Rock Island Trail Forum

I will soon be riding the entire trail for the first time and would like to go the direction that would be the easiest. Should I go from west to east OR east to west? I'm assuming that elevation at both places would be the biggest factor, but also, what about winds coming from one direction or the other? I will ride in late November.

West to East but total elevation difference is only in the 800' arena and winds typically southwest to northeast to oversimplify but only the elevation difference can be considered utterly accurate data. Been on the Trinity River system lately? Regards...Mark of the Dalton Boys

I would DEFINITELY say west to east. There seem to be more rolling hills that go down and chances are, you will have a tail wind. When we were riding west, it was tough!!! Good luck. You will love it either way you go!

To the Dalton Boys - Concerning the Trinity River, YES!!! This is where I ride every day :) These trails go all over Ft. Worth and go off in so many different directions. It's great because you can either ride on concrete OR packed limestone. Depending on the shape your stomach is in, you can ride off one direction and smell the fish, but the other direction, you smell steaks grilling at the restaurants across the river. The scenery is very nice. Have you ever had the opportunity to ride the Trinity?

I rode the trail west to east in 3 days last week. The first day from Clinton to Rocheport was pretty grueling. It seemed to be all uphill to Pilot Grove. We also had light headwinds from the east all 3 days. In spite of that, the weather was great and I'm ready to do it again. If you're looking for a stop near Bluffton, I would heartily recommend the Rendleman Home B & B.



Ken

I rode the trail west to east in 3 days last week. The first day from Clinton to Rocheport was pretty grueling. It seemed to be all uphill to Pilot Grove. We also had light headwinds from the east all 3 days. In spite of that, the weather was great and I'm ready to do it again. If you're looking for a stop near Bluffton, I would heartily recommend the Rendleman Home B & B.



Ken

Yeah, I agree,there is definitely a trend for slight inclines from the Clifton City area to Pilot Grove, and a little bit of one from I-70 into Boonville. If you are an experienced rider, I would think it wouldn't be too much of a problem.



Oh, and I have walked the Trinity Trails from near the Fort Worth Zoo to Lake Benbrook. Nice trail!

When we rode the whole trail West to East last May and I have to say the first stretch from Clinton to Pilot Grove with it's long, gradual incline kicked my butt. When we pulled into Pilot Grove I was the happiest guy on earth. All of our riding is on the trail and I was surprised at how much difference the incline made. To be honest though, the real problem was probably that we had very little seat time before we did the ride. By the way,when in Pilot Grove I highly recommend Deon's Bar and Grill.....great burgers and onion rings.

are you planning to ride the trail with a group or just by yourself, i am interested in riding but only in a group for transportation reasons....have a great time .

I just finished a three day ride from Clinton to St. Charles yesterday afternoon at 2pm. EVERYONE I talked to on the trail (about 6 experienced trail riders) said go WEST to EAST. 3 people had done it both ways and said they would never again go east to west. It's a WONDERFUL trip. I had a great time. I will do it again sometime.



I also agree with the comments about the toughest part of the ride being from Clinton to Pilot Grove - or maybe Booneville. Grades aren't steep - but there are some long ones. It is manageable. I pushed hard the first day and did 114 miles to Hartsburg. Took it REAL easy day 2 and went to the Doll House B and B in Rheinland (great stay) and then finished with 67 miles to St. Charles. Next time - I think I'll do 4 days.



Enjoy your trip!

TRYNA - I will be riding with my husband - I'm not really into the big group thing :) Thank you everyone for your advice - I think I will definitely go West to East.

To our customers old and new,



The Hartsburg Cycle Depot will be moving to 2004 West Main in Jefferson City, just 1.5 miles off of the North Jefferson trail head. Our new store will carry all the accessories and bikes etc. as before but with the added benefit of more work space for us. Unfortunately this does mean that we will be closing the store in Hartsburg as of Oct 8 2006.

We would like to thank all who visited and supported our shop in Hartsburg over the years and look forward to welcoming you to the new store in Jeff which will be opening soon.



Pam and Mark

I am sorry to hear you are leaving the Trail in Hartsburg, but I know I will look you up in Jeff

city! Can you give us directions on how to find you from the North Jefferson Trailhead?

Wishing you great success in your new location. Sharon

pam and mark;



best of luck in your new location. i visited your hartsburg store a few yrs ago. the smoothie was great, and i love your accent. hope the move works out great for both of you.

