Rock Island Trail Forum

We are Coloradans who fell in love with the Katy after bicycling its entire length in June 2005. I was recently back and discovered a problem that needs addressing: connectivity. By this I mean non-motorized access to the trail from adjacent communities. My daughter lives 2.5 miles from the Greens Bottom trailhead, but the road to access it is not safe for cyclists or walkers. Isn't it a bit ridiculous that a person has to drive to the trail to take a walk? Part of the route is OK, along Caulks Hill Rd because there is a sidewalk, but the 1/2 mile or so immediately adjacent to the trail is narrow and winding with no shoulder or sidewalk. It's a shame that the neighborhoods that are so close to the trail don't have safe access to it for adults and, especially for children. What can be done about this?

The problem stems from vocal NIMBYs that want to drive everywhere from their residences. They consider the inability to walk or ride to parks, schools, shops, or work is desirable because they feel it insulates them safe from homeless or criminal elements that can't afford to drive. This is especially true in St. Charles County which is a model for white flight and sprawl. As an example of this mentality, read this thread:

http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=126&full=&ascdesc=&pg=

"Where will the expanded Katy Trail be located on the south side of the Page Extension? I live there and am distressed to learn it may pass less than 20 feet from my bedroom window. . ."

...also the issues that the Rails to Trails Conservancy has with trails being close to residential areas nation wide...one of the most specific complaints by residential Home Owners Assn's is "....that people on the trail will be urinating in our yards". It's that kind of mentality (what "Nails" is talking about i.e. lower socio-economic groups also). The only place I've seen indigents on bicycles are in big city urban areas and Key West, FL. Folks on the KATY or other long trails/routes seem to me to be (and I could be wrong here) functional & tax paying citizens. Nothing against anybody on a bike, and call me quirky, but its unique when you see a "Hobo camp" and there are bicycles parked all around like in Key West. Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

Hear! Hear! Mark



I just came back from a visit to my in-laws in Fort Worth, Texas. I used to live there myself,attending high school and college there, and enjoy visiting, but it would behoove folks in St. Charles County, Warren County and Lincoln County to take a good, hard look at the DFW area.



Way, way, WAY too much sprawl. Traffic is a nightmare. Buildings that were thrown up in the '80s and '90s look dated and are falling to pieces in many instances. And the walkability/bikeability is nil. The area has lost a lot of its charm, as a result.



Unfortunately, things I see happening in Warren and St. Charles counties seem to mirror what has been going on in Tarrant County for 30 years -- Including the NIMBY element.



Fort Worth does have the Trinity Trails system that is very nice, but seems to be under-utilized. We should be thankful for the Katy. Lets hope that sprawl in St. Charles and Boone County doesnt ruin it some day in the future.

Funny you should mention the Trinity Trails System...Ft. Worth is trying, Dallas isn't and the DFW Metroplex will end up in the future with something that cojoins the two cities...remember they do have a reasonably well established light rail system that works well,(rails WITH trails?) and that train that shuttles between Dallas and Ft. Worth....mass transit, love it. Metrolink a good one as well...hauled a bike on it even. I rode the Trinity for the first time about a month ago, (the main trunk) and enjoyed it well enough...it was o dark thirty in the morning before anyone was out running. Your basic point is well taken, and made...where else can you get on a cyclists "superhighway" thats about 225 miles long...one way!!! Ultimately it "all" will be a forced issue.....no pipeline from outer space you know, Dr. Hawkings take notwithstanding. Excuse the drone...I'm passionate about these issues. When in doubt...ride your bike and enjoy the voyage...Mark of the Dalton Boys

I originally avoided the temptation to mention Metrolink in my discussion. Now that you've pulled my string. . . It's no secret that many St. Charles residents voted against Metrolink because they feared the crime it would bring across their moat. It's overt enough that a priest chastised his flock for such reasoning.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stcharles/story/697617525F06AB688625717A0009F3D0?OpenDocument

I avoided that, too, Nails.

This is starting to get off topic, but I will just say that I think we are of the same mind on this.

