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Rock Island Trail Forum

Share your comments, questions, opinions, and advice on the Rock Island Trail.
 
This is actually a copy of the Katy Trail Forum from BikeKatyTrail.com. Any posts added here will also appear in the Forum at BikeKatyTrail.com, and vice versa.
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Will my road bike tires of 28mm work on the Katy Trail in September?
 -  + I would like to ride the Katy Trail in September. Will my road bike with 28mm tires work on the trail?
Discussion started 01/16/2025 09:24 PM by MJ of Paonia - 4 replies (last reply by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) at 01/24/2025 02:11 PM)
MJ of Paonia from Paonia, CO on 01/16/2025 09:24 PM
I would like to ride the Katy Trail in September. Will my road bike with 28mm tires work on the trail?

 
Gary Winzenburger from Washington on 01/17/2025 11:36 AM
They should, but the type of tread is important. Katy is made up of packed chat that can become muddy and slick in places after a rain, which can happen in September. I would recommend tires with good overall traction. Good luck and have fun.

 
KB from Boonville on 01/23/2025 12:31 PM
I rode just fine all December on my 28 slicks. That said, when it was wet after 4 days of snowmelt, trail was slimy and my narrow tires sunk in and became quite slow, but totally doable. So I would say 28 is fine, but minimal. It might also help that I don't weigh barely a buck and a half..

 
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 01/23/2025 12:52 PM
Your 28 tires might be doable but sink in the trail. People that follow you when the trail dries out will curse you for creating ruts. Bad karma will follow you. But hey, it’s your choice.

 
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 01/24/2025 02:11 PM
If you weigh 300lbs, then 28mm tires won't be too great. If you weigh 85lbs, you're good to go.


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First time on the trail…
 -  + Planning our first trip. Initial thought is to go round trip. Retired so time is flexible. Any suggestions we should include as we plan?
Discussion started 06/24/2024 08:24 AM by Mick - 8 replies (last reply by KB at 01/23/2025 12:53 PM)
Mick from Libertyville, Il on 06/24/2024 08:24 AM
Planning our first trip. Initial thought is to go round trip. Retired so time is flexible. Any suggestions we should include as we plan?

 
Anonymous on 06/24/2024 03:54 PM
We've done numerous out and back trips on the Katy.

It seems to be a completely different ride on the return trip seeing the landscape from the opposite direction.

Round trip or out and back eliminates the need for transportation back to the start point.

Time is in your favor....relax and enjoy the ride without having rigid deadlines to meet for transportation, etc.

 
CurtM from Farmington AR on 06/25/2024 06:29 PM
Would recommend starting in Clinton and going west and returning to Clinton via Sedalia. A few reasons: 1) the only real elevation change is from Pilot Grove to Boonville; west to east it's downhill. 2) During baseball season, room rates go up in St Charles, and are pretty high as far west as Chesterfield. 3) You can catch the Amtrak going back east from Washington, Hermann, or Jefferson City, so you can skip riding a lot of miles going back to Clinton. Just have to time your route. You will want to leave the train in Sedalia, and then ride back to Clinton, about 35 miles, but that is a nice ride east to west; you can always stop again in Windsor. Good accommodations (going west to east) in Clinton, Windsor, Sedalia, Pilot Grove, Boonville, Jeff City, Rocheport, McKittrick, Hermann, Washington,... well, lots more: this web site will answer most of your questions with some research. You can get car shuttles back to Clinton as well. Can't comment on camping, but there are some options. The Clinton Community Center offers parking and camping, and you can check in there and leave an itinerary. It's about 1/2 mile from the trail beginning (or end) via separate bike path. Would agree that a rigid schedule won't work too well, especially if using Amtrak. By the way, forget about weather forecasts; I've never done a trip where the weather was as predicted. You'll need raingear.

 
Anonymous on 06/26/2024 03:55 PM
Not sure how this works: Would recommend starting in Clinton and going west and returning to Clinton via Sedalia.

Leave Clinton and go west.....trail ends in Clinton, but anyway go west and then somehow go to Sedalia and back to Clinton??

 
Billy from Yukon,OK on 06/27/2024 10:16 AM
I rode East from Clinton all the way to St Charles. Then took the Amtrak train from Kirkwood, MO back to Sedalia then rode back to Clinton.

 
Snidleyonabike from Way out west on 06/29/2024 08:27 PM
I don't know the terrain of this trail. What type of tires would be best?

