Lester Foster's Music Park (Clinton)
- + Were can I find info on the Grass Valley Bluegrass festival tha is to be at Lester Park May 4, 5 and 6 2006? Is there camping? Are dogs allowed? and all other info?
Discussion started 03/05/2006 09:01 AM by kg - 7 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/29/2007 09:35 PM)kg from kimberling city on 03/05/2006 09:01 AM
Were can I find info on the Grass Valley Bluegrass festival tha is to be at Lester Park May 4, 5 and 6 2006? Is there camping? Are dogs allowed? and all other info?
Mike Bryant from Southeast Missouri on 03/05/2006 09:18 AM
You should probably get intouch with the chamber in Clinton.
FANNY BOYER from ST JOSEPH MO on 03/27/2006 06:47 PM
can yhou tell when the music festial is and how is going to be there
thank you fanny
Ray (Webmaster) on 04/19/2006 12:53 PM
The 2006 spring bluegrass festival is May 4-7, and fall festival is October 5-8. Cost is $13 per day or $32 for all 4 days. Yes, camping is allowed. Dogs are allowed in the camping area, but not in the performance area or around the concessions. For additional info, like Mike said, contact Clinton Chamber of Commerce at 660-885-8166
Ken Peterson from Sioux City IA on 04/21/2006 08:54 PM
We are planning on going on Friday May 5th, the night before we catch a train in Sedalia. I
spoke with a lady today at this number (Blue Grass Festival-Don kaiser Studio
660-885-3751) she's sending me a flyer in the mail about the line up. Tent camping is $3
and she said theres plenty of room for tents.
Bill from Joplin on 10/03/2006 03:00 PM
Plan to come, but would be interested in knowing the line-up,,at least some of them. Already know that Lost Highway will be there. They are the BEST!
Gwen Buege from Lakeview, Arkansas on 10/06/2006 12:03 PM
Any time that you book Lost Highway...We will be there!
Anonymous from Crane, Missouri on 04/29/2007 09:35 PM
I understand that Lonesome Road will be there - they are the best and we will follow them anywhere.
N. Jefferson
- + The Truman Hotel and Convention Center was perfect for our trip. We got in about 8:30 PM the night before heading off to the east on the trail. The room was $59 plus tax, including a breakfast buffe...
Discussion started 04/29/2007 09:28 PM by Jeff - 0 repliesJeff from Ottumwa, Iowa on 04/29/2007 09:28 PM
The Truman Hotel and Convention Center was perfect for our trip. We got in about 8:30 PM the night before heading off to the east on the trail. The room was $59 plus tax, including a breakfast buffet and a ride to the trailhead, as well as parking for our vehicle. The hotel van met us at our room and drove us to the North Jefferson trailhead, a 10-minute trip. Joe Kurmaskie wrote about this place in his latest book and he wasn't kidding--it's a great bargain.
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
- + After passing through two dead towns, it was nice to run into Judy and the cast of characters who gather here for lunch. The food was good and reasonably priced. We could have played pool and knocke...
Discussion started 04/29/2007 09:22 PM by Jeff - 0 repliesJeff from Ottumwa, Iowa on 04/29/2007 09:22 PM
After passing through two dead towns, it was nice to run into Judy and the cast of characters who gather here for lunch. The food was good and reasonably priced. We could have played pool and knocked back cool beverages all afternoon here.
Jeff from Ottumwa, Iowa on 04/29/2007 09:22 PM
After passing through two dead towns, it was nice to run into Judy and the cast of characters who gather here for lunch. The food was good and reasonably priced. We could have played pool and knocked back cool beverages all afternoon here.
El Sambre Restaurante (Clinton)
- + I've eaten bad Mexican food before but this one was by far the worst. Very mediocre place. Inexpensive. Service okay. Friendly faces.
Discussion started 04/28/2007 10:19 PM by Dena Caceres - 0 repliesDena Caceres on 04/28/2007 10:19 PM
I've eaten bad Mexican food before but this one was by far the worst. Very mediocre place. Inexpensive. Service okay. Friendly faces.
Dena Caceres on 04/28/2007 10:19 PM
I've eaten bad Mexican food before but this one was by far the worst. Very mediocre place. Inexpensive. Service okay. Friendly faces.
