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?
6 day troop ride in July
- + Our troop is planning a bike trip in July. We are planning to bike 6 days averaging 35/40 miles per day. Starting at Clinton, camp at Sedalia fairgrounds, Roundhouse in New Franklin, Hartsburg Park,...
Discussion started 04/13/2007 12:57 PM by troop98 - 4 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 04/23/2007 01:15 PM)troop98 from South Kansas City on 04/13/2007 12:57 PM
Our troop is planning a bike trip in July. We are planning to bike 6 days averaging 35/40 miles per day. Starting at Clinton, camp at Sedalia fairgrounds, Roundhouse in New Franklin, Hartsburg Park, Steamboat Junction, Scenic cycles in Marthasville, and end in St. Charles. We will be tent camping, with a van carrying our gear. I didn't see a good place to tent camp in St. Charles. Could anyone give me camping suggestions for that area? Also any suggestions on places to cool down and stop along the way? swimming?
ET from Columbia on 04/19/2007 12:02 PM
Pilot Grove has a nice little public pool right by the trail, in the city park. The easiest way to find it is to go to the trailhead and look at the city map, then go by road. There's a direct unofficial cutoff from the trail, but it's not marked. There's also a good swimming area in Columbia, but it's about 5 miles from the spur junction with the main trail. On the other hand, if you are going in July, you might want to get up early, ride, then spend the heat of the day in the water. For information, the Columbia website is gocolumbiamo.com, and follow the links through parks and rec to Twin Lakes recreation area.
Karl from Kansas City on 04/23/2007 12:30 PM
Any possibility boys from another troop could join you? My own boys would love to ride but I have yet to convince the troop it would be fun.
troop 98 from South Kansas City on 04/23/2007 01:10 PM
Karl,
We are in the beginning stages of planning our trip. We aren't sure on our numbers yet. We have 6 or 7 adults interested but need to get a commitment from the scouts. Send me an email with your information and I can let you know.
Tim - troop 98
Ray (webmaster) on 04/23/2007 01:15 PM
To protect you from spammers, the email address that you enter when posting a forum note does not appear on the web. Since you both expressed an interest in contacting each other, I'll send you each others' email addresses privately. Let me know if you don't get this info within the next few hours.
Davisdale conservation area
- + I have a scout troop that is planning on using the Davisdale conservation area as an overnight location. Mile 182.1 is location from the guidebook. Can anybody give me more information on this area?...
Discussion started 04/13/2007 12:10 PM by Karl - 1 reply (last reply by Karl at 04/23/2007 12:28 PM)Karl from Kansas City on 04/13/2007 12:10 PM
I have a scout troop that is planning on using the Davisdale conservation area as an overnight location. Mile 182.1 is location from the guidebook. Can anybody give me more information on this area? Is it accessible from any roads? Is it marked clearly on the trail?
Karl from Kansas City on 04/23/2007 12:28 PM
I had a trip to Columbia so I checked out the area first hand. Looks quite easy to find and the area is beautiful. If anyone is riding this weekend and sees a boy scout troop tromping around stop and tell them how much fun riding the trail is. I would love to get them to do a big bike trip someday.
Huntsdale - Katfish Katy's
- + We camped at Katfish Katy's last Friday and it couldn't have been much better. The river slides by like a constantly changing impressionist painting just feet from your campfire. The Katfish store ha...
Discussion started 04/23/2007 09:49 AM by Gorn - 0 repliesGorn from Overland Park, KS on 04/23/2007 09:49 AM
We camped at Katfish Katy's last Friday and it couldn't have been much better. The river slides by like a constantly changing impressionist painting just feet from your campfire. The Katfish store has whatever you forgot. Clean bathrooms and a place to shower, too. A clear night under a billion stars and you're good to go.
Gorn from Overland Park, KS on 04/23/2007 09:49 AM
We camped at Katfish Katy's last Friday and it couldn't have been much better. The river slides by like a constantly changing impressionist painting just feet from your campfire. The Katfish store has whatever you forgot. Clean bathrooms and a place to shower, too. A clear night under a billion stars and you're good to go.
GPS Tracklog of trail?