We Geocached as we rode from Clinton to St. Charles and grabbed about 15 without getting too far from the trail. Some were literally on (or under)the trail. I'm sure I missed some in my search for waypoints. And on the other hand, some caches that appeared to be close to the trail would have required a long detour to find. As always with Geocaching, we went some places we would not have otherwise. www.geocaching.com

We enjoyed our stay here in the Lewis & Clark room and a huge breakfast. The trains roll by all night and they must bother some people as the hostess provides ear plugs, but we enjoyed them. We rode our tandem across the bridge both ways with no problem.

We enjoyed reasonably price German dishes for dinner. We recommend it.

We stayed here in the Attic Room and enjoyed the relaxed "serve yourself" honor system for the laundry and goodies in the refrigerator. Gregory provided good breakfast and good company.

We stayed in Rocheport and rode the two miles or so to the Bistro for dinner. Great food and service, beautiful views. We recommend it.

The burgers are great at Becky's. The people in Pilot Grove are very friendly. A storm rolled in while we were eating at Becky's and a nice lady in the restaurant invited us to her house until the storm blew over!

The burgers are great at Becky's. The people in Pilot Grove are very friendly. A storm rolled in while we were eating at Becky's and a nice lady in the restaurant invited us to her house until the storm blew over!

I think the name is Betsy's - anyway, that is what I wrote in my log. We had sandwiches that were very good. Local contractors and business men were there with the cyclists.

I think the name is Betsy's - anyway, that is what I wrote in my log. We had sandwiches that were very good. Local contractors and business men were there with the cyclists.

Where is a good place to park and leave a vehicle and trailer while riding the trail for approx. 6-7 days.

I would call the Chamber of Commerce and ask this question. I wouldn't leave it at the

trailhead as the trail is a day use park and overnight parking is prohibited. There is a link to

the chamber of commerce on this site.

I contacted the Clinton community center for my ride the last weekend of May. They will allow parking in their lot. Just fill out a card with all your info. The lady there said the police check out the lot on a regular basis. I hope this helps and have a great ride.

Overnight parking most certainly IS allowed at Katy trailheads. DNR has deemed it "at your own risk," but that is usually the case no matter where you leave your car.

Thanks for the information. Is there an address and phone number for the Clinton Community Center? The Katy is the best trail we have ridden so far.

My SUV was vandalized in the trailhead lot last summer (albeit minor) and so I would definitely recommend the CCC lot across the street. 660-885-2181

We parked at the community center in June for five nights - no problem. The people at the center are very helpful.

We stayed at the Bothwell on April 29th, 2006 and it was just what we needed, having rode the last hour in pouring rain coming from Clinton. The hotel was easy to find too (even with my glassed covered with raindrops), with us leaving the trail on the Harrison Street crossing, going north till we met up with 4th Street then going east right to the hotel.



The front desk person was really helpful, telling us we could keep our bike in the room, but we explained we had a tandem recumbent and even though we could break it in two sections (it has S & S couplers) we really did not want to muck up a room with a wet bike. She then found us a storage area to the right of the lobby desk behind a freight elevator.



The front desk person also gave us a great room (701) on the top floor in a quiet corner. And while the in-hotel restuarant had recently closed, we called out for Italian food and had it delivered right to our room.



Also, the hotel has what to me was a good, no-charge-to-guests, breakfast with cereal, make-your-own waffles fruit and juice.



I would say the hotel is very Katy-rider friendly, having a Katy trail ad in the Katy trail guide and mentioning it on their website. Highly recommended.

We stayed at the Bothwell on April 29th, 2006 and it was just what we needed, having rode the last hour in pouring rain coming from Clinton. The hotel was easy to find too (even with my glassed covered with raindrops), with us leaving the trail on the Harrison Street crossing, going north till we met up with 4th Street then going east right to the hotel.



The front desk person was really helpful, telling us we could keep our bike in the room, but we explained we had a tandem recumbent and even though we could break it in two sections (it has S & S couplers) we really did not want to muck up a room with a wet bike. She then found us a storage area to the right of the lobby desk behind a freight elevator.



