Rock Island Trail Forum

I'm flying in to do the Katy Trail, and other local rides (everything else will be paved). Here I commute on a Specialized Sirrus and ride a Felt F75 on the weekends. I'm looking at picking up a mid-level bike, like the Marin Kentfield or the Trek 7.2 FX or SU100. The big question is, will 700c x35 road tires handle the crushed limestone, or would I be better off with 26x1.5"s? Given that the rest of my riding in the area will be street or pave trail, and I'm used to riding road tires here, I'm inclined to go 700c, but if the Katy Trail will murder that rubber, I'll have to rethink... Thanks!

A few friends and I rode it with our road bikes with 700x25's and they worked fine. It even rained for half a day and that wasn't a problem for the tires.

chris, i have a raleigh bike with standard knobby tire bouts 1"--1 1/2" inch wide. have rode the katy when it is dry as a bone, and the day after a toad strangler of a rain storm, NO problems at all.

There are no shortage of opinions on tires on the trail. I'm fine on a tandem with 700x28s. Regardless of what you choose to ride, I have 3 rules:

1) You must carry a patch kit, spare tubes, and tire tools.

2) You must know how to use the items listed in number 1.

I'd like an Amen from everyone on what I consider a third thing we should all agree on.

3) Your tires should have a Kevlar belt. The weight penalty is neglibile for riding on the KATY trail. It won't save you from all flats, but if only saves you from a fraction of the flats, it's worth it.

You'll find plenty of opinions at:

http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=682¬efmt=1&sortby=0&pg=4

I'm doing the DNR Katy Trail Ride next week and I've got Bontrager Invert 700 X 35 tires on my Gary Fisher hybred. Everyone I've talked with at bike stores and on group rides assures me I won't have any trouble with these tires......I'll be able to give first hand information in a week and a half......



Don

I rode from Sediala to McKittrick last week on a Specialized Sirrus and didn't have any problems. I changed to tires to 700x32 Specialized Bourough CX. They have a Kevlar belt and I had no flats.

Skinny or fat, slicks or knobby, 26" or 700, kevlar or not. The answer is tuffy liners, they will help prevent 90% of flats caused by the sharp limestone and locust thorns, except on the sidewalls there you are sol . I have seen picture nails peirce a kevlar tire, just the tiniest tip of the nail came through, it was enough to cause a puncture. Don't forget the weight of the rider plus packs, low tire presure and scrubbed (well used) tires will raised your percentage for flats. This will also affect your pocket book if repairs are needed. Make sure if you have a heavy load that you wheels are up to the weight, last thing you want is to replace spokes, anverage wheel will handle about 250 pounds.



I have a Amen for Nails but my Amen is for his first and second line on rules. I can not tell you how many times I have seen people out who do not know how to change a tire, carry spare tubes or even simply know how to use a pump or what size tire or type of valve they have. They wear all the coolest clothing and have cool gear but please...



The trail will chew up soft compound road tires causing slicing and chunking. Might I suggest a slightly harder compound like the PanaRacer T-Serve Messanger which come in a variety of widths, for both 26 and 700. This tire holds up very well on the trail and is a very competent road tire. Another one would be the Hutchinson Acrobat which also comes in a range of sizes.



Hope this helps.

Hartsburg Cycle Depot fixed me up with a set of Panaracer messenger tires and they are

great on the Trail. I have them on my mountain bike and they have served me well with no

problems. Even though I live in KC, I do my best to support the businesses along the Trail

because I want them to stay in business.

The run between Rocheport and Easley was a nature watch...we saw 2 snakes, 9 deer, groundhog, raccoon, rabbit...but no snapping turtles. We hear tell though from some Columbia regulars on the Katy that in 2-3 weeks, the snapping turles come out of the MO River to lay eggs...they said that the turtles are all over the place...sounds like a sight to behold!

The run between Rocheport and Easley was a nature watch...we saw 2 snakes, 9 deer, groundhog, raccoon, rabbit...but no snapping turtles. We hear tell though from some Columbia regulars on the Katy that in 2-3 weeks, the snapping turles come out of the MO River to lay eggs...they said that the turtles are all over the place...sounds like a sight to behold!

I love snakes a-lot and I would like to know what kind of snakes you saw. If you don't know, tell me what color they where and I could tell you what kind thay were if you would like. Thank you!

I love snakes a-lot and I would like to know what kind of snakes you saw. If you don't know, tell me what color they where and I could tell you what kind thay were if you would like. Thank you!

Adam...not sure what kind of snakes they were...very long...about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. We made sure we didn't roll over them...one we didn't get to before it exited the trail (stage left). I think they were black snakes.

Adam...not sure what kind of snakes they were...very long...about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. We made sure we didn't roll over them...one we didn't get to before it exited the trail (stage left). I think they were black snakes.