 
Jerry Whittle from O'Fallon Illinois on 06/30/2024 09:51 AM
The fattest tires that your bike can handle with a lot of tread or even some knobbies. I've done the trail with tires as small as 700x25s and as large as 650bx47s. The small tires were too small, and the large tires were overkill but still better than the 700x25s. I found 700x32s were adequate.

 
CurtM from Farmington AR on 07/06/2024 07:05 PM
Dear Anonymous Einstein: Thanks for the communications critique, but Billy from Yukon OK figured it out. FYI: Studies have shown that 99% of forum users that use "Anonymous" are creepy uncles (or aunts as the case may be). Happy trails and good riding.

 
KB from Boonville on 01/23/2025 12:53 PM
My first time was with 25mm..not a great result. I have been happy with 28s in good weather, but would prefer wider.


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Early April conditions
 -  + Hi, My wife and I are planning to ride from Clinton to St Charles in early April - with flexible start date April 5th to the 15th. Leaning on starting early to be home by Easter. I have all the sto...
Discussion started 01/14/2025 11:10 AM by Dave b - 4 replies (last reply by Jerome S. Whittle at 01/16/2025 11:11 AM)
Dave b from Boca Raton, FL on 01/14/2025 11:10 AM
Hi,

My wife and I are planning to ride from Clinton to St Charles in early April - with flexible start date April 5th to the 15th. Leaning on starting early to be home by Easter.

I have all the stops and BnBs planned and will make reservations in the next few days.

I saw some posts about weather, etc from 2019. We know it will likely be cold and maybe some rain - we did the GAP last year same timeframe and survived the cold and rain and had a very good trip.

Can someone give us an update/advice about the trail in early April, including weather, trail conditions, possible trail closures, floods, businesses/restaurants closed, and any other helpful info?

Thanks!!

 
Kc from Kc on 01/14/2025 01:07 PM
April is probably the worst month to travel the trail. You will likely be fine if the weather cooperates. Otherwise, deep ruts can form and freeze. I would be prepared with 50 mm wide tires. The state does an excellent job of maintaining a smooth trail but I’m unable to tell you what month the work actually starts.
You can generally navigate anything you come across, except for a flood.

 
Jim from St. Thomas on 01/14/2025 07:27 PM
If you rode the GAP in April you should be fine on the Katy. A lot of the businesses in the small towns close on Mondays so sometimes it can be hard to find a place to eat if you're picky. There is usually something like a Casey's convenience store or a bar where you can get pizza etc.

 
Anonymous on 01/15/2025 09:58 AM
Agree with what Jim's post.

Weather info, trail conditions, closures (trail or business) is hard to predict in mid January for 3 months out. You can keep an eye on those as your ride date approaches both here and on Missouri DNR Katy Trail website. Trail conditions and closures are often posted in both places and on this forum. We tend to contact places we'd like to visit either on their website or by phone to ensure they are open and can accommodate us.

Missouri DNR does a great job of maintaining the trail. Keep in mind it is a chat covered trail across rural Missouri...a wilderness adventure if you will with small towns dotted along the path.

Happy Trails!

 
Jerome S. Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 01/16/2025 11:11 AM
The GAP has a somewhat better surface than the Katy Trail. Between Boonville and Clinton there can be some large cracks usually in the middle of the trail. I recommend the largest tires that your bike can comfortably handle with tread or even knobbies. I also recommend fenders.

On the flip side, the Katy's surface is much, much better than the C&O!


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El Jalisco Restaurant
 -  + Very good Mexican restaurant with large portions and fair prices. The carnitas platter and guacamole were excellent!
Discussion started 10/08/2024 01:03 PM by Kevin - 2 replies (last reply by Jerome S. Whittle at 01/07/2025 11:05 AM)
Kevin from Washington, DC on 10/08/2024 01:03 PM
Very good Mexican restaurant with large portions and fair prices. The carnitas platter and guacamole were excellent!

 
Acoustic Al from Fort Collins on 01/06/2025 09:12 PM
Agreed 100%, delicious dinner, and last June there was a great selection of cold beers, too. A pleasant walk from Kim's Cabins for us.

 
Jerome S. Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 01/07/2025 11:05 AM
I also agree. I'll add that Kim's Cabins are great.