The front desk person also gave us a great room (701) on the top floor in a quiet corner. And while the in-hotel restuarant had recently closed, we called out for Italian food and had it delivered right to our room.



Also, the hotel has what to me was a good, no-charge-to-guests, breakfast with cereal, make-your-own waffles fruit and juice.



I would say the hotel is very Katy-rider friendly, having a Katy trail ad in the Katy trail guide and mentioning it on their website. Highly recommended.

I too had a great experience staying at the Bothwell, and highly recommend it to anyone biking the KATY and staying in Sedelia.

I too had a great experience staying at the Bothwell, and highly recommend it to anyone biking the KATY and staying in Sedelia.

The restaurant had closed? Was this just for the weekend, or is it out of business? We always really enjoy a meal at del Amici's when staying at at the Bothwell, and in fact are planning a trip in June with Sedalia as a stop.

The restaurant had closed? Was this just for the weekend, or is it out of business? We always really enjoy a meal at del Amici's when staying at at the Bothwell, and in fact are planning a trip in June with Sedalia as a stop.

We enjoyed our stay here in June. The desk clerk hauled our tandem to the basement storage by herself! The new restaurant is open but it is closed on Monday so we didn't get to try it.

We enjoyed our stay here in June. The desk clerk hauled our tandem to the basement storage by herself! The new restaurant is open but it is closed on Monday so we didn't get to try it.

We stay there last year, it is the most elegant B&B. Great people, great service, They are the best and the home is beautiful.

We stay there last year, it is the most elegant B&B. Great people, great service, They are the best and the home is beautiful.

The pictures on the website are miss leading, not a real B&B. You are on your own.

The pictures on the website are miss leading, not a real B&B. You are on your own.

Nice place to stay and Frank is a very nice person. Good breakfast. Recommend.

Nice place to stay and Frank is a very nice person. Good breakfast. Recommend.

Oak Glen was great the first weekend! Frank and his place is exactly what Hermann is all about....fine place and great people. See you next year Frank!

Oak Glen was great the first weekend! Frank and his place is exactly what Hermann is all about....fine place and great people. See you next year Frank!

"Walmart" Harbor Haus Inn & Suites is a very old motel, not a Bed and Breakfast in the real sense. If you are looking for a gourmet breakfast, skip this one. Juice, powder coffee, and a couple items....that's it.

"Walmart" Harbor Haus Inn & Suites is a very old motel, not a Bed and Breakfast in the real sense. If you are looking for a gourmet breakfast, skip this one. Juice, powder coffee, and a couple items....that's it.

we are planning ride on katy trail. using amtrak from st. louis to sedalia, ride to jefferson city, then return train to st. louis. we understand that single bikes are allowed on train with nominal fee. has anyone tried to board train with tandem?

we are planning ride on katy trail. using amtrak from st. louis to sedalia, ride to jefferson city, then return train to st. louis. we understand that single bikes are allowed on train with nominal fee. has anyone tried to board train with tandem?

I did it once with success. The first conductor was giving us grief. The second conductor was much more accomodating. I felt bad because they put it along the handicap area and it was leaning against a lady in an electric wheelchair when we got off the train. Based upon this experience and other reports of issues with recumbants and trailers on this section of Amtrak, I'd recommend doing this on a non-holiday weekday (that means not Friday night too), tie wrap the wheels to the bike and rotate the captain handlebars down (try to make it not much longer than a single).

I did it once with success. The first conductor was giving us grief. The second conductor was much more accomodating. I felt bad because they put it along the handicap area and it was leaning against a lady in an electric wheelchair when we got off the train. Based upon this experience and other reports of issues with recumbants and trailers on this section of Amtrak, I'd recommend doing this on a non-holiday weekday (that means not Friday night too), tie wrap the wheels to the bike and rotate the captain handlebars down (try to make it not much longer than a single).