Copperheads, garter snakes and black snakes are the most common snakes I have seen on

the trail. I heard a rattlesnake once, but never seen one.

Copperheads, garter snakes and black snakes are the most common snakes I have seen on

the trail. I heard a rattlesnake once, but never seen one.

My family and I rode the trail between Boonville and McBaine over Memorial Weekend. Along the trail we found eye glasses and case and we were not able to find an appropriate "lost and found" area to leave them. If you are looking for them, please respond for more details.

Many years ago, sometime in the mid 1980's, I visited this very field, and this amazing tree. I have never forgotten this lovely tree and the field surrounding.



In a daydream this morning at work, it came back to me and the urge to FIND this tree somewhere on the Internet was nearly overwhelming. It's silly, I know, but the sense of peace and familiarity I felt when finally discovering this photograph was deep and great.



I attended Stephens College, graduated in 1984 and returned to NY - sadly. Since then, I attended a large Dawson family reunion downstate, with a quick day-trip to Columbia to walk the Stephen's campus with my then toddler daughter. That was nearly six years ago....



If you're near this lovely tree, say a quiet "hello" for me, and if you're in the mood, please say "thanks," too. We should all live to be so old and graceful and generous as this peaceful, strong tree.

Many years ago, sometime in the mid 1980's, I visited this very field, and this amazing tree. I have never forgotten this lovely tree and the field surrounding.



In a daydream this morning at work, it came back to me and the urge to FIND this tree somewhere on the Internet was nearly overwhelming. It's silly, I know, but the sense of peace and familiarity I felt when finally discovering this photograph was deep and great.



I attended Stephens College, graduated in 1984 and returned to NY - sadly. Since then, I attended a large Dawson family reunion downstate, with a quick day-trip to Columbia to walk the Stephen's campus with my then toddler daughter. That was nearly six years ago....



If you're near this lovely tree, say a quiet "hello" for me, and if you're in the mood, please say "thanks," too. We should all live to be so old and graceful and generous as this peaceful, strong tree.

A nice "touchstone" in your life. Nicely expressed, thank-you. Mark of the Dalton Boys

A nice "touchstone" in your life. Nicely expressed, thank-you. Mark of the Dalton Boys

what mark of the dalton boys said

what mark of the dalton boys said

Check out http://www.mdc.mo.gov/ Pick the ATLAS hyperlink and it will take you to the Missouri Department of Conservation's online Atlas. If you type in the name of a conservation area (CA) in the search section it will give you details of that area, including a map in .pdf format. The maps usually show where campsites are located.

Check out http://www.mdc.mo.gov/ Pick the ATLAS hyperlink and it will take you to the Missouri Department of Conservation's online Atlas. If you type in the name of a conservation area (CA) in the search section it will give you details of that area, including a map in .pdf format. The maps usually show where campsites are located.

We're planning our first trip on the KATY in June, from Clinton to St. Charles, staying in B&Bs along the way. In case of rain, what do we do - sit it out and wait or keep going? If we do need to wait for awhile, are most B&B proprietors ok with a later check-in, or will this be an issue at all? Thanks for any advice you can give!

The Dalton Boys got caught in grand style in 2002 by a rain as hard as a cow urinating on a flat rock and we just pedalled on....there was no thunder or lightning though. I would let the presence of thunder and/or lightning be the for sure caveat for seeking shelter (preferably not under a tree), keeping in mind that lightning CAN strike up to 12 miles away from a thunderhead cloud. Just full of positive information aren't I. The best news is that the B&B owners along the KATY understand the nature of the game and if you can keep them informed would probably be OK with a late check-in. Take rain gear...simple ponchos will do as the rain would most likely be warm. Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

I do believe most of KATY trail is covered by cell telephone network. ( Anyone else have additional info about this?) So take phone along and #s of B&B so you can call ahead if delayed.

Yes, you will find that many B&B's along the trail cater to the riders and are very flexible. Communication by cell phone is helpful. We (Sedalia House B&B) are quite often the first stop and sometimes riders are slower getting in than they originally planned. Flat tires (make sure you have spare tubes) and weather are the main culprits. The nice thing is, most B&B's will have a hot or cold beverage and some form of snacks waiting for you when you get in. We hope you have a great expereince on your first trip down the KATY.

I have ridden all over the katy trail and i lose phone service on several parts of the trail. Although i do have tmobile and they arent known for their coverage.

You might find that a nylon vest works pretty neat in the rain(summer). I keep one in my pack just in case. They block the cool wind and let you keep a little more of your body heat to yourself. They are light weight, easy to pack, and they keep your arms free. Get one with a zipper too!

Ditto on the T-mobile; I seem to always have to hike up some bluff road to get any service!!