I am totally dumbfounded as to why a BIKE SHOP would move OFF THE BIKE TRAIL. But that's just me...

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that everyone wants the bike shop there, but not

enough people patronize it as a real bike shop (which it is..and the best Mid-Missouri has to

offer) ... businesses along the Trail have a pretty short season whereas a bike shop in Jeff city

will have year round business. When you need bike repairs/accessories or a new bike...where

do you go to buy it? At a bike shop on the Trail?

Here's a pretty good article about the bike shop, and the reasons why they are moving:



http://www.showmenews.com/2006/Oct/20061015News006.asp

I know this is really late after the fact, but I can't seem to shake the thought of posting this here.



Laborday weekend as my wife and I were finishing our West/East trip on the KATY, just East of Weldon Spring we met a recumbant tandum headed west. What caught my eye was these folks were loaded, bags front and back as well as a BOB trailer. If you fit this discription I am just courious to hear about your trip and if you were headed further than Clinton. Post here or e-mail to powderbasket@hotmail.com

OK, I just have to ask. Does anyone know what those little red arrow signs,on white background mean? They point up and down the trail. I thought I had them figured out,thinking they point uphill. I soon discovered this is wrong! Help! It's just one of those little things one has to know. :) Also, I see the counter cameras all over the trail. Are those findings available? Thanks...ride on.

I don't have the answer, but have also wondered the what and why of those little red arrows. Just adding a comment to keep this bumped up and hopefully someone with an answer will post.

According to the DNR:



"If the signs you referenced are on the far west end of Katy Trail State Park, they indicate areas where we do not spray. We have some prairie plants right along the edge of the trail in that section."

MLH, Thanks for your response. I also spoke with one of the fine DNR trail maintenance men on the trail last week,who gave me the same answer. As we rode on past Boonville, we didn't see any more of the markers so I do believe it is only done by the "western" segment of trail. I also stopped and visited with the folks at the Boonville DNR office. Very nice people who were glad to hear from trail users first hand. (of course I was complimenting, and not whining or complaining about something!) We did notice that the trail surface is VERY dusty with a lot of lime on the far eastern end. To me that just gives it all that much more character!

Anyone planning to start the trail from Clinton Saturday, October 14th and going all the way through to St. Louis?

Hubby and I are starting Sunday at Clinton and heading to St. Charles.

I have registered for the event but only plan to go as far as Jeff City. Have you biked this route before?

Polly's was great! To us it was like going to a favorite relatives' place. Tom played Yahtzee with Polly and her visiting family. I think the wine and leftovers made this a really special first night on the trail. Thanks Polly!

Polly's was great! To us it was like going to a favorite relatives' place. Tom played Yahtzee with Polly and her visiting family. I think the wine and leftovers made this a really special first night on the trail. Thanks Polly!

We had a wonderful stay! Lucy was so kind and accomodating! A wonderful home to feel like one is truly welcome. Thanks Lucy!

We had a wonderful stay! Lucy was so kind and accomodating! A wonderful home to feel like one is truly welcome. Thanks Lucy!

Nice little shop and the people that work there are very friendly!

Nice little shop and the people that work there are very friendly!

We had planned to camp here but found it to be basically an empty field with a gravel parking lot on the river delta. We decided that since it was so hot, some shade would be nice. We went up the road to Katfish Katy's.

We had planned to camp here but found it to be basically an empty field with a gravel parking lot on the river delta. We decided that since it was so hot, some shade would be nice. We went up the road to Katfish Katy's.

Nice scenic area. The lady that works at the Chamber of Commerce inside the depot was very friendly and helpful. They also have some nice souveniers for sale inside.

Nice scenic area. The lady that works at the Chamber of Commerce inside the depot was very friendly and helpful. They also have some nice souveniers for sale inside.

O.k.,I have been bitten by the Katy Bug! My wife and I finished our first "end to end" ride of the Katy last Friday and it was GREAT! We had a very good time and met many fellow riders including Jason, Brian,and Scott from Alabama, another trio from Arizona, a solo rider from Lexington,MO and I even met Tim from Westline,MO! (which we found humurous, we live only 15 miles apart,and meet on the Katy trail near Dutzow, going opposite directions!) We started Sunday in record heat (94 f)and the heat followed us down the trail until Wednesday. I thought the weather was nice, but I enjoy the heat. The trail was in very good condition as usual. :) We have always enjoyed riding the western third of the trail, but to see the whole thing in one week is really amazing. The eastern end was beautiful and I was really taken by the bluffs near bluffton and down the trail near Klondike park (63mm)..... I can't wait to do it again, and this time, camping!