Be sure to check with Amtrak before making a trip this summer. There are track works that are causing delays, and when we were in Sedalia this weekend, the train had been replaced by a bus to Jefferson City. We weren't planning to use the train, but the couple we spoke to who were didn't know whether they would be able to put their bikes on the bus. Don't know what came of that, but I would be sure to find out before planning a trip that requires use of the train.

Be sure to check with Amtrak before making a trip this summer. There are track works that are causing delays, and when we were in Sedalia this weekend, the train had been replaced by a bus to Jefferson City. We weren't planning to use the train, but the couple we spoke to who were didn't know whether they would be able to put their bikes on the bus. Don't know what came of that, but I would be sure to find out before planning a trip that requires use of the train.

I'm planning a 2 day ride from Rocheport. Is there any problem with parking and leaving me car there overnight?

Overnight parking can be done at the trailhead(in town) or on public streets. I've not heard of vehicle breakins or damage from overnight parking but would encourage you to leave minimal gear/valuables in sight because you never know. If large numbers of overnight parkings occur, the town fathers might become concerned but I doubt that will become a problem. who will show up.us

Things to know about Klondike Campground:



1. This is NOT in the town of Augusta. It's three miles east of Augusta, look for a sign on the trail pointing up a steep hill.



2. Good luck making a reservation or getting a hold of any one at the listed phone number. Serious banker's hours service. However, you go, you find a campsite, you pitch, and then follow the signs to the shower facility. Next to the showers there is an "honor box" where you fill out your info, stick $7 in the envelope, and tear off the tag to use on your campsite post. (This will keep Ranger Friendly from rousting you at 2 a.m. and following behind you in her truck while you stumble two miles to the honor box. Fun, fun.)



3. The campground does not sell firewood any more. (Like there'd really be a human you could find with whom to exchange money if they did!) I had luck scaveging dead branches and some helpful neighbors who loaned me an axe to chop my deadwood small enough for the firepit. Your mileage may vary.



4. Maybe I was there on a bad night, but the hoosiers screaming and playing grab-@$$ through all hours of the night and early morning seemed to be endemic throughout the place. Rangers were too busy collecting their seven bucks to enforce the noise restrictions. I don't mean there were a few bad apples, I mean it was Animal-frickin'-House from one end to the other the night I was there.



5. Seven bucks. On the Katy Trail. You can't go wrong. Just bring ear plugs and don't waste your time asking other campers where the office is located. There isn't one.

Things to know about Klondike Campground:



1. This is NOT in the town of Augusta. It's three miles east of Augusta, look for a sign on the trail pointing up a steep hill.



2. Good luck making a reservation or getting a hold of any one at the listed phone number. Serious banker's hours service. However, you go, you find a campsite, you pitch, and then follow the signs to the shower facility. Next to the showers there is an "honor box" where you fill out your info, stick $7 in the envelope, and tear off the tag to use on your campsite post. (This will keep Ranger Friendly from rousting you at 2 a.m. and following behind you in her truck while you stumble two miles to the honor box. Fun, fun.)



3. The campground does not sell firewood any more. (Like there'd really be a human you could find with whom to exchange money if they did!) I had luck scaveging dead branches and some helpful neighbors who loaned me an axe to chop my deadwood small enough for the firepit. Your mileage may vary.



4. Maybe I was there on a bad night, but the hoosiers screaming and playing grab-@$$ through all hours of the night and early morning seemed to be endemic throughout the place. Rangers were too busy collecting their seven bucks to enforce the noise restrictions. I don't mean there were a few bad apples, I mean it was Animal-frickin'-House from one end to the other the night I was there.



5. Seven bucks. On the Katy Trail. You can't go wrong. Just bring ear plugs and don't waste your time asking other campers where the office is located. There isn't one.

My wife and I could not say enough about the hospitality of Maggie and Eldon, the owners of Meyers Hilltop Farm. They really make you feel at home and can't do enough to help you out.



While it is a little bit of a climb to the house up the driveway, the location only helps add to the peacefulness of the bed and breakfast. Also, the bird show out their dining area is fantastic. They fill their bird feeders all year and it pays off in that we saw a flock of goldfinches along with nuthatches, cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers. And out in the front area are the famous "guard donkeys" who love to eat crakers out of your hand.