I ride the Eastern Section of the KT- I have Nextel and my phone service is spotty near Klondike Park, around Augusta, and just east of Dutzow. I'm assuming because of the bluffs.

Riding in summer rain is no big deal. Just hose down your bike and oil the chain at day's end. Rode west to east last month and don't recall losing Verizon cell service anywhere. Plastic bag everything, including the phone, BEFORE the rain starts.

A freind of mine said there might be a pub in Marthasville that has $.75 beers. Is this true? I am riding from East to West between June 19 and 23, with the hopes of getting absolutely wasted every nite. Does anybody have any suggestions about good bars and cheap libations on or around the trail?

There's a classic bar & grill in Marthasville (I wouldn't exactly call it a "pub",) I think called the Gables, or the Twin Gables. It has pool tables, a large, boisterous clientele and a menu featuring good homemade batterfried everything in addition to a range of burgers. After I ate the onion rings and the chicken gizzards, I couldn't finish my "mini-gable" burger, so ate it the next day. In fact, I was pretty full for about 36 hours after that little culinary adventure! It would be a good place to get "wasted." (I only had two beers (big, dark draft, don't remember the price but it was reasonable.) In retrospect, I probably could have handled a pitcher and it would have been even cheaper!

I was just in Marthasville yesterday and I am going to be camping there on the 19th with about 300 other riders with the 2006 DNR Katy Trail ride... There is a bar on the highway just southeast of the trail and I'm sure the beer is pretty reasonably priced there. Lorettas was a neat bar and restaurant that could be closed now. I like to stop at the Augusta Brewery and sample the IPA and Hyde Park stout! You just have to stop there. Dutzow has a neat deli right at the trail head and they also serve a couple of Augusta's brew on tap. The food is great there and affordable. We are going to camp in Jeff City the next night after a 60 mile plus day... hope it's cool for that day. Good luck on your trip and feel free to email me,

Paul

If you make it to Hartsburg, be sure to stop at the Hitching Post.

I too will recommend the Hitching Post in Hartsburg. I have been there 3 times and there is always a good mix of locals and Columbia College kids there and best of all they have FAT TIRE on tap there. I couldn't believe my eyes! Fat Tire on tap in BFE Missouri? Got to love that!! Enjoy your ride and have one for me man!!

The winery in Hartsburg has a decent selection of beer...including my favorite...Guiness!

And, don't forget the smoothies at Hartsburg Cycle Depot...no alcohol, but tasty and very

refreshing!

I really miss the Cracked Crab...such good food. Will Someone take over that building and make is something for us bikers? Rocheport needs more "on-the-trail" businesses.

I really miss the Cracked Crab...such good food. Will Someone take over that building and make is something for us bikers? Rocheport needs more "on-the-trail" businesses.

Cracked Crab is indeed gone, former building owner did not renew lease with restaurant operator. Building was sold a month or so ago to new owners. Rumor has it they will use building as a residence, so don't expect to see any restaurant there in the immediate future. Rocheport does have other fine dining opportunities, Abigail's and the Les Bourgeois Bistro, and besides the Trailside Cafe', the Rocheport General Store on Central (what passes for a business district) Street will be open by the DNR trail ride. General Store will have coffee, sandwiches, beer and a limited selection of dry goods and foodstuffs for purchase.

Cracked Crab is indeed gone, former building owner did not renew lease with restaurant operator. Building was sold a month or so ago to new owners. Rumor has it they will use building as a residence, so don't expect to see any restaurant there in the immediate future. Rocheport does have other fine dining opportunities, Abigail's and the Les Bourgeois Bistro, and besides the Trailside Cafe', the Rocheport General Store on Central (what passes for a business district) Street will be open by the DNR trail ride. General Store will have coffee, sandwiches, beer and a limited selection of dry goods and foodstuffs for purchase.

There is a Cracked Crab open in downtown Jeff City now just off High Street on Madison. It is

the same folks who ran the place in Rocheport and has been open a year or 2.

There is a Cracked Crab open in downtown Jeff City now just off High Street on Madison. It is

the same folks who ran the place in Rocheport and has been open a year or 2.

We stopped there after riding in the 95 degree heat and the beer went down real easy. Burgers and chicken strips hit the spot too. We had to come home with an SOB's t shirt too.

We stopped there after riding in the 95 degree heat and the beer went down real easy. Burgers and chicken strips hit the spot too. We had to come home with an SOB's t shirt too.

I plan to ride the trail for approximately 4 days camping along the way. I will be riding East to West and would like to know where I can park my vehicle for several days overnight without fear of getting a ticket or coming back to my car on cement blocks. Please help-Aaron

Sure. Leave your car locked in your gararge, ride to the Springfield station and take the Ann Rutledge or State House to St. Louis.