McKittrick
- + wow so there is other mckittricks out there
Discussion started 04/28/2007 05:45 AM by christopher mckittrick - 0 replieschristopher mckittrick from middlesbrough uk on 04/28/2007 05:45 AM
wow so there is other mckittricks out there
Harbor Haus Inn & Suites (Hermann)
- + Have stayed there 3 times now.
When I am riding the KATY trail, I enjoy the room, ate lots of breakfast without guilt, and had great conversation.
Frank has also been very responsive when I...
Discussion started 04/27/2007 10:18 PM by Ranj - 0 repliesRanj from Kansas City on 04/27/2007 10:18 PM
Have stayed there 3 times now.
When I am riding the KATY trail, I enjoy the room, ate lots of breakfast without guilt, and had great conversation.
Frank has also been very responsive when I rolled in on my recumbent late at night.
I agree, Frank's helpful generosity reminds me of the Missouri country I grew up in.
Ranj from Kansas City on 04/27/2007 10:18 PM
Have stayed there 3 times now.
When I am riding the KATY trail, I enjoy the room, ate lots of breakfast without guilt, and had great conversation.
Frank has also been very responsive when I rolled in on my recumbent late at night.
I agree, Frank's helpful generosity reminds me of the Missouri country I grew up in.
Clinton Lodging
- + Which hotel/motel is closest to the trailhead??
Discussion started 04/18/2007 03:59 PM by DougK - 8 replies (last reply by MAH at 04/27/2007 06:25 PM)DougK from Troy on 04/18/2007 03:59 PM
Which hotel/motel is closest to the trailhead??
steve k from saint louis on 04/19/2007 11:37 AM
Technically, I believe it is more or less a tie between Days Inn, Safari Motel, and USA Inn as they are all in the same area. However, none of them have direct access to the trail. I ended up at the Days Inn when I was there, but I have not been there enough to say if there are others that are more accessible by bike or foot.
Arkie on 04/20/2007 08:23 AM
Probably the best lodgings are at the Holiday Inn Express. It is not directly by the trail, but if you don't mind you can access reasonably well. Just before you cross I-70, ease off to the east. Might have to cross about 100 yards of a corn field to hit the access road. The rest is just a short ride east to the hotel which is on the north side of the interstate.
steve k from saint louis on 04/20/2007 09:54 AM
Arkie, I believe you may be thinking Booneville, but I am little confused about the shortcut through a cornfield as I have not heard that one before. I-70 & Holiday Inn Express are not in Clinton, MO.
J&K from Drexel MO on 04/21/2007 07:58 AM
Doug, Steve is correct about the three way tie above but keep in mind that Clinton is a very small town and flat. Most of the motels and eating joints are on the south end of town. We stayed at the Hampton last fall and they were very accommidating for bikers. We rolled our bikes right down the halls. In the morning it is only a couple mile easy ride to the trail head....not bad if you are going 225! Have fun.
El Tor on 04/21/2007 03:17 PM
For what it is worth - I've used the USA Inn. It's handy to the trailhead and CHEAP. While it is not new, nor fancy, I found it to be exceedingly clean and comfortable when I stayed there in October before heading east on towards St. Charles.
El Toro on 04/21/2007 03:17 PM
For what it is worth - I've used the USA Inn. It's handy to the trailhead and CHEAP. While it is not new, nor fancy, I found it to be exceedingly clean and comfortable when I stayed there in October before heading east on towards St. Charles.
Arkie on 04/23/2007 11:16 PM
Mea culpa! Absolutely correct and I apologize. You asked about Clinton and I spoke to Boonville. I did stay at the Hampton Inn at Clinton and found those folks to be very gracious and helpful. Several restaurants nearby and a Walmart across the highway. It is a quick ride to the TH along the hgihway.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 04/27/2007 06:25 PM
I just stayed at the USA Inn last night. As El Tor said, not fancy, but clean and cheap. It's 1.3 miles from the trailhead on easy wide streets. Breakfast isn't fancy (cold cereal, cinnamon buns, bananas,coffee and juice) but it was enough to do until I went through Windsor and picked up something at Casey's. My only suggestion would be to ask for a room on the back side farthest from the road if possible. I was on the front side and close to the highway and the semi's were noisy coming to a stop and starting again at the stoplight.
McBaine - Lucy's
- + We can vouch for previous entries on the burgers at Lucy's, excellent! Also, the beer is ice cold and the jukebox has something for everyone. If you "Can't Get No, Satisfaction" at Lucy's, there's som...