We were also sad that the trip was over. I catch myself sitting at work saying, "this time last week, I was....." Whatever I come up with, it's always better than what I am doing right now. :) The trail was amazing, the people were great, and we will definitely be back! It was great to meet you!

Hey Jason - IMHO the Chief Ladiga isn't exactly a "slouch" rail/trail nevermind the future of being linked with the Silver Comet in Georgia. Totally get that feeling of "remembering" and glad you enjoyed the KATY. Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

j&k, glad ya'll enjoyed the ride, had fun, and am back home safe.

Mark...I agree. The Ladiga is actually a great trail (especially since it is paved). I can't wait for them to connect it with the Comet. I have also done the Longleaf Trace down near Hattiesburg, MS. It is really, really nice. I'm just happy that these Rails to Trails exist anywhere...they are great!

J&K...you may have talked my dad into a recumbent. He has checked out the local bike shop and may end up getting one. After 280 miles, I was wishing my seat was a little more comfortable...maybe I will get one too. :)

We camped at the fairgrounds last week. All in all, not a bad experience. The campground is large, but made mainly for RV's, not tents. We found a grassy area and set up camp. Security came around and collected the fee. He was a very nice older man. We were awakened at 4:30 am by some people having a domestic dispute. The police were there quickly (we did not call them) and it ended without too much drama. The bath house is about what you would expect for a fairgrounds, but the shower had very hot water, so we were happy. We would probably camp there again.

We camped at the fairgrounds last week. All in all, not a bad experience. The campground is large, but made mainly for RV's, not tents. We found a grassy area and set up camp. Security came around and collected the fee. He was a very nice older man. We were awakened at 4:30 am by some people having a domestic dispute. The police were there quickly (we did not call them) and it ended without too much drama. The bath house is about what you would expect for a fairgrounds, but the shower had very hot water, so we were happy. We would probably camp there again.

We camped here last week. It is pretty much right in the middle of town and the campsites are next to a fairly busy residential street. There are about 5 campsites, a porta potty, water, and fire rings. The manager of the park was very nice. We didn't have any problems camping that night and will probably camp there again. It's not much, but it's not bad either.

We camped here last week. It is pretty much right in the middle of town and the campsites are next to a fairly busy residential street. There are about 5 campsites, a porta potty, water, and fire rings. The manager of the park was very nice. We didn't have any problems camping that night and will probably camp there again. It's not much, but it's not bad either.

I plan on riding the Katy from Sedalia to St. Charles on Oct 3,4,5. I'm looking for any advice on where to stay from what to take. Below is my plan so far:



The first day-Ride Amtrak from St Louis to Sedalia then stay the night. 2nd day-Sedalia to Rocheport, 3nd day-Rocheport to Hermann, 4th day-Hermann to St Charles.



What I plan to take:



Intense Tracer mountian bike w/ seatpost rack & bike bag

1 all in one tool

1 small knife

3 spare tubes

6 compressed air w/ dispenser

1 patch kit

3 tire levers

1 chain link

1 small roll of electrical tape(for emergency repairs)

4 tie wraps(for emergency repairs)

1 small tri flo(lube)

2 water bottles

1 lock & cable

1 tube of sunscreen

1 toothbrush and paste

1 helmet

1 pair bike shorts

2 jerseys

1 pair bike shoes

2 pair socks

1 rain jacket

4 bandanas

2 t shirts

1 pair sandles

1 pair reg. shorts

4 large zip lock bags(to keep everthing in because of dust)

phone & charger

wallet

sunglasses

small first aid kit

dog repellent?(also works somewhat on muggers I've heard)



I'm sure I can wash my jerseys, bike shorts, and socks daily at a motel or a B&B. This was all I was able to fit in my bike bag.



Any advice on my route,lodging, or list of items to take would be helpful. I have no reservations anywhere yet so I can make route adjustments if needed.



thanks, Paulie

The flames may come, but for me......I'd take a package of stick on patches and nix the kit, the three tubes and all the NOS. All that is overkill when you are cramped for space. In the event the tubes all turn to Swiss (very, very doubtfull), pick one up at the bike shop in Rocheport or Hartsburg.