One big reason we stayed at the Hilltop Farm is that it is so easy to get to off the trail, just about 1/4 mile to the north of it. The owners will also glady take you across the river in one of their vehicles to Herman, and then pick you up when you are done. They have a Herman restaurant menu selection in their house so you can get an idea of where you want to dine before you head over (we did Mexican food).



The morning of our departure, a cold front starting moving the area and was supposed to go stationary, with rain and thunderstorms for the next day or so. With this in mind, my wife and I decided to unfortunately end our Katy journey back east to St. Charles. In asking about about a shuttle service back to St. Charles, Maggie and Eldon recommended the bike shop in Herman, and with one call, we were set to have them pick us in a little over an hour from the time of our call and take us back to our van.



I would highly recommend the Meyers Hilltop Farm to anyone.

My wife and I could not say enough about the hospitality of Maggie and Eldon, the owners of Meyers Hilltop Farm. They really make you feel at home and can't do enough to help you out.



While it is a little bit of a climb to the house up the driveway, the location only helps add to the peacefulness of the bed and breakfast. Also, the bird show out their dining area is fantastic. They fill their bird feeders all year and it pays off in that we saw a flock of goldfinches along with nuthatches, cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers. And out in the front area are the famous "guard donkeys" who love to eat crakers out of your hand.



One big reason we stayed at the Hilltop Farm is that it is so easy to get to off the trail, just about 1/4 mile to the north of it. The owners will also glady take you across the river in one of their vehicles to Herman, and then pick you up when you are done. They have a Herman restaurant menu selection in their house so you can get an idea of where you want to dine before you head over (we did Mexican food).



The morning of our departure, a cold front starting moving the area and was supposed to go stationary, with rain and thunderstorms for the next day or so. With this in mind, my wife and I decided to unfortunately end our Katy journey back east to St. Charles. In asking about about a shuttle service back to St. Charles, Maggie and Eldon recommended the bike shop in Herman, and with one call, we were set to have them pick us in a little over an hour from the time of our call and take us back to our van.



I would highly recommend the Meyers Hilltop Farm to anyone.

We had a wonderful stay there as well. Very nice hosts. They drove us over to Hermann for dinner and picked us up after. We enjoyed our get-a-way there very much.

We had a wonderful stay there as well. Very nice hosts. They drove us over to Hermann for dinner and picked us up after. We enjoyed our get-a-way there very much.

Just returned from our first ride on the Katy Trail. We also enjoyed the accommodations, hospitality and certainly the wonderful breakfast at Meyer's Hilltop Farm.

Just returned from our first ride on the Katy Trail. We also enjoyed the accommodations, hospitality and certainly the wonderful breakfast at Meyer's Hilltop Farm.

What a wonderful couple. Meyer's Hilltop was a blessing after a long hot day on the trail. The hospitality was great, the breakfast was out of this world. Just what the doctor ordered.

What a wonderful couple. Meyer's Hilltop was a blessing after a long hot day on the trail. The hospitality was great, the breakfast was out of this world. Just what the doctor ordered.

We had the pleasure of staying two wonderful nights with Maggie and Eldon. It was an absolutely wonderful experience and we would recommend it highly to anyone in the Hermann or McKittrick area.

We had the pleasure of staying two wonderful nights with Maggie and Eldon. It was an absolutely wonderful experience and we would recommend it highly to anyone in the Hermann or McKittrick area.

We were impressed with Steamboat Junction's campground. We could tell that a lot of care went into keeping the area clean and neat. The fridg with food in it was very welcome especially when we rode in after dark. Thank you for the clean shower and the table and chairs at the campsites. The best place we camped during our trek across the state.

Steamboat Junction was a cute and relaxing place to stop for a snack!!! The owners are very friendly and helpful. We stopped there twice and would go back again. That piece of the trail does not have a lot of bikers, and the view from their swing was beautiful. Very well kept home and camping site.

Thank you for the ice cream!!