Rock Island Trail Forum

My dad, daughter, and I rode the trail from Sedalia to Rocheport and back over Memorial Weekend 2005. There were many things to remember about the nature including the smell of honeysuckle and the critters we saw...22 squirrels, 13 turtles, 13 rabbits, 6 snakes (dead and alive), 4 turkeys, 2 salamanders, and 1 quail...(which my daughter counted and made a song about). What a beautiful ride. The one thing we will always remember is Pauline at Polly's Perch!! What a great lady!! We stayed there on the way to Rocheport and on the way back. The hospitality was out of this world! Polly we love you and thanks for your part in making our weekend one to remember.

My dad, daughter, and I rode the trail from Sedalia to Rocheport and back over Memorial Weekend 2005. There were many things to remember about the nature including the smell of honeysuckle and the critters we saw...22 squirrels, 13 turtles, 13 rabbits, 6 snakes (dead and alive), 4 turkeys, 2 salamanders, and 1 quail...(which my daughter counted and made a song about). What a beautiful ride. The one thing we will always remember is Pauline at Polly's Perch!! What a great lady!! We stayed there on the way to Rocheport and on the way back. The hospitality was out of this world! Polly we love you and thanks for your part in making our weekend one to remember.

My husband, my 3-year old son, and myself spent our family vacation biking the Katy Trail. After getting off of the train in Sedalia on a VERY hot Monday afternoon, we rode our bike 4 miles out THE WRONG DIRECTION. After struggling to get back to Sedalia, we had a lovely evening at Sedalia's Best Western. Getting up a 4am the next day, we rode the 26 miles to Polly's Perch in Pilot Grove and did not want to leave. She has a wonderfully restored brick bungalow sitting right on the trail with a beautifully screened-in front porch. We sat there that Tuesday evening and watched as a cooling downpour occured. It was much needed. We was able to meet her dear baby brother, nephew, and Polly's son Dustin. We had a wonderful time. Good food, good conversation, and a wonderful place to relax. Highly recommend spending your night before or after Sedalia at Polly's place.

My husband, my 3-year old son, and myself spent our family vacation biking the Katy Trail. After getting off of the train in Sedalia on a VERY hot Monday afternoon, we rode our bike 4 miles out THE WRONG DIRECTION. After struggling to get back to Sedalia, we had a lovely evening at Sedalia's Best Western. Getting up a 4am the next day, we rode the 26 miles to Polly's Perch in Pilot Grove and did not want to leave. She has a wonderfully restored brick bungalow sitting right on the trail with a beautifully screened-in front porch. We sat there that Tuesday evening and watched as a cooling downpour occured. It was much needed. We was able to meet her dear baby brother, nephew, and Polly's son Dustin. We had a wonderful time. Good food, good conversation, and a wonderful place to relax. Highly recommend spending your night before or after Sedalia at Polly's place.

My husband and I rode the entire Katy Trail from Clinton to St. Charles. Polly's B&B was our second stop. We enjoyed our brief stay and Polly's refreshing and warm hospitality. We hope you will consider a stay at Polly's when passing through Pilot Grove. You must try her pies which are well-known along the KT by many locals!

My husband and I rode the entire Katy Trail from Clinton to St. Charles. Polly's B&B was our second stop. We enjoyed our brief stay and Polly's refreshing and warm hospitality. We hope you will consider a stay at Polly's when passing through Pilot Grove. You must try her pies which are well-known along the KT by many locals!

My daughter, dad, and I again rode the trail and stayed at Polly's Perch, June 2007. It was just like coming home to family. It is clean and the hospitality is out of this world! We love you Polly, thanks.

My daughter, dad, and I again rode the trail and stayed at Polly's Perch, June 2007. It was just like coming home to family. It is clean and the hospitality is out of this world! We love you Polly, thanks.

I just tried the number and it is disconnected. Does anyone have information?

I just tried the number and it is disconnected. Does anyone have information?

I understand that Jefferson Inn is closed and is for sale. They are no longer listed in the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce. Some folks had tried to call, but got no answer.

I understand that Jefferson Inn is closed and is for sale. They are no longer listed in the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce. Some folks had tried to call, but got no answer.

I'm back, I did it! Clinton to Machens in 17 days. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I'll update my blog.