You can gain space by using a small cargo net to strap a backpack or a camelback (if ya want more liquid) to the top of your trunk bag. I got one for just a few buck at Nashbar.com. (I know....support your local bike shop....).



Lots of places book in the Fall when the chlorophyll leaves the trees....you might wanna plan ahead on accomodations.

Sounds good. the only thing I would add is a small travel pak of Baby Wipes...they come in

handy...will remove chain grease from almost anything, for starters! I am a big believer in

carrying extra tubes and stuff to change out the tire. Changing out a tube is quick and easy

whereas patching is time consuming and not always very effective. Oh, and throw in some

small zip loc bags...put your cell phone in one, put your money in one. I sometimes have

blood sugar issues so I always carry some Gu or some such energy gel. Have a a great trip!

Sharon

I may end up leaving out a tube or two, space is becoming an issue. I can always pick up more at a bike shop if worse comes to worse. And thanks for the baby wipes suggestion,I definitly take some along.

I did also notice I left gloves of my list. 200 miles without gloves equals sore hands.



Thanks, Paulie

I would make room for the tubes. Wrap them around your seatpost and hold them on with a

rubber band if there isn't room in your bag. Bike shopes are not all that frequent along the

Trail and when you need a tube, you can't really pick one up at any of the bars along the

Trail. On the other hand, I have my current job because I stopped to help someone who

chose to carry cookies instead of spare tubes in his bag and was stuck with 2 flat

tires...fortunately, I had spare tubes to share, the cookies were good and I ended up with a

job out of the deal...which was good as I was about to be laid off at my old job! So, there you

go! Sharon

Apologies sbikes, but I've got to get to that dangling comic straight line...So in essence you were "networking" on the KATY Trail "network"? Sorry & Congratulations, it is funny how one finds stuff but rarely in the expected time or place. Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

We are Lococo House ll, Bed & Breakfast just three blocks from the St. Charles trail head ----- we can provide transportations to Amtrak station or Sedalia and you can leave your car with us ----- accomadations are required for shuttle service ----let us know if we can be of help to you ---- Rhona Lococo -----www.lococohouse.com or call 636-946-0619

Worse than networking, I was fishing for clients. I was about to be laid off from my job and

so was going to hang out my shingle again (I'm a lawyer), so I told my friend I was riding with

I was going to hand out a business card to everyone I saw along the Trail...he ROLLED his

eyes when I told him and each time he saw me do it. So, we stopped to help these folks with

their flat tires, I handed my business card to one of them...she worked for the State with an

old friend of mine...and voila! I am now a state employee (the pay isn't great, but the perks

are good!)...so, you just never know what might happen along the Trail! Sharon

Also, I can't think of a better place to network...I love riding my bike and I love riding my bike

on the Trail...why not see who else you can meet who loves what you love? Maybe, just

maybe, true love can be found on the Trail...or some reasonable facsimile thereof! : )

note to self-



Ad biz cards to list of "things to take".



Paulie

Note to self----



Leave biz cards as well all the rest of the office stuff at work in the office. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the trail avoiding "networkers" out passin out biz cards and free tubes. And....beware there may be those out looking for some "reasonable facsimile thereof" of love along the trail. Not sure that one is allowed in Missouri state parks.

Easy there Trek Biker... I found sbikes story very enjoyable. As far as the topic "what to take", I find it easiest to just take my wife. I have your basics, patch kit, tools,plenty of water,and maybe a snack. My wife seems to have "anything" else one could need on the trail! :)

Sorry there J&K.....didn't mean to offend you. I'm glad you find sbikes stories very enjoyable.

By all means, take extra tubes!!! Just returned from a 4-day trip from Wilton to St. Charles with our Boy Scout troop. Had a GREAT TIME...but we unknowingly rode through some thorns near Tebbetts...didn't see them until we were digging them out of our flat tires... and spent most of the evening patching & changing MANY tires!!! Patching is very time consuming...changing tubes IS much quicker.

hey nice to know about trail for horses but where aare the horse camp and how does one avoid the bikes where are therre accomdations for the horse an the person .\\?

The only place with horse accommodations along the trail (that I'm aware of) is Cruces Cabooses, in the Windsor/Calhoun area. They have refurbished train cars where you sleep, a pen for the horses, and a place to build a campfire.



If anyone knows of any other camping or lodging which can accommodate horses, please let us know.