Discussion started 04/23/2007 09:43 AM by Gorn - 2 replies (last reply by Jason at 04/27/2007 01:26 PM)Gorn from Overland Park, KS on 04/23/2007 09:43 AM
We can vouch for previous entries on the burgers at Lucy's, excellent! Also, the beer is ice cold and the jukebox has something for everyone. If you "Can't Get No, Satisfaction" at Lucy's, there's something wrong with you. Just a great, roadhouse kind of place with very friendly locals and proprietors.
El Toro on 04/25/2007 11:23 PM
Second this comment. I had a burger and fries there yesterday on my way through and it was GOOD! Very, very friendly. In fact, they offered to fill my water bottles...I didn't even have to ask. Lots of ice and cold water that tasted good all afternoon. A great stop for me! I will do it again.
Jason from Huntsville, AL on 04/27/2007 01:26 PM
Their burgers and fries are the best! We didn't have the best service, but honestly, we didn't expect to, so we didn't care. The food easily made up for anything else that was wrong!
Clinton To Rocheport
- + Hi! I plan to ride the Katy from Clinton to Rocheport. What's this stretch like? I've been from
Rocheport to St. Chuckie. Thanks, FP
Discussion started 04/11/2007 03:50 PM by Flip Putthoff - 2 replies (last reply by trinjboro at 04/27/2007 12:03 PM)Flip Putthoff from Rogers, Arkansas on 04/11/2007 03:50 PM
Hi! I plan to ride the Katy from Clinton to Rocheport. What's this stretch like? I've been from
Rocheport to St. Chuckie. Thanks, FP
MLH from Overland Park on 04/26/2007 02:32 PM
The western half of the trail has more unshaded stretches, more hills although none too difficult and longer distances between services and trailheads. There are more areas that are away from the highway also. And you share the trail with horseriders between Windsor and Sedalia but I have never found that to be a problem personally, just know the rules. The Clinton to Booneville section of the trail seems to have more patches of loose gravel and so be careful with narrow tires.
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 04/27/2007 12:03 PM
The Clinton to Sedalia stretch is boooooooring. Lots of farmland with very little trees to block the wind if it is blowing. Also watch out for the horses and riders, you have to yield to them when you're on a bike and they can be very obnoxious. Sedalia to Booneville is more scenic, lots of trees and wildlife. It's not hilly (non of the KATY is), but there is a grade to deal with on this stretch. Booneville to Rocheport is also scenic as you will have the river on one side and neat limestone bluffs on the other. Enjoy the weekend !!
Lester Foster's Music Park (Clinton)
- + Why can't I find the dates for 2007 for the Bluegrass Festival?
Discussion started 04/26/2007 10:57 PM by DR - 1 reply (last reply by Trek Biker at 04/27/2007 09:46 AM)DR from Slick Willie MO. on 04/26/2007 10:57 PM
Why can't I find the dates for 2007 for the Bluegrass Festival?
DR from Slick Willie MO. on 04/26/2007 10:57 PM
Why can't I find the dates for 2007 for the Bluegrass Festival?
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 04/27/2007 09:46 AM
That question seems to appear about once a year when the bluegrassers hit the bike site to find information. The answer, my friend, may be that you don't Google!
A quick "Google" should land you at, or near clintonmo.com, where a few quick clicks will lead you to visitor information....events.....search by date to find:
27th Annual Golden Valley Bluegrass Jamboree
From May 3 2007 to May 6 2007
Lester Foster's Music Park, Clinton, MO
660-885-3069
Four days of the best of bluegrass
I hope this helps.....sounds like a good time.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 04/27/2007 09:46 AM
That question seems to appear about once a year when the bluegrassers hit the bike site to find information. The answer, my friend, may be that you don't Google!
A quick "Google" should land you at, or near clintonmo.com, where a few quick clicks will lead you to visitor information....events.....search by date to find:
27th Annual Golden Valley Bluegrass Jamboree
From May 3 2007 to May 6 2007
Lester Foster's Music Park, Clinton, MO
660-885-3069
Four days of the best of bluegrass
I hope this helps.....sounds like a good time.
Watch for this family on the east end of the trail this weekend
- + http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1gci&doc_id=1495&v=1JA
The Vogel family has been on an amazing bike tour since June of last year! They are currently on the Katy Trail.