- + Google has a tool called Google Earth that you can download for free. Once downloaded, you can follow the trail from end to end and read off latitude and longitudes as you go. Not quite what you wan...
Discussion started 04/13/2007 10:27 PM by steve k - 5 replies (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 04/22/2007 08:31 AM)steve k from saint louis on 04/18/2007 01:45 PM
Google has a tool called Google Earth that you can download for free. Once downloaded, you can follow the trail from end to end and read off latitude and longitudes as you go. Not quite what you wanted, I know, but I thought I would throw that our as an idea in case you were unaware of that tool or did not get any other tracklogs. For anyone that wants to try this, you definately want a high speed connection.
My experience with GPS units and tracklogs, is that collecting this info will quickly suck down the batteries of your receiver. So, anyone wants to collect their own track log, make sure you bring extra batteries. Also, some electronic devices like calculators will lose their stored data if the batteries run down all the way, I don't recall this being a problem with GPS units, but it is something to think about.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 04/18/2007 04:06 PM
I have no track log to offer either, but following Steve’s thread…..Ray has listed latitude and longitude for most of the towns on the map above……click on the town name in the map……latitude and longitude appears above the map of each town. For other relevant towns along the trail such as Columbia, Jefferson City, Hermann, etc., a good source to locate latitude and longitude is:
http://stevemorse.org/jcal/latlon.php
Also, if you find it necessary to make a data conversion, the following link may be useful.
To convert….
http://www.cosports.com/tools/gps_coords.htm
rdaines from O'Fallon, MO on 04/19/2007 12:55 PM
The website motionbased.com is a place where GPS useres can upload their activities and share them with others. I used it before to locate trails in Sedona and it work pretty well. A quick seach of Katy Trail shows that there are some enteries but not the whole trail, that would be asking a lot. Here's an example of what I found:
http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/1823895
All things considered, this might be a great opportunity for users to start a new database which we could piece together to include the whole trail. I've got a GPS mounted on my bike so I'm ready.
Ray (webmaster) on 04/20/2007 06:05 AM
Thanks for the input, folks - some good information. I actually already have tracks for several sections of the trail, and should be able to fill in the gaps using the tools and websites that you guys mentioned. In the meantime, I welcome any tracklogs that anyone wants to submit for portions of the trail.
Thanks!
rdaines from O'Fallon, MO on 04/20/2007 05:49 PM
How about posting what sections you need so people can ride those gaps?
Ray (webmaster) on 04/22/2007 08:31 AM
Good idea, rdaines. Mainly I need Sedalia. Also Boonville area, and north of Boonville toward New Franklin.
Passing through gates with a wide tandem
- + I hope to ride the Katy on a 4 wheel bike that I am building. Two riders will pedal sitting side by side. Any tips for coping with the gates?
Discussion started 03/06/2007 10:23 PM by Dave - 4 replies (last reply by bikerwes at 04/21/2007 11:26 AM)Dave from Highland, IL on 03/06/2007 10:23 PM
I hope to ride the Katy on a 4 wheel bike that I am building. Two riders will pedal sitting side by side. Any tips for coping with the gates?
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 03/07/2007 05:37 AM
Wouldn't four wheels make it a "quadcycle"?
kim from independence, mo on 03/07/2007 09:53 AM
You may have to go around the gates in some areas. Most have "shoulders" with enough room. However, if going through Boonville, you may find the Boonville bridge to be an issue.
I have often wondered about this, as pulling a trailer can sometimes be a challenge at some gates, and made me thankful that we did not encounter riders coming from the other direction when we crossed the Boonville bridge.
ggwbike on 03/27/2007 09:18 PM
The bikepath (sidewalk) on the Boonville Bridge is 6 feet wide with concrete guardrails.
bikerwes from St L Co on 04/21/2007 11:26 AM
There is a good shoulder on the bridge, which has mostly light traffic, I have used it carting a Burley cargo trailer.
Rocheport General Store (Rocheport)
- + This is our favorite place to stop when we are biking through Rocheport. It has a fun atmosphere and the food is excellent.
Discussion started 04/20/2007 09:01 PM by Michelle - 0 repliesMichelle from Independence, MO on 04/20/2007 09:01 PM
This is our favorite place to stop when we are biking through Rocheport. It has a fun atmosphere and the food is excellent.
