Rock Island Trail Forum

Amtrak who is operating with near empty trains will only allow four bikes per train and no trailers even though it has an open area in every car that can well accomadate them. Please email Amtrak (it's easy) at WWW.AMTRAK.COM and click on "Contact Us" and request that Amtrak start allowing more than four bikes per train and also trailers, particularly along the Kansas City/St.Louis route. If Amtrak becomes more bike friendly it would be beneficial to cyclists, Katy Trail towns, and Amtrak alike. If enough people contact Amtrak, it can make a difference

Excellent comment, Patti. I have battled with this because I want to use a cargo trailer for my trip. If you are going on a self-supported trip and want to use Amtrak, it is pretty difficult to do so within their policy. I offered to pay for another bike spot for the trailer and they outright told me that I could not take it. With a trip looming this week, that almost made Amtrak a non-option and put the trip in jeopardy.



I was able to contact the Big Shark shop near Forest Park, which is a bike-friendly MetroLink ride from the downtown Amtrak station in StL. They were willing to take my boxed bike and/or trailer and have it ready for me when I arrived, which would have bailed me out with little added time and a little added expense. Lucky for me in this case, I have a friend that will be making a trip to St. Peters and will be taking the trailer to Kirkwood to meet me. I'll miss out on riding downtown. :-(



In any case, yes, please continue to encourage Amtrak to be flexible. The Katy Trail alone is a great opportunity for them and they aren't being too flexible with those of us that really want to support them.

I sent this note:



I will be using Amtrak to travel to St. Louis with my bicycle and then to ride back to Kansas City using the Katy Trail. There is a large community of cyclists that does the same thing and relies upon Amtrak to do so. Thus, with such a significant journey, it is discouraging that Amtrak is so unflexible in accomodating the equipment often needed for a bike trip. I had planned on using a trailer for the trip that would have easily fit in the car. I offered to purchase an additional bike ticket for it but was told it could not be accomodate. It is a few inches too large to be a carry-on, so I'm now faced with shipping it to St. Louis and picking it up there.



If I weren't so interested in seeing ridership increase and Amtrak succeed in this corridor, I would have made other arrangements. It is frustrating that I will sit on a train with a surplus of space but the lack of flexibility to use it.



Just when there were signs of Amtrak catching on and ridership increasing, you may want to consider the core constituents that the service has and attempt to accomodate them, particularly on this route.



This is an excellent way to introduce people to the service and win customers. Don't turn them away. Amtrak should market its accomodations for bicycles more, invest more in them and allow for some flexibility in their use.

Common sense would tell you check your facts. Amtrak trains are hardly empty. Ridership has set records for 3 straight years.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/News_Release_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1093554022797&ssid=180

KC-STL ridership was up 6.7% in FY2005 over FY2004. I remember one time I was lucky to find a seat.



There is not an open area on THIS train for trailers or any checked baggage. They had to take out 2 rows of seats to make room for the bicycles.



Don't get me wrong, I'm all for AMTRAK accomodating cyclists and I encourage eveyone to advise AMTRAK of the service they expect.



I remember when they wouldn't take bikes, period. I know the guy who fought with AMTRAK to get bikes on board. He even designed a rack for this purpose to no avail. You know how he suceeded? He made a ampaign contribution to a MO representative. Since MO subsidizes this route, the representative was able to get AMTRAK to allow bikes on this route.

While ridership is up, it certainly isn't a consistent sell-out crowd. Don't confuse a modest increase with packed trains -- those aren't the case. If you really have been on a full train, it was an exception, not the rule. In any case, Amtrak faces serious revenue issues and being as accomodating as possible could help to stem those.

I can't speak the bike issue. I rode the trail from Clinton to St. Louis expecting to take the

train back to KC only to get halfway there and have the tracks wash out and they cancelled all

trains. But, I did ride Amtrak about a month ago from Kansas City to Jeff City and there were

maybe 10 passengers total...on the whole train.



Oh, btw, there is a U-haul place in St. Charles not far from the trailhead. My friend and I rode

in on our bikes and the lady behind the desk saw us come in and said, "yes, I have your

reservation here for a trailer" I was not amused. I asked her if they could install a hitch on

the bikes. We got a truck.

Can't take a trailer, and can't take fully loaded panniers. What to do?