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Lime trail effect on chain
 -  + Hello, Can anyone give me info on what effects the wet or dry lime trail had on their chain? Did you get a buildup? Did you have any problems? I’m guessing it’s a good idea to clean your chain every ...
Discussion started 11/23/2024 02:27 PM by LU - 6 replies (last reply by plaseo at 01/05/2025 11:11 AM)
LU from California on 11/23/2024 02:27 PM
Hello,
Can anyone give me info on what effects the wet or dry lime trail had on their chain? Did you get a buildup? Did you have any problems? I’m guessing it’s a good idea to clean your chain every day. Thx!

 
Jerry Whittle from O'Fallon Illinois on 11/24/2024 01:50 PM
Both are rough on a chain. If it's wet, cleaning and lubing daily might help. If dry, I'd just clean and lube it once halfway through if you're doing the entire trail.

I recommend putting on a cheaper new chain shortly before the trip. Then just replacing the chain shortly after the end. That's what I've done a few times including twice on a tandem. The tandem is like changing three chains.

 
John Hutchins from PACIFIC on 11/24/2024 03:28 PM
If it's dusty you will get limestone dust on your chain. Probably not much of a problem this time of year. I've never bothered to clean my chain on a Katy ride, with no problems. But others might feel differently.

 
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/11/2024 10:46 AM
We ride a million billion miles on the trail and I have not noticed any crazy wear. I'd take some lube in case of rain, but otherwise, it's no biggie.

I think that the carbonates in the limestone are much softer than the silicates in sand.

Do whatever makes you the most comfortable!

 
Jim from St. Thomas on 12/11/2024 04:11 PM
I agree if you're only going to ride a million billion miles you will probably not have problems. If you ride a billion billion miles I would look at investing in one of those titanium chains.

 
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/12/2024 12:24 AM
I'd only go Ti if I thought I might hit a bajillion miles. ;)

 
plaseo from STL on 01/05/2025 11:11 AM
Especially when it's wet I notice grit buildup on my chain and have had it get to the point my gears aren't meshing and things start clicking. I've tried all the major chain lubes and have found that RockNRoll extreme keeps the chain cleanest the longest. I am not the best with cleaning/maintenance so others who are more diligent probably have a better time. I use a flashlight to look over the chain after every ride. Since the lube has wax in it the chain will look almost like it has a matte finish and if it starts to look shiny or gritty/dirty I know it's time to relube.


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Air b and b or bed and breakfasts along Katy trail looks- reasonable and on a budget
 -  + We are looking for accommodations in August 2025. Hoping to ride part of the Katy Trail I’m looking for something quaint and very close to the trail. We may want to bike along the trail and then stay ...
Discussion started 12/22/2024 09:54 AM by Hannah and Tom - 5 replies (last reply by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) at 12/30/2024 04:28 PM)
Hannah and Tom from Venice florids on 12/22/2024 09:54 AM
We are looking for accommodations in August 2025. Hoping to ride part of the Katy Trail I’m looking for something quaint and very close to the trail. We may want to bike along the trail and then stay at another section of the Katy Trail. Does anyone have any information on Accommodations besides hotels?

Thanks!!

 
Bill R. from Wentzville on 12/22/2024 10:25 AM
Kim's Cabins in Windsor are very cool and super clean. Walking distance to the trail. The proprietor couldn't be any more friendly and helpful. Rocheport has lodging very close to the trail, also.

 
Anonymous on 12/22/2024 04:21 PM
This website has a lot of information on accommodations.

Have a look at the trip planner and search for lodging at the towns you wish to stay in.

 
Mark on 12/23/2024 09:54 AM
White Wolf Inn
MM 105 Rhineland Mo.
contact mark at 636-359-0852

 
Scotty Mac from OKC on 12/23/2024 11:24 AM
Joe's Birdhouse in McKittrick, trial side.
Happy Apples Bicycle Bunkhouse in Marthasville, very near trail.

 
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/30/2024 04:28 PM
Go to the "Trip Planner" tab, and select Lodging only. You'll get lots of choices. Drop back in if you have a question about a particular place.


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 -  + Planning a trip to ride from Clinton to Machens but looking for optional routes to get me back to Clinton....any ideas welcome.
Discussion started 12/16/2024 02:59 PM by onemoremile - 1 reply (last reply by Ronald Roberson at 12/17/2024 09:55 AM)
onemoremile from SALT LAKE CITY on 12/16/2024 02:59 PM
Planning a trip to ride from Clinton to Machens but looking for optional routes to get me back to Clinton....any ideas welcome.


