trip from Hermann to Sedalia)

It was awesome to see so many folks using the trail today. Everyone was friendly and having a great time. I'd like to provide a few helpful tips on making your ride enjoyable.

1. Please wear a helmet.
2. Pack water to help stay hydrated.
3. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
4. Treat the trail the same as any other road. Traffic runs both ways. Traveling side by side in both lanes can potential cause accidents. Riding single file is your safest option. (I can't tell you how many times I've had to yell "heads up" to oncoming traffic.)
5. When entering the trail, look both ways. If you dart out unexpectedly, you increase the risk of accidents.
6. Do not park on the trail. Pull off to the side if you need to take a break.
7. When traveling in large groups, please be kind to other riders sharing the trail by using only one lane. The trail is narrow in some parts and oncoming traffic may have nowhere to go when you approach.
8. Always remember to pass on the left...just like you do with a car. Call out "passing on the left" when coming up to someone from behind. There are also bells you can attach to the handlebars of your bike that are useful.
9. Stay alert and keep your eyes on the road. When approaching rest areas, pay special attention to oncoming traffic.
10. Slow down when sharing the road for others and be respectful.
11. Don't litter. Whatever you bring on the trail, take it home with you.
12. Have fun! We are lucky to live in an area with gorgeous trails.

If we all keep these few simple tips in mind, we'll make the trail safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Happy cycling!

Great place you will remember for years. Like staying with your grandmother, if your grandmother greeted you with cold lemonade on a hot day. Ate at place next door (Big Muddy Tavern), which was good.

I lost my wallet somewhere between Jeff City and Herman MO. Please call 505-795-4280 if found. It would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!! Jennie

Cheap $7 tent sites in a very scenic part of the trail. A large, new bath house with warm showers and only 2 miles away from the Augusta Brewery. I can't wait to go back.

I wholeheartedly agree. I love the camp kitchen that is part of the bath house that has a nice sink, running water and a cookstove top with 2 burners and lots of room. A great place to camp!

MY DAUGHTER AND I FREQUENT THE KATY TRAIL AND THE DUTZOW DELI IS ONE OF OUR FAVORITE STOPS. WE HAVE ENJOYED BOTH BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AT THE DELI AND EVERYTHING TASTED GREAT AND THE SERVICE WAS GOOD.

MY DAUGHTER AND I FREQUENT THE KATY TRAIL AND THE DUTZOW DELI IS ONE OF OUR FAVORITE STOPS. WE HAVE ENJOYED BOTH BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AT THE DELI AND EVERYTHING TASTED GREAT AND THE SERVICE WAS GOOD.

I stopped at the Deli & Restaurant today for lunch. I was pretty happy with the sandwich I got and the service was good too!

I stopped at the Deli & Restaurant today for lunch. I was pretty happy with the sandwich I got and the service was good too!