Discussion started 04/20/2007 10:59 PM by savage24 - 3 replies (last reply by savage24 at 04/26/2007 07:54 AM)savage24 from KC,MO on 04/20/2007 10:59 PM
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1gci&doc_id=1495&v=1JA
The Vogel family has been on an amazing bike tour since June of last year! They are currently on the Katy Trail.
MAH from Blue Spgs, MO on 04/21/2007 09:31 AM
Thanks for the post with link re the Vogel family. My hubby and I were heading from Boonville to Sedalia yesterday and passed them between Pilot Grove and Boonvile. As fully loaded as they were, we wondered what their "story was" and how far they were going. Now we know!
Trek Biker from St. Joseph on 04/21/2007 12:41 PM
Very interesting.....thanks Savage.
The crazyguy site is a great place to gain inspiration. I've spent hours there reading blogs from travelers around the world. It's fun to read and ride along on a cold winter day.
Now if I were independently wealthy and thirty years younger.
savage24 from KC,MO on 04/26/2007 07:54 AM
I checked the journal last night, they have completed the Katy and really seemed to enjoy it. They have lots of great pictures up - makes me want to get out there. I did cringe at the story of the boys playing in the river though!
mosquitoes
- + For people who plan to sleep outside in the designated campsites, (or maybe even "guerilla-style" out in the weeds), when do the mosquitoes get bad on the Katy Trail? I would think since it's so clos...
Discussion started 04/26/2007 04:00 AM by howard hughes blues - 0 replieshoward hughes blues from kc on 04/26/2007 04:00 AM
For people who plan to sleep outside in the designated campsites, (or maybe even "guerilla-style" out in the weeds), when do the mosquitoes get bad on the Katy Trail? I would think since it's so close to the river they could be horrendous, but probably not until June or July. Anybody know?
September riding
- + What should I expect for weather in mid-September?
Any experience with shuttles from around Marthasville to Boonville?
Discussion started 04/23/2007 02:21 PM by canyoncamper - 3 replies (last reply by El Toro at 04/25/2007 11:20 PM)canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 04/23/2007 02:21 PM
What should I expect for weather in mid-September?
Any experience with shuttles from around Marthasville to Boonville?
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 04/25/2007 08:58 AM
September runs the gauntlet. It can be in the 90's or 70's. It will most likely be humid regardless. October is the better choice.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 04/25/2007 11:27 AM
Try the Katy Trail Weather Guide on this website for some good Missouri/Katy weather information.....from the home page, "Katy Trail Weather Guide" under "More Katy Trail State Park Resources."
El Toro on 04/25/2007 11:20 PM
I rode Clinton-St. Charles last year in mid-October and while the mornings were a bit cool I loved it and the scenery was spectacular that time of year. I would think that September has the chance to be about perfect.
Choo Choos Frozen Custard & Camping (Marthasville)
- + Phone numbers are out of service.
Discussion started 04/20/2007 12:09 PM by T. Ake - 5 replies (last reply by DougK at 04/24/2007 09:26 PM)T. Ake from Conway, AR on 04/20/2007 12:09 PM
Phone numbers are out of service.
T. Ake from Conway, AR on 04/20/2007 12:09 PM
Phone numbers are out of service.
DougK from Troy on 04/20/2007 12:27 PM
Did anyone buy the place yet?
DougK from Troy on 04/20/2007 12:27 PM
Did anyone buy the place yet?
Ray (webmaster) on 04/24/2007 05:36 AM
Just heard back from the real estate agent yesterday - Choo Choos is still for sale, and they have reduced the price to $69,900. If you've always wanted to run a business along the Katy Trail in a nice little town (Marthasville), here's the opportunity!
No word as to whether Choo Choos will even open this summer, until after it's in the hands of the next owner.
The realtor is http://www.realtorvanessa.com/. I could not find the listing on her website, so I sent her another message asking where to find the listing - will post when I get the info.
Ray (webmaster) on 04/24/2007 05:36 AM
Just heard back from the real estate agent yesterday - Choo Choos is still for sale, and they have reduced the price to $69,900. If you've always wanted to run a business along the Katy Trail in a nice little town (Marthasville), here's the opportunity!
No word as to whether Choo Choos will even open this summer, until after it's in the hands of the next owner.