Way to go Doug! I am envious! I finish the walk off in about two weeks.

Greg

good job doug, very glad you made it. best part, glad your home safe.

Doug, I'm really impressed with your accomplishment. I'd like to do the same thing. When will you update your blog?

Hey Doug!

I start tomorrow! Wish me luck!

Oh, and I will be updating the blog for anyone who cares,



Greg

My riding buddies and I rode from Booneville to Sedalia on a very wet and grimmy Katy trail. It had rained for three days strait and needless to say the trail was soggy. We had decided not the tent camp but stay in a local hotel. We were told the Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia was very accomadating to Katy Trail riders. Our experience there was WONDERFUL!!! We were reluctant to bring our grimy bikes and gear into such a historic and clean hotel. The staff said over and over not to worry. We were allowed to bring our bikes into the room grime and all. We tried our best to keep things clean but even the cleaning crew said not to worry. We were also given a nice discount because were were Katy Trail riders. I highly recommend staying there if tenting becomes unpleasant. (The local brew pup just a block away was fantastic!)

I too have stayed in the Bothwell while biking the KATY and had the same experience. I HIGHLY reccommend it !!!!

It's certainly a trip back in time. And the on-site massages there are excellent (it's best to book in advance, however). Pretty soon, there will be another massage place across the street, apparently.

I have stayed at the Bothwell 3 times during bike trips and have had a good experience each and every time. You even get a Katy trail discount. They have always been very accomidating to bikers and don't even charge extra to take your bike to the room which is a big plus (and like JME said, they don't even snarl at you when your bike is wet/dirty).

Yeah, I have nothing but good things to say about the Hotel Bothwell.

We had taken the wine tasting tour last year and we enjoyed it so much that we decided to go on the tour again this year , however this this year the tour was AWFUL!!! Several geniuses decided that their children needed to experience the tour thus ruining it for 25 others!! These children screamed and cried the entire tour and should have been asked to leave. Parents there are more than enough child friendly activities in Branson and wine tasting is not one of them. Have a little common sense and courtesy and hire a babysitter!!!

We had taken the wine tasting tour last year and we enjoyed it so much that we decided to go on the tour again this year , however this this year the tour was AWFUL!!! Several geniuses decided that their children needed to experience the tour thus ruining it for 25 others!! These children screamed and cried the entire tour and should have been asked to leave. Parents there are more than enough child friendly activities in Branson and wine tasting is not one of them. Have a little common sense and courtesy and hire a babysitter!!!

I agree......have a little common sense!



Oh....and, btw.....what does wine tasting in Branson have to do with hiking or biking the Katy Trail? It's beyond me when the geniuses wanna scream and cry, their issue suddenly becomes related to the Katy Trail. Go figure.

I agree......have a little common sense!



Oh....and, btw.....what does wine tasting in Branson have to do with hiking or biking the Katy Trail? It's beyond me when the geniuses wanna scream and cry, their issue suddenly becomes related to the Katy Trail. Go figure.

Schwegmann House is no longer a B&B...still beautiful, restored, and historic but a lawyer office not a B&B

My family and I are planning on riding part of the Katy Trail from Hartsburg to Sedailia and we want to camp in New Franklin for the night. Do you know if any of that stretch of trail or the campsite is under water due to the recent rains we've had in Missouri? I appreciate any information you have.

I can't speak for trail conditions west of Boonville, but east of there to Hartsburg is high and dry.

Road the trail Thursday, 7-5-07 from Rocheport to Sedalia. Trail is dry, some areas are a bit rough where the rain pooled and ran off. Keep in mind if you have a lot of gear that the trail is at about a 2-5% incline for a lot of the trip from Boonville to Pilot Grove. After Pilot Grove there is a good decline, but the incline starts again and the last leg from Clifton City to Sedalia will test your endurance. The heat was a major factor, even though you should apply lots of sunscreen the tree canopy is really nice from Boonville to Sedalia. Enjoy your trip, but take your time.

On a recent bike trip to the area, we drove (yes, drove) up to the Winery on the bluffs. We spent a wonderful evening in the A-Frame with wine, a sandwich for my friend Brian, and a Picnic of bread, cheese, salami, and an apple for both of us.