My husband and I rode the Katy Trail in 2005 on the DNR trip, and we wanted to return in the fall with a group from Oklahoma, but we had to cancel because of Amtrak's policy. Our plan was to drive to visit with family in St. Louis, take the train with our bikes and gear to Sedalia, meet up with our group, then pedal back to St. Louis. Amtrack wouldn't take our trailer, so we had to get our tickets refunded. They weren't the only ones who lost our revenue, though. So did the gas stations, restaurants, gift shops, and other merchants along the way. Other people in our group were interested in taking the train, but because of their 4 bike policy, they ended up renting a shuttle so everyone could go together. Another problem was their 2-bag policy. Two front panniers, two rear panniers, handlebar bag, and trunk bag add up to six bags. Someone suggested putting them all in two duffle bags, (they won't all fit and the duffle bag is extra weight to haul), or strapping two panniers together to call it one bag. Since we didn't go, I didn't have a chance to test Amtrak on this. We actually tried to talk to someone in person about it in June, and went to two different stations, but the ticket agents didn't know anything, and the trains weren't in at the time so we could physically look or ask questions to someone who might actually know.

Forget carrying panniers, trailers, etc.... UPS your clothes to places you stay with a return sticker to ship dirty clothes back. I took 1 pannier (two days clothes)and shipped clothes to Sedalia and Columbia....UPSed dirty stuff back home. Worked great.

We had no trouble with loading our bikes on Amtrak. They stuck the four bikes between the seats and strapped them in. My biggest gripe was the impatient riders who did not understand that the larger heavier trains have the right-of-way on the tracks. We had to stop at least twice and wait for the trains to pass. With all the stops at towns and for the trains it would have been quicker for a friend to drive us to Sedalia. By the way, the train only took us to Jefferson City. Amtrak had a bus waiting to take us to Sedalia. They provided a sack lunch and water for that leg of the trip.

We rode our bikes between St. Charles and Hermann over 6/22 - 6/23, and purchased tickets on Amtrak for the train back to Kirkwood (St. Louis)for Saturday, 6/24. The cost was $14 per person, $10 per bike. Weren't we suprised Saturday morning, waiting at the Hermann depot, when a large Greyhound type bus pulled up, an Amtrak conductor got off and asked if we were coming with them. Apparently the train itself doesn't actually run that route all the time - they substitute a bus. We were able to squeeze our bikes in the undercarriage luggage storage, but someone else also had a bike under there, so it got pretty crowded there. We were very disappointed we didn't get to ride a train, but at least it was a way to get back to St. Louis area.

The reason you were put on the bus is because UP (who owns the line) is performing maintenance on the route. If I recall correctly, this is more of an issue with the Eastbound trains.

Comment to mborofix:

That was my bike in there, I also had my Burley Cargo with me.

We really enjoyed the stay. Food was great, architecture was great. We had two rooms, and each had it's own bath. The hosts were freindly and the Ice Cream and Brownies for evening dessert was fabulous! Front porch conversations with other guests were fun, too.

According to the book, it says there is a conv. store in town. Is this correct? Thanks!

Took our 8 yr old son on the Katy trail and did 40 miles. We stopped to get ice cream before we started. It was GREAT!! Not as sweet as Maggie Moo's, it was perfect!! We will be going back next time. I'm 5 months pregnant, and I have been craving it, ever since we had it last week!! Fudge was okay, not the best. Go and try the ice cream!

Does anyone know the hours they are open? Thanks!

Opps, this is regarding Jim's Bar & Grill in Tebbetts. Thanks again!

We took 11 family and friends to Dotty's Cafe...some where from St. Louis and all thought the food and service was awesome. We enjoyed the atmospher, friendly town folk and best of all the food. Between all of us we had something wonderful off the menu and each was able to try something different. The cobble was to die for.

Busy place...no wonder...the food was GOOD. We had pork roast/stuffing/gravy...green beans cooked with ham. Topped it all off with cobbler a la mode...one blackberry (tart sweet like I like it) and one cherry. Nice atmosphere. Clean bathrooms. Very homestyle through and through.

Busy place...no wonder...the food was GOOD. We had pork roast/stuffing/gravy...green beans cooked with ham. Topped it all off with cobbler a la mode...one blackberry (tart sweet like I like it) and one cherry. Nice atmosphere. Clean bathrooms. Very homestyle through and through.