 
Ronald Roberson from Plano on 12/17/2024 09:55 AM
I biked into St Louis (crossing the river at Alton) from Machens and took Amtrak to Sedalia and biking back to Clinton. You can also take the train from Kirkwood.


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A Sweet Expression in Pleasant Hill
 -  + Is sweet expressions still open. I meed to stop in on Tuesday the q7th of December
Discussion started 12/14/2024 07:16 PM - 0 replies
Anonymous on 12/14/2024 07:16 PM
Is sweet expressions still open. I meed to stop in on Tuesday the q7th of December


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Chillhowee City Park Camping in Chilhowee
 -  + 12/12/2024 I contacted one of two part-time City of Chillhowee employees for info about the Chilhowee City Park. Their phone number is 660-678-2081. I was informed that camping is free. Drinking w...
Discussion started 12/12/2024 03:23 PM by Bill - 2 replies (last reply by Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins at 12/14/2024 09:32 AM)
Bill from Kansas City on 12/12/2024 03:23 PM
12/12/2024

I contacted one of two part-time City of Chillhowee employees for info about the Chilhowee City Park. Their phone number is 660-678-2081. I was informed that camping is free. Drinking water and Porta-Potties are available. There is a "cafe" in the city (population of about 300) with a limited breakfast, lunch items, and sandwiches,the latter of which are available in a cooler. I also was informed that there has been a dispute between the "corp", which I guess is the entity reponsible for the Katy Trail, and a private individual whose land the Katy Trail allegedly crosses over. The dispute is reportedly nearing resolution and, if so, the corp has proposed installing showers and toilets at some time in the future. I intend on camping there sometime in March, 2024 so things might have changed by then. Good luck.

 
Bill R. from Wentzville on 12/13/2024 10:00 AM
Is the dispute about the KATY Trail or the Rock Island Trail? The KATY is 20 miles east of Chilhowee running through Windsor and to the southwest. I believe the RI intersects the KATY just a little northeast of Windsor. I'm not aware of a land use issue there.

 
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 12/14/2024 09:32 AM
You'd be referring to Chilhowee on the Rock Island Trail State Park between Pleasant Hill and Windsor. For anyone looking for the "cafe" there's a FB page Hometown Convenience Store. It would be Missouri State Parks who maintains that. Hmm haven't heard anything about improvements there but maybe we'll hear more


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Forums
 -  + Hi, this is for Ray, the webmaster. Can you add a forum to the Paul Bunyan Trail and NETT websites? I have researched both trails and found a few current but mainly older reviews. It would be great to...
Discussion started 11/26/2024 08:11 AM by Cindy Q - 2 replies (last reply by Cindy Q at 12/11/2024 12:20 PM)
Cindy Q from Fort Worth on 11/26/2024 08:11 AM
Hi, this is for Ray, the webmaster. Can you add a forum to the Paul Bunyan Trail and NETT websites? I have researched both trails and found a few current but mainly older reviews. It would be great to be able to get up-to-date feedback on the conditions of the trails.

 
Ray (webmaster) on 12/10/2024 06:01 PM
Thank you for the suggestion Cindy. The reason that the NETT and Paul Bunyan sites do not have a forum, all comes down to the amount of visitors on those websites.
The NETT website only gets about 10% the number of visitors that the Katy Trail site gets. Unfortunately in situations like that, a forum would probably end up with just a handful of questions and few or no answers. It's depressing to go to a forum and see that the last post is several months old.
Similar situation with the Paul Bunyan site. It's a popular trail, but that website has not been on the web for very long, and it takes years for search engines to start directing serious amounts of traffic.
Having said all that, I'll try to get a forum added to the NETT site before the next season starts. A Paul Bunyan Forum is further in the future, but it will eventually have enough visitors to justify a forum.
Thanks and happy trails!

 
Cindy Q from Fort Worth on 12/11/2024 12:20 PM
Thank you for explaining why there isn't a forum for the other websites. I saw firsthand about a few questions asked with little or n response. I saw it on the Mickelson site when I was planning that ride. Thank you, too, for the work you put into maintaining the websites and answering questions.