We were hoping for a sunset, but it was still too overcast. However we got to enjoy a visit from a very forward racoon begging table scraps. I don't know how busy the A-Frame is normally. We heard that during the school year, it is often crowded with kids from the college in Columbia. But this overcast evening, it was wonderfully un-crowded, and very relaxing and enjoyable.

NOT OPEN ON MONDAY'S. Rode from Katfish Katy's to Winery hoping for an enjoyable evening experience. Entry from the trail is hidden, almost missed it. Walked up the .3 hill only to find the place desolate. SO disappointed. Rode back to campsite and drove into Columbia for meal. Not the Katy experience we had hoped. Other vacationers (holiday week) also expressed frustration.

It's too bad you ran into so many places closed on Mondays. I would think that hours of operation would be listed on this site to help you plan your trip.



For many of us that frequent the Katy, its kind of a given that Mondays and/or Tuesdays are the "off" days.....gotta rest sometimes. We most often travel self suppported making bike shops, eats, etc. nonissue.

Since Ray is running this site out of the goodness of his heart, I don't expect anything from him. However, at http://www.bikekatytrail.com/site.aspx?sid=162

you'll find the following information about Les Bourgeois Winery & Bistro

Hours: Bistro: Tue-Sat 11AM-9PM; Sun 11AM-3PM

Winery: Daily 11AM-6PM

Which doesn't precisely match the information on the proprietor's website, http://www.missouriwine.com/, to which this website links.

Actually Nails I appreciate anyone letting me know when you find a discrepancy in the hours listed for trail businesses. It's important for people to feel like they can rely on the information listed here. Some of the businesses do change their hours from time to time, so again please let me know whenever you come across any errors.



I have updated the Les Bourgois listing to have the new hours for the A-frame/winery of noon through sunset.



Thanks again for pointing this out.

mosquitoes must be pretty bad along the trail in the summer. Is it even possible to sleep outside? maybe with plenty of bug spray. also, what is the monthly range for ticks to be prevalent, if anybody knows. Any time after freezing is over ?

I just camped just all but two campgrounds along the trail. I only encountered ticks at the end of the trail but I didn't have much of a problem with mosquitoes. I don't know about Coopers Landing, the ground had a lot of silt left over from the flood. The other one I skipped was Riverview. The grass was high and it looked like tick heaven. The Windsor Park, Roundhouse, Katfish Katy's, Hart Conservation, Hermann City Park, Marthasville, and Klondike, were all good. Watch out hiking the Portland to Blufton leg, it was like something from a Hitchcock movie with the skeeters.

Almost forgot. The Hostel at Tebbets is a must stop!

HIGHLY recommend tent. Just stayed at Katfish Katy's - real nice stay but it would be miserable without tent. Bikers next door were trying to 'rough it' - next day they turned back. Common sense - if you're by the river there will be swarming large vicious attacking you-name-it type of bugs. Have tent, will sleep.

Bought several of Chuck's bikes over a period ot time. Service is always excellent, prompt and more than reasonable!

Bought several of Chuck's bikes over a period ot time. Service is always excellent, prompt and more than reasonable!

I had a flat tire last year while on the trail and got the flat fixed, but had a problem getting the wheel back on my recumbent. Chuck helped me out with this and only charged a couple bucks. Had a very nice conversation with him. Seems very knowledgeable about bicycles. Going back this year and might just have to stop in to see him. Hopefully just to visit.

I had a flat tire last year while on the trail and got the flat fixed, but had a problem getting the wheel back on my recumbent. Chuck helped me out with this and only charged a couple bucks. Had a very nice conversation with him. Seems very knowledgeable about bicycles. Going back this year and might just have to stop in to see him. Hopefully just to visit.

planning a long meandering trip there and back from clinton to machens with several side trips on the way

that means leaving my vehicle in clinton for seven to eight days

I would rather not worry about my rig on the ride. anyone have any suggestions for safe parking, thanks in advance, jason

I have the same exact question. Anyone?

For both parties seeking safe parking; when are you planning your trip? I may be able to assist with safely parking your vehicle. Let me know if you would like further information.

I am curious as to whether they also rent the trailers for toddlers to attached to thier bikes? What kind of rates?

I am curious as to whether they also rent the trailers for toddlers to attached to thier bikes? What kind of rates?