Loved it also. Great burgers. Sorry, misspelled it on an earlier post.

Loved it also. Great burgers. Sorry, misspelled it on an earlier post.

We stopped for lunch and had the fried chicken special. Good.

We stopped for lunch and had the fried chicken special. Good.

We eat at Dotty's everytime we're in Hartsburg. Food, & service are always great,cobbler & pies are always fresh, & everyone is so friendly. Now that they are in their new SMOKE FREE location, it's even better!!!

We eat at Dotty's everytime we're in Hartsburg. Food, & service are always great,cobbler & pies are always fresh, & everyone is so friendly. Now that they are in their new SMOKE FREE location, it's even better!!!

We came through Augusta 6/22, riding our bikes on the Katy Trail. We ate lunch here, and were very hot and tired when we arrived, and after looking at us, they immediately brought plenty of water and ice tea. We had a nice lunch, and then ate dinner there that evening too. We enjoyed the food, and the atmosphere. Apparently in Augusta on weeknights the whole town shuts down by 5pm, so this is the only place to eat dinner those nights anyway, but we did really like it. Since we were staying at the Wine Country Inn, and breakfast here was part of the B&B package, we asked if we could eat earlier the next morning (instead of the scheduled 8:30 - 9:30am time), and the manager very happily came in early the next morning and had a huge breakfast ready for us at 7am. Thanks for going the extra mile for us!

We stayed here 6/22/06 in the Turnball Suite and thought it was great. We had finished our first day, biking from St. Charles, and were hot and tired. When we arrived in town we first ate lunch at Ashley's Rose/White House Restaurant, and they let us check in early. The room was beautiful, the bed was soooo comfortable, and we loved having the common room and balcony with seating available. We were the only guests that night, so we had the place to ourselves. There was a small fridge in the common area we could put our water bottles in for the next day, and store the bottle of wine we bought in the afternoon at the Augusta Winery, for sharing out on the balcony that evening. Although there was no TV, we enjoyed the books they had available (although my husband didn't finish his so will have to search for it at our local library) and the peace and quiet. We wanted to get on the trail early the next day, so the manager at Ashley's Rose came in early the next morning and fed us breakfast at 7 am, instead of having to wait until 8:30 as scheduled. There is even a nice swimming pool out back, which we didn't know about ahead of time, but we were told it was for guest use. If we ever come back by Augusta, we'll definitely want to stay here again.

The store looked closed down...does anyone out there know?

The store looked closed down...does anyone out there know?

Claysville store was closed that weekend to be able to attend and enjoy their daughters graduation. I only know this because I called and got the answer machine. Is is open only on the weekends, they both work full time jobs. Saturday 4:00pm to 8:00pm and Sunday 11:30am to 4:00pm, holiday mondays they open for lunch. The menu is limited on the weekend it is fried chicken and ham, on holidays it can be brauts and burgers or porksteaks. I have eaten there once and the food was good.

Claysville store was closed that weekend to be able to attend and enjoy their daughters graduation. I only know this because I called and got the answer machine. Is is open only on the weekends, they both work full time jobs. Saturday 4:00pm to 8:00pm and Sunday 11:30am to 4:00pm, holiday mondays they open for lunch. The menu is limited on the weekend it is fried chicken and ham, on holidays it can be brauts and burgers or porksteaks. I have eaten there once and the food was good.

We tried to dine at the Claysville Store on Saturday evening, June 17th and it wasn't open. When will it be open again?

We tried to dine at the Claysville Store on Saturday evening, June 17th and it wasn't open. When will it be open again?

If it wasn't for bad luck then you might have been able to eat at claysville store. It seems lately that they have been closed a lot. I think that in the recent months they have closed for a graduation, a death in the family, an anniversary.

If it wasn't for bad luck then you might have been able to eat at claysville store. It seems lately that they have been closed a lot. I think that in the recent months they have closed for a graduation, a death in the family, an anniversary.

We tried to dine at the Claysville Store on Saturday evening, June 17th and it wasn't open. When will it be open again?

We tried to dine at the Claysville Store on Saturday evening, June 17th and it wasn't open. When will it be open again?