Michelle from Independence, MO on 04/20/2007 09:01 PM
This is our favorite place to stop when we are biking through Rocheport. It has a fun atmosphere and the food is excellent.
North Jefferson Trailhead (N. Jefferson)
- + I am taking 2 children on their first trail ride. What part of the trail is the best part for children to ride? ny suggestions are helpful.
Discussion started 04/14/2007 05:24 PM by BH - 3 replies (last reply by Cliff at 04/20/2007 11:11 AM)BH from Lake of the Ozarks, MO on 04/14/2007 05:24 PM
I am taking 2 children on their first trail ride. What part of the trail is the best part for children to ride? ny suggestions are helpful.
BH from Lake of the Ozarks, MO on 04/14/2007 05:24 PM
I am taking 2 children on their first trail ride. What part of the trail is the best part for children to ride? ny suggestions are helpful.
missouri resident on 04/14/2007 06:02 PM
hey there b h
from my own experience, anywhere between rocheport and n. jeff. if in rocheport, make sure you hit the rocheport tunnel. i personaly think that rocheport then east is the best. around mc baine you get the smells from the setiment ponds, hartsburg to n. jeff is great also.
have fun, hope this helps. just watch the road crossings.
missouri resident on 04/14/2007 06:02 PM
hey there b h
from my own experience, anywhere between rocheport and n. jeff. if in rocheport, make sure you hit the rocheport tunnel. i personaly think that rocheport then east is the best. around mc baine you get the smells from the setiment ponds, hartsburg to n. jeff is great also.
have fun, hope this helps. just watch the road crossings.
Norm from Raymore, MO on 04/14/2007 09:43 PM
I don't know how old your children are or how far they can go, (my 11 year old grandsons didn't go more than about 5 miles). The Rocheport trailhead is ideal for a short ride and you'll see scenery almost right away when you head east toward Jefferson City, the bluffs on your left and the Missouri river just below on the right. This kind of sight usually impresses people of all ages. I took my family with me a few years back and we started here, some of us went out about 7 miles, then turned around and headed back. When we returned to Rocheport we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the small park there.
Norm from Raymore, MO on 04/14/2007 09:43 PM
I don't know how old your children are or how far they can go, (my 11 year old grandsons didn't go more than about 5 miles). The Rocheport trailhead is ideal for a short ride and you'll see scenery almost right away when you head east toward Jefferson City, the bluffs on your left and the Missouri river just below on the right. This kind of sight usually impresses people of all ages. I took my family with me a few years back and we started here, some of us went out about 7 miles, then turned around and headed back. When we returned to Rocheport we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the small park there.
Cliff from Edwardsville Kansas on 04/20/2007 11:11 AM
I believe that the best ride for all ages is between Rocheport and Hartsburg. There is alot to see, the Bluffs, the River, and everything around Rocheport including the town itself. Your children would really enjoy the tunnel on the west end of Rocheport. Go to the General store in Rocheport, it is a neat place to grab lunch and look at the different items they have. If you ride from Hartsburg to Rocheport and want to stay the night I recommend the Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest its a great place to stay and the price is reasonable. It's right beside the trail. Have a great time!
Cliff from Edwardsville Kansas on 04/20/2007 11:11 AM
I believe that the best ride for all ages is between Rocheport and Hartsburg. There is alot to see, the Bluffs, the River, and everything around Rocheport including the town itself. Your children would really enjoy the tunnel on the west end of Rocheport. Go to the General store in Rocheport, it is a neat place to grab lunch and look at the different items they have. If you ride from Hartsburg to Rocheport and want to stay the night I recommend the Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest its a great place to stay and the price is reasonable. It's right beside the trail. Have a great time!
A great cake shop
- + there is this place here in Sedalia with really great cakes and the name of the place is "the cake lady" the info is- 214 W Main St
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 827-6565
Discussion started 04/20/2007 03:51 AM by Kym - 0 repliesKym from Round Rock, TX on 04/20/2007 03:51 AM
there is this place here in Sedalia with really great cakes and the name of the place is "the cake lady" the info is- 214 W Main St
Sedalia, MO 65301
(660) 827-6565