Are you starting at St. Charles? We haven't ever left a car there, so can't speak to that, but we have never had any problems with leaving our cars at the parking lots in the more rural trail heads.

I am planning on going with the Catch the Katy trip, June 19-23. Two questions that I hope someone can help me with. 1.) Will we have access to electricity in the camp site? For recharging of cell phone, fans etc. 2.) What is the exact location or nearest crossroads of the "trail head" in ST. Charles. On a recient trip through St. Charles no one seemed to know what I was talking about.

Department of Natural Resources who sponsors the ride will be the best place to get answers

to your questions about the ride. I would expect no electricity at the campsites as the

camping is normally in city parks and the like, not commercial campsites. As for the

location of the trail head, there is a map on this site (go to "towns & services" and click on St.

Charles.

sorry can't help you on the electricity thing at the camp grounds, however, the st. charles trailhead is a piece of cake to find. take I-70 east or west (depending on which direction you are going or coming from) to st. charles, take the fifth street exit and go toward the historic district, there are signs, and follow to the katy trail. it is very hard to miss. if you are going west on I-70, you actually cross over the katy when passin the casino after you cross the missouri river on the blanchette bridge. i believe the fifth street exit is the first exit going west on I-70 after crossing the misouri river. have fun, be safe, happy bikin,

Take the 5th Street exit North and get(stay) in the right hand lane and exit at the light at the bottom of the hill... the lane will end.

I find that ou have to be resourcefull in order to find that free outlet to charge the cell phone... sometimes you can do it at a restaurant when you are having lunch... I found an outlet at the city park in Herman last year but we are not staying there!! You just have to keep your eye out for one and get there before I do!!

good luck,

Paul

We gave up trying to get to the bike trail starting off of 94 and

Pittman. There is road construction and a detour that did not take

us where we needed to go. So try another trailhead.

This place is wonderful. Dixie and Conrad Yates are warm and friendly, the perfect hosts. The breakfast is INCREDIBLE. Fresh seasonal ingredients prepared perfectly, with enough of it to skip lunch. This will fuel you right for any ride you care to take.

This place is wonderful. Dixie and Conrad Yates are warm and friendly, the perfect hosts. The breakfast is INCREDIBLE. Fresh seasonal ingredients prepared perfectly, with enough of it to skip lunch. This will fuel you right for any ride you care to take.

My son and I are riding the trail from Clinton to St. Charles.

Need some suggestions as to a nice place to stay in St. Charles for a Mom and her son (college age)?

My son and I are riding the trail from Clinton to St. Charles.

Need some suggestions as to a nice place to stay in St. Charles for a Mom and her son (college age)?

When I rode from Washington to Sedalia last month, I stayed at the Hermann Motel in Hermann, and at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg. They both worked out great. The Globe is nice because you can get rooms with 2 beds.

When I rode from Washington to Sedalia last month, I stayed at the Hermann Motel in Hermann, and at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg. They both worked out great. The Globe is nice because you can get rooms with 2 beds.

A God-send. Our tandem had a wheel wobbling and it was diagnosed as some broken spokes. The fix was extremely reasonable. The advice to invest in a stronger wheel frame well taken in. Love the English accent! We saw a flat tire come in while we were there. Talked to a man from Jefferson City who rides every weekend day from there to Hartsburg. He's put in 11,000 in 9 years! He recommends Brooks saddles for your bike (the sell them at Cycle Depot)...they are made in England. He said he wouldn't ride another.



They had some very stylish biking attire which I coveted, but we settled for a Cycle Depot shirt and a couple of DELICIOUS smooties. Banana and strawberry I believe. You will love these owners. Sweeties...both.

I rode a Peugeot years ago that I put a Brooks leather saddle on. It was quite comfortable after that million mile break-in period. It was a good saddle with a custom fit, but my modern day synthetic saddle seems to fit nicely without the leather break-in time.

I have always wanted a Brooks saddle, but that million mile break in period has been a

deterrent for me as well... I love my Terry butterfly saddle that I have on both my mountain

bike and my road bike. It fits me well and is quite comfy.

I use a Brooks B17 on my Katy bike and can't believe how well it works, much better than numerous Fizik and others that I have tried. No bike saddle is "comfortable" per se but this one seems to make more posteriors less unhappy than most others that is, if you talk to full-time tourers, bike shop owners such as Mark and check out the reviews on Mountainbike.com review:



http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Saddle/product_22663.shtml



The thing looks so uncomfortable but seems to mold to it's master over time without the need for gels etc. but of course no saddle is for everyone.

That place was the greatest. Great people. My daughters loved the rootbeer floats. Great conversationalists with great stories also.

Also, a great place to eat next door.

Can't beat the smoothies at Hartsburg either. They are so refreshing after being out on the

trail and they are all fruit and fruit juice which I appreciate.