I telephoned before trying to go down there last weekend (i.e. the weekend of June 17/18). The message on their answering machine indicated that they would be closed due to their daughter's wedding ... a pretty righteous excuse in my book. I just telephoned them again to verify they'd be open this coming weekend, and they will be. Though it's not required to make reservations, the person I spoke with said they always appreciated getting a call to let them know folks were on their way.

I telephoned before trying to go down there last weekend (i.e. the weekend of June 17/18). The message on their answering machine indicated that they would be closed due to their daughter's wedding ... a pretty righteous excuse in my book. I just telephoned them again to verify they'd be open this coming weekend, and they will be. Though it's not required to make reservations, the person I spoke with said they always appreciated getting a call to let them know folks were on their way.

http://www.digitaltalk.com/ClaysvilleCafe/claysville_strore_and_cafe.htm



This is the link for the store. I did find out they will be closed this weekend as I called to make a reservation, disappointing, but it is family run and they will not be open. They will open again the weekend of the 7th. They do have an answering machine for messages at the number listed on the link above. They are only open Saturday from 4 to 8, and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. They do take reservations, but it is not required. For large groups I would however recommend you do call.

http://www.digitaltalk.com/ClaysvilleCafe/claysville_strore_and_cafe.htm



This is the link for the store. I did find out they will be closed this weekend as I called to make a reservation, disappointing, but it is family run and they will not be open. They will open again the weekend of the 7th. They do have an answering machine for messages at the number listed on the link above. They are only open Saturday from 4 to 8, and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. They do take reservations, but it is not required. For large groups I would however recommend you do call.

I believe the hours of the store are Saturday and Sunday. They open up at 4:00 and not sure when they close. It is indeed still open and now advertising a bit more, and can get quite busy. They are open for Sunday just for lunch from 11:00 till 2:00 I think.



They may be open for Friday evening meals too, but I'll respond back later to update on those hours if open.



It is excellent food and good prices and all homeade!



Very nice, clean and new interior, and lots of food served at their prices. They also cater to large groups and have plenty of room!

This was our favorite B&B. The owner, Rick, was very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. People hung out in the common rooms to talk or sat out on the wrap around porch. The breakfast was huge and fabulous and we had a brownie with ice cream for a night snack! Our room was nicely decorated and clean with a very comfortable bed. If you want, he'll pick you up or give you a ride to the trail but we rode there without a hitch.

This was our favorite B&B. The owner, Rick, was very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. People hung out in the common rooms to talk or sat out on the wrap around porch. The breakfast was huge and fabulous and we had a brownie with ice cream for a night snack! Our room was nicely decorated and clean with a very comfortable bed. If you want, he'll pick you up or give you a ride to the trail but we rode there without a hitch.

Our experience was the same as above! It was wonderful. Rick joined us on the porch for an evening beverage. We talked, laughed, learned about Hermann, and had an enjoyable, relaxing evening after a short ride on the trail. We were joined by the other guests on the porch and we exchanged experiences. Our room was very clean, comfortable and quiet. The bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was a delicious feast and we also had the brownie/ice cream experience as a bedtime snack. Both Rick and his wife Dianne were wonderful hosts. Our group highly recommends this experience. It was the first B&B for me. I'd return in minute. A note on Hermann, not much going on Monday or Tuesday and we tried to find a place to eat after our ride which was about 8:30pm on a Monday - choices - subway, caseys, pizza hut. Try Birks - you won't regret it.

Our experience was the same as above! It was wonderful. Rick joined us on the porch for an evening beverage. We talked, laughed, learned about Hermann, and had an enjoyable, relaxing evening after a short ride on the trail. We were joined by the other guests on the porch and we exchanged experiences. Our room was very clean, comfortable and quiet. The bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was a delicious feast and we also had the brownie/ice cream experience as a bedtime snack. Both Rick and his wife Dianne were wonderful hosts. Our group highly recommends this experience. It was the first B&B for me. I'd return in minute. A note on Hermann, not much going on Monday or Tuesday and we tried to find a place to eat after our ride which was about 8:30pm on a Monday - choices - subway, caseys, pizza hut. Try Birks - you won't regret it.

Catch the Katy 2006 was a great ride! I personally had a great time.



I was told that we would have an opportunity to fill out the survey online if we were unable to complete it at the last stop. I haven't as of yet found it on line. Can anyone give me a hint as where to go.

Thanks so much.