Augusta Bicycle Company is not operating currently. You can get bikes and pull-behind carts from KATY Bike Rental in nearby Defiance. 636 987-2673

Augusta Bicycle Company is not operating currently. You can get bikes and pull-behind carts from KATY Bike Rental in nearby Defiance. 636 987-2673

Wonderful hosts, fantastic breakfast and goodies, and lots of help with logistics for our Katy Trail ride added up to a wonderful stay. The house is more than walking distance from downtown St. Charles, but Rhona and Leo were happy to drive us downtown and pick us up. We whole-heartedly recommend this B&B.

Wonderful hosts, fantastic breakfast and goodies, and lots of help with logistics for our Katy Trail ride added up to a wonderful stay. The house is more than walking distance from downtown St. Charles, but Rhona and Leo were happy to drive us downtown and pick us up. We whole-heartedly recommend this B&B.

Agree totally! Breakfast was AMAZING. Both Leo and Rhona were able to help us find a place to eat, stuff to do in St.Charles and other sites to see along our trip. They were great and very accomodating. A must for St.Charles overnighters!

Agree totally! Breakfast was AMAZING. Both Leo and Rhona were able to help us find a place to eat, stuff to do in St.Charles and other sites to see along our trip. They were great and very accomodating. A must for St.Charles overnighters!

After going through many towns that advertise bike shops (or bike repairs) and don't have them, I was frustrated until I got into Defiance and reached the Katy Trail Rental. The 3 generations of men in the shop are great company while they assist you with any supplies or bikes that you may need. A must stop for any biker!

In a couple of weeks, my plan is to ride from Clinton to Huntsdale, camp there for the night, then make it to Marthasville, camp there and ride on in to Machens. I got myself a hybrid today after much searching for the right bike. I tried it out tonight and it's a huge difference from my mountain bike. I feel no weight on my hands at all. Should be nice! Can't wait to get out there...

We stayed at Polly's B&B July 1, 2007. Pauline must have seen us coming as she met us at the front door and welcomed us by name. We had just finished 50 miles traveling from Hartsburg on an out-and-back. During our stay we met this wonderful couple, Andrew & Sara, who, coincidentally, were staying at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg (same as us) the next night.



Pauline was the most wonderful hostess and immediately made us feel right at home. We arrived on a Sunday evening at 6:00pm, so the only place open to get any food was the Casey's General Store. We had an AWESOME home-made pizza and consumed it while sitting on the screened in front porch at Polly's. It was quaint, quiet and relaxing. Just a short walk from Polly's was a beautiful cemetery that is great for just walking around relaxing the Gluteous Maximus! The next morning Pauline sent us on our way with a SPECTACULAR breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast w/ OJ, milk, water, coffee, the works! And if you're still hungry (which you won't be), there's those little boxes of cereal too! What a GREAT experience. Pauline, we WILL be back! Thanks a MILLION, we didn't want to leave!

We stayed at Polly's B&B July 1, 2007. Pauline must have seen us coming as she met us at the front door and welcomed us by name. We had just finished 50 miles traveling from Hartsburg on an out-and-back. During our stay we met this wonderful couple, Andrew & Sara, who, coincidentally, were staying at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg (same as us) the next night.



Pauline was the most wonderful hostess and immediately made us feel right at home. We arrived on a Sunday evening at 6:00pm, so the only place open to get any food was the Casey's General Store. We had an AWESOME home-made pizza and consumed it while sitting on the screened in front porch at Polly's. It was quaint, quiet and relaxing. Just a short walk from Polly's was a beautiful cemetery that is great for just walking around relaxing the Gluteous Maximus! The next morning Pauline sent us on our way with a SPECTACULAR breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, french toast w/ OJ, milk, water, coffee, the works! And if you're still hungry (which you won't be), there's those little boxes of cereal too! What a GREAT experience. Pauline, we WILL be back! Thanks a MILLION, we didn't want to leave!