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Safe overnight parking in St. Charles
 -  + Looking for safe overnight parking in St. Charles. Comfort Inn & Suites? Suggestions?
Discussion started 11/30/2024 01:06 PM by Hiker Largo - 2 replies (last reply by Anne Reed at 12/02/2024 09:24 AM)
Hiker Largo from Columbus,Indiana on 11/30/2024 01:06 PM
Looking for safe overnight parking in St. Charles. Comfort Inn & Suites? Suggestions?

 
Scotty Mac from OKC on 12/01/2024 10:02 AM
Country Inn & Suites is a great place to stay. Ive stayed there twice after completing the ride.
It’s clean, safe, the staff was friendly and its right by the trail. Included breakfast is pretty good too!

 
Anne Reed from Phoenix on 12/02/2024 09:24 AM
Oh yes. Country Inn. Every year, every time. The best people and place. Safest parking.


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Turner Shelter Winter Reservations
 -  +  The Turner Katy Trail Shelter in Tebbetts has been closed to walk-in traffic for the winter. Bikers wanting to stay at the shelter will need to contact the office a week in advance.
Discussion started 11/27/2024 04:53 PM by Jim - 0 replies
Jim from St. Thomas on 11/27/2024 04:53 PM
The Turner Katy Trail Shelter in Tebbetts has been closed to walk-in traffic for the winter. Bikers wanting to stay at the shelter will need to contact the office a week in advance.


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Weather/Best time of year to do the entire trail?
 -  + Any advise on the best time of year to bike the entire trail from St. Louis to KC?
Discussion started 11/24/2024 08:28 PM by Burke on Bike - 7 replies (last reply by Cathy from Churchill at 11/27/2024 12:20 AM)
Burke on Bike from San Diego, CA on 11/24/2024 08:28 PM
Any advise on the best time of year to bike the entire trail from St. Louis to KC?

 
patrick from Overland park ks on 11/25/2024 07:39 AM
mid october

 
Scotty Mac from OKC on 11/25/2024 07:50 AM
Indeed, I've ridden the Katy twice, both in mid to late October. Beautiful weather. During the last few days of the end of October ride in '23 we did get a little rain and it got a little chilly. But, overall, it was great weather.

 
Jerry Whittle from O'Fallon Illinois on 11/25/2024 09:28 AM
I've ridden the trail 11 times end-to-end. June mostly and it was hot and sometimes wet.

Mid-October was OK except it was wet and one morning there was frost on the tent.

The one time that I rode in September, there was one morning that was cool and very foggy. Other than that, perfect. Of course YMMV.

 
Deby Elliott from Dallas on 11/26/2024 06:21 AM
For my, September (or May) is better than October, but of course every year varies. The problem with waiting until October - well there's a couple of problems. First and foremost is once the leaves really start falling they cover the trail entirely. If there is any moisture they get a little slick. But the worst part is they cover the inevitable cracks and ridges in the trail, so you are riding blind to the surface you are on. I found this messed tremendously with my confidence as a rider. The other main reason is that Octoberfest time brings in so many people, and I prefer a quieter rather than party like atmosphere.

 
Bill R. from Wentzville on 11/26/2024 06:56 AM
Deby, You are spot on. If you're trying to maintain a pace, then it can affect that a lot. I find myself slowing markedly when I can't see the actual trail surface. Hitting a layer of wet leaves can easily dump your bike thus ruining your ride by either injury or bike damage or both. I don't mind the heat so I ride all season long. Happy trails.

 
Burke on Bike from San Diego,CA on 11/26/2024 03:26 PM
Thank you everyone for your replies! Sounds like Sept or early Oct is best. May sounds like a viable choice as well. I'm planning the trip for next year and so will probably go in May since I don't want to wait till the fall for my annual bike trip.

 
Cathy from Churchill from Churchill, PA on 11/27/2024 12:20 AM
Another thing about riding the Katy Trail in September and October is that if you are planning to stay in B&Bs, Air B&Bs in local towns or hotels in the vicinity of Columbia you might be competing with people coming in for football games. And if there is a big game the same weekend as Oktober Fest or the Hartsburg Pumpkin Fest, then it's even more challenging to find a place to stay.

May is good. There can be some rainy weather, and even temperatures in the 50s and 60s. But if you wear layers and have rain gear you'll be fine. There won't be as many people on the Katy, and the leaf problem others mentioned won't be an issue.

Enjoy planning your ride, and doing your ride. It's a wonderful trail, the best I've ridden.

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