The realtor is http://www.realtorvanessa.com/. I could not find the listing on her website, so I sent her another message asking where to find the listing - will post when I get the info.
DougK from Troy on 04/24/2007 01:11 PM
Hmmmmmmm. Doug K's Katy Trail Custard. Has a nice ring to it.
DougK from Troy on 04/24/2007 01:11 PM
Hmmmmmmm. Doug K's Katy Trail Custard. Has a nice ring to it.
steve from saint louis on 04/24/2007 04:56 PM
Out of curiousity, it does not appear there is much difference between Choo's Choo's railcar and Cruce's Cabooses in Calhoun. I have been by Choo's Choo's many times, but only went past Cruce's once and really did not notice them.
Would it be possible to turn Choo's Choo's into camping/"lodging" similar to Cruce's rather than a custard stand/fast food? I would like to see something there(instead of weeds and an old railcar), and was wondering if the camping/"lodging" option is workable there.
steve from saint louis on 04/24/2007 04:56 PM
Out of curiousity, it does not appear there is much difference between Choo's Choo's railcar and Cruce's Cabooses in Calhoun. I have been by Choo's Choo's many times, but only went past Cruce's once and really did not notice them.
Would it be possible to turn Choo's Choo's into camping/"lodging" similar to Cruce's rather than a custard stand/fast food? I would like to see something there(instead of weeds and an old railcar), and was wondering if the camping/"lodging" option is workable there.
DougK from Troy on 04/24/2007 09:26 PM
It's set-up like a fast food/custard stand on the inside. I'm not sure if you would have to "gut" it or not. But hey, It'd make a nice place in Marthasville.
DougK from Troy on 04/24/2007 09:26 PM
It's set-up like a fast food/custard stand on the inside. I'm not sure if you would have to "gut" it or not. But hey, It'd make a nice place in Marthasville.
Hart Creek
- + I just got back from hiking the Hartsburg-Easley leg. I finally took the time to check out the Hart Creek Conservation area. Nice flat spot to camp along the trail. I'll probably go back to camp somet...
Discussion started 04/08/2007 05:51 PM by DougK - 3 replies (last reply by DougK at 04/23/2007 05:28 PM)DougK from Troy on 04/08/2007 05:51 PM
I just got back from hiking the Hartsburg-Easley leg. I finally took the time to check out the Hart Creek Conservation area. Nice flat spot to camp along the trail. I'll probably go back to camp sometime between now and June.
DougK from Troy on 04/23/2007 07:17 AM
Forgot to mention that it is a legal, designated camp site.
Ray (webmaster) on 04/23/2007 01:06 PM
Doug, thanks for mentioning this. I was not previously aware of the Hart Creek Conservation area, but I have now added a listing for it to the
Hartsburg page, as a new camping option.
Was it easy to find from the Katy Trail (i.e. were there signs or any other obvious markings)? If you (or anyone) think you might be able to pinpoint its location on a map of the Hartsburg area, I'd sure appreciate if you could take a moment to click the "Help us find the actual location" link on the web page for
Hart Creek Conservation area.
Regardless of whether you have additional information, thanks for bringing this to our attention!
DougK from Troy on 04/23/2007 05:28 PM
Ray,
I guess it's been updated recently. There's the standard Conservation Area bulletin board and a fence with a walkway. The free maps of the area (available at the bulletin board) show the camp site as right there on the other side of the fence from the trail. I bet I've walked past there 5 times without noticing it. I'll get the mm for you.
Cave between McBaine and Rocheport
- + There is a cave between Mcbaine and Rocheport that has a sign telling
people not to enter the cave because it is a bat habitat.
I have a few questions about this cave.
#1. I have nev...
Discussion started 04/23/2007 03:35 PM by Robert - 0 repliesRobert from Columbia on 04/23/2007 03:35 PM
There is a cave between Mcbaine and Rocheport that has a sign telling
people not to enter the cave because it is a bat habitat.
I have a few questions about this cave.
#1. I have never seen bats entering or exiting the cave. Are bats still living
there?
#2. Why is there a sign? People would not even see the cave if the sign was
not there?
#3. Why not keep a conservation officer nearby and when someone enters
then they get arrested? There is a path right from the trail to the cave that
people use all the time. I have seen many a boy scout walk right in that cave.
#4. Why not install a bat gate? These are gates that keep people out of
caves and still allow the bats to live in peace?
Any comments?