a report on rail connections and trail connections last day of june 2007. take 4:30 pm train from st. louis to sedalia. leaves st. louis on time (originating location) but currently drops about 1.5 hours behind schedule by the time train reaches sedalia due to speed limit on maintenance sections of track and heavy freight traffic. parking at st. louis is very limited. amtrak charges $10 per bike ($20 per tandem) each way. expect to partially disassemble tandem before you board. bothwell hotel in sedalia is a short walk from the train depot. the trail from sedalia to jefferson city has been recently mown, brushed, and graded but it has been very wet and something like a dozen short stretches are very soft and rutted. most however is very hard packed and smooth considering nearly a week of steady rain in late june. the route from the trail into jefferson city is not marked. exit the trail to the right on the first farm lane after riding under missouri highway 63. follow the farm lane about 1/4 mile and turn left on a gravel frontage road that parallels highway 63, follow the gravel frontage road about 1/2 mile then turn right and cross the north bound lanes of highway 63 and ride on the wide shoulder of the south bound lanes to the missouri river bridge. there is no shoulder or walkway over the bridge but the lane is wide enough to ride the line and allow traffic to pass. take first exit from bridge and turn left and ride to and around the capital building. the amtrak station is at the foot of the hill below the capital and the governor's mansion. total miles from sedalia to jefferson city amotrak station is 90 miles. we rode about 3 mph slower on the katy than we typically do on country oil roads. with multiple stops you still have ample time to catch the 7:30 pm train back to st. louis. expect (but don't count on) this train to be running 45 minutes to one hour late.

I didn't see any posts for bikers riding from St. Charles to Clinton then turning back around from Clinton and biking back to St.Charles. I know it sounds crazy but I am extremely interested in the idea. I've trained for other excursions of similar physical endurance and completed my plans. So I am looking to try this next.

I was wondering if anyone's done this or attempted it. I would be shooting for a mid september ride.

Any info would be great.

I did that, plus more, back in September 2004. Including riding from and to my house in south St Louis and a little side trip to Columbia, I made the round trip in seven days. I camped out 3 days and stayed in motels 3 days. I was pretty tired the last couple days.



I think mid-september is a good time. I prefer cooler, but not cold, temps.



Good luck!

Here are a couple that I found on the Ride Report Page:
The Allshouses did a round trip starting at Clinton, and Marilyn and Mike started their round trip in St Charles, and used Amtrak for part of the trip.

Good luck, I'm sure it will be a fantastic experience. A round trip is great (if you have the stamina) - it's surprising how different things sometimes look when coming from the opposite direction.

I've done west to east - and have done about 100 miles of the trail east to west. In my opinion, the trail is ALOT more fun going west to east.



I wouldn't discourage you from the adventure, but I would definitely go east to west first and get the "hard" part done.



Just my 2 cents. Enjoy the adventure!

We stayed in the cottage house in mid-june 2007. It was perfect. The evening appetizers and the breakfast were awesome. Highly recommended.

We stayed in the cottage house in mid-june 2007. It was perfect. The evening appetizers and the breakfast were awesome. Highly recommended.

I can't say enough good things about this B&B. The cabin was perfect. And the breakfast was awesome. We will be back. Highly recommended.

I can't say enough good things about this B&B. The cabin was perfect. And the breakfast was awesome. We will be back. Highly recommended.

We stayed at Birk's Gasthaus and had a very nice time. Rick was kind enough to help us repair a tire, and make suggestions for dinner. Great host. And the brownies and ice cream was fantastic! Highly recommended.

We stayed at Birk's Gasthaus and had a very nice time. Rick was kind enough to help us repair a tire, and make suggestions for dinner. Great host. And the brownies and ice cream was fantastic! Highly recommended.

We stayed at this B&B in mid-June 2007 and had a great experience. Penny was very helpful, welcoming and her breakfast was fantastic. Highlly recommended.

We stayed at this B&B in mid-June 2007 and had a great experience. Penny was very helpful, welcoming and her breakfast was fantastic. Highlly recommended.

We rode from St. Charles to Augusta in June of 07. We stayed at a new B & B, The Apple Gate Inn. What an amazing place. Our hostess was lovely, gracious, creative, and anxious to please us. We loved our stay in this wonderful place! The entire facility is a work of art and the rate was the biggest bargain of my travel experiences. It is a grand building on a hill just off the trail. I will certainly go back and take friends with me.



Lunch at the brewery next door was very good too.



Don't pass up the opportunity to ride through Klondike Park. It is beautiful.