See ya on the trail

You can e-mail DNR to get the link to the survey. moparks @ dnr.mo.gov

Someone mentioned the 4 Trails Restaurant. I couldn't find a phone number, so I called Casey's General Store and got it. 848-3500. Home cooked food, breads, pies, cinnamon rolls. Open from 6am-7pm. It is located next to the high school. The owner said to take the viaduct (which is also Hwy 5) to town, turn left and it's next to the pool and high school. Hope it's good. We're going on Saturday.

Anyone know of a nice trail segment where we can B&B for two nights anc cyle for three? Thanks - Nil

Depends on how far you want to bike each day. A good trip is to leave your vehicle at Hermann, and catch the AMTRACK to Sedelia. From there bike to Rocheport where there are several B & B's. Then bike the next day to Jeff City where there are both B & B's and motels. Then on to Hermann on the third day. Or you can go the other way and bike from St. Charles to Jeff City and catch the Amtrack back. Good stopping places would be B & B's at Marthasville, and Bluffton. You'll have to use a shuttle from the AMTRACK station to the trailhead at St. Charles

A couple friends a I did a 3 day, 2 night ride a few months ago. On day 1, we parked at Sedalia and rode Amtrak to Washington. The train ride took a few hours and we were there before 1 pm. Then we rode about 40 miles to Hermann for the first night. On day 2 we rode 50 miles to Hartsburg, where we stayed at the Globe Hotel. Then on day 3 we rode 75 miles back to Sedalia. Here are some photos from that ride.

http://www.pbase.com/rkymthiker/katytrail_2006&page=all

I am planning a trip for early October to cover the total length of the Katy Trail. I will be riding my Fuji road bike, but my question is about my wheels. On the bike currently, I have a set of Performance Titan Forte Aero wheels. I was riding on the street the other day and broke a spoke. This makes me question the strength of the wheels. They only have 16 spoke on the front and 20 on the rear. I have the stock wheels that came on the bike which are also aero wheels but they have the standard type and number of spokes. I plan to have probably 40-50 pounds of gear on the bike. I weigh about 165. Just wondering if anyone had ridden the Katy with aero wheels or if I would be better off with my stock wheels. Thanks in advance!

I have Rolf Vigor Tandem on my tandem (of course). 20 bladed spokes on the front and 24 on the rear. Apparently, I'm the only owner of these wheels on record to bend a rim. I've bent 3. All on the road. I've had no trouble whatsoever on the KATY with these wheels. However, if I were you, I err on the side of caution and go with more spokes. You won't lose much speed and I'd take the durability with that much weight hanging on the bike. I'd also encourage you to be more spartan and warn you not to carry more than 15 pound in your pack.

I believe that one of the most functional suggestions I've ever seen regarding what to take involves putting what you are going to take on the floor, look at it again, take out what may be superfulous, do it again. Whatever you take, you have to haul (wherever you go, there you are), but in the final analysis you might utilize Freewheelin' Frank's (of the Fabulous Furry Freakbrothers), take on it and that is....better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Just a thought. You might also check Adventure Cycling website wherein they have a suggested list for "long" bikecamping sojourns. Regards...Mark of the Dalton Boys

If your are breaking spokes on the road then you are asking for trouble on the trail. An average weight of 250 pounds is about all that a most wheels will take. I would forgo the light racing wheels and opt for 36 spoke, triple cross. Your weakest link on a wheel is where the elbo of the spoke inserts into the flange on the hub. The drive side of the rear wheel will always have the most failures and when one fails others will follow. This can be a costly repair in more ways than one if you can not fix it yourself.

Call Hartsburg Cycle Depot and ask them for a recommendation. They deal with folks on the

Trail all the time. Pam and Mark are the owners and they are just fabulous people and I am

sure they will help you out.

Mark, what a Blessing you are. Came in Tuesday, on your day off, and you postponed a trip to town to repair 4 broken spokes. Looking forward to the new wheels you are building me to solve the problem. Thanks for saving my trip and making my experience on the Katy trail an enjoyable one.

Mark, what a Blessing you are. Came in Tuesday, on your day off, and you postponed a trip to town to repair 4 broken spokes. Looking forward to the new wheels you are building me to solve the problem. Thanks for saving my trip and making my experience on the Katy trail an enjoyable one.

Mark is the greatest! Hope you enjoy your new wheels!

Mark is the greatest! Hope you enjoy your new wheels!