Rock Island Trail Forum

Birks Gasthaus is a wonderful and classic B&B. Rick and Diane are intuitive and accommodating innkeepers. I would stay longer next time.

I stayed at Birks Gasthaus and had a very enjoyable stay. After a long hot day on the Katy, Rick greeted me with a cold beer. The breakfest was excellent! My room was comfortable and the rates were very reasonable.

I stayed at the Birks this past Monday night. After bike problems a friend "rescued" my mother and I from the trail and drove us into town. We arrived hot, hungry, tired, and dirty. Rick brought us two big glasses of cold water, a plate full of brownies and crumb cakes, and even went as far as to give our friend, our "knight in shining armor" , a cold Schafly's. Breakfast was wonderful. The mattress was heaven. The claw foot tub was luxurious.

My man Rick! If there is a more hospitable host in Hermann, you gotta be lying! He and his wife do an excellent job. The rooms are private, the beds are great, the service is exceptional! The rates were great, the breakfast was fantastic, and the conversation was interesting! It is easily the best value in town! Don't miss this opportunity! I highly recommend that you stay here!

I can only echo the positive comments that precede mine. Not only were the accommodations great, Rick went so far as to fill my water bottle and put it in the freezer on the morning I left (what a nice surprise!). He also put a Glad wrap with the elastic band over my water bottle to keep the infamous Katy Trail dust off the drinking end, and even sent me off with some banana nut bread.

We have stayed at Birks Gasthaus almost every summer for the last 10 years. All of the previous comments are true...we love the place and Rick and Dianne.

Hello



Rest and go Bicycle shop does good work on bikes.I was on Vac. at LostValley Resort. I had back tire was rubbing alot so I stop see they could help me . He got in right start working on . He was just replace excle on back tire. But come found out it was to bad off . So We had replace hole back tire .

He got it fex .Its work good know and I got ride my bike more on Vac.

He does good work there.Thanks for working on it that min.

whos the dj of coach's now please let em kneow

In response to the question of places to eat near the MKT. You have to try FlatBranch Brewery at near the trailhead. 5th & Cherry I think is the intersection it is near. Great food, nice outdoor seating and very good microbrew to cure what ale's ya! (no pun intended)

Stu - off topic, but given your residence in Quincy, IL. "Thank-You" for the towns many years of hosting the World FreeFall Convention... I attended 6 of 'em when the raucousness was better contained by the skydivers and before it got out of hand and then moved to Rantoul. But I never walked more than 5 minutes after an off field landing before getting a ride from a Quincy local....awesome time of my life and glad you enjoyed the KATY again thanks....Mark of the Dalton Boys

I wanted to say that I think they should allow small motorized bikes on the Katy Trail....maybe just certain days of the week..there are alot of srs. out there with the money to spend at the B&B and restaurants..they will never be able to view the trail because of bad knees, legs, etc. We have paid taxes all of our lives and I know alot of tax money goes into the upkeep for this trail...this is something to think about and if you know who I could contact about this situation...please email me....thanks

I have some thoughts on this. While I appreciate that people with disabilities may want to access the trail I question that one would want to use an expensive motorized device. The trail is definitely dirty and dusty and at time rough. A breakdown on a hot summer's day could be problem as there are miles between trailheads/access points. Gas powered vehicles should not be allowed which leaves battery-powered and just how many miles can one go without a recharge? So my point is, just like equestrian use is restricted to certain sections of the KT Trail, if motorized handicap vehicles were allowed, they too should be restricted to special use areas that could made more appropriate for that use (ex. paved, more frequent access, water, no crossing of highways...).

I see lots of "seniors" out on the Trail riding bikes, walking, etc. I see folks riding 'hand

bikes" who are usually in wheelchairs due to the loss of use of their lower limbs.

Katy Bike Rentals in Defiance has a three-wheel bike that is powered by a battery. I believe the battery lasts 2 hours on the trail. They have several specialized bikes for people who have disabilities. They just ask that people call and reserve them ahead of time. If anyone has riden the 3 wheeler, post something here...I'd like to know how you liked it, because we are going to get my mother out on it when the weather gets cooler. George at KBR is the best!

According to the MO DNR official Katy Trail State Park brochure, "Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) as well as electrically powered-mobility devices for persons with disabilities such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed."



I tend to agree that it may not be wise to take one in case of breakdown if the electrical power is your primary source of energy (as opposed to you). However, if you were able to pedal a bi/tricycle that is motor ASSISTED, I would think that is fine.

Ok I'll be doing my first full run of the Katy Trail full through, or hope to make it that far. I'm hiking in instead of biking so my timing of towns will be different. My first day I'm hoping to hit Weldon Spring or Defiance. There is no camping there though and I'm not sure if I'll make Defiance. Does anyone have any ideas for camping over night? My first day of packing is always slow but I hope to speed up to 20 miles a day. And is there only water at the towns? My second day I hope to make it to Marthasville. Any help I can get on camping advice and water advice will be greatly appricated. One more thing is there many unsavory characters on the trail? Thansk for the advice.

Good luck, Bella!

I am planning on doing the same hike, but heading west to east, starting Labor Day weekend. I am looking forward to your reports.

Some of the trailheads have running water and others in smaller remote areas do not. Water availability may be day of the week dependent. For example, there is no water at the trailhead in Clifton City and none of the few businesses are open on Sunday. My advice would be to fill or top off your camel at each and every opportunity.



From my experience, the unsavory to savory character ratio is very, very low. Probably one per every 500 miles. The odds are in your favor here. I seem to see about one Unsav per year. I always know where I am on the trail and have the appropriate emergency numbers programmed in my cell phone (Ray has those posted on this website) and I carry marking pepper spray. I take a call from time to time and occasionally make one, but have never had to use the phone in an emergency because of an Unsav. I know where the pepper spray is, but have never even test sprayed it for fear I would have it pointed in the wrong direction.

Speaking of unsavory characters, Missouri is one of 47 states that have some form of License to Carry of handguns for self defense. Missouri also allows permit holders to carry concealed weapons (CCW) in State parks. Since the Katie Trail is a state park a CWW permit holder can carry there. I know some people will react badly to this fact but keep in mind that only law abiding citizens that have received at least 8 hours of training (range and legal) and have passed state and federal (FBI) background checks can obtain a CCW permit.

Thanks for the advice. I'll make sure I top off my water bags at every opportunity.



Thanks for the precautions too.



gc, I'll definatly come back with and post about the trip. It should be an adventure. *smile*



Bella

My experience with Katy's Little Lodge can now be looked at in a funny way, but at the time of our stay, it was not. The Inn Keeper was not home when we pulled in around 3:00. We decided to go to Katfish Katy's Campground store for a cold drink. The sign said open, but they were closed. In the distance we could see a terrible storm brewing. We headed back to the lodge in hopes that someone would be there to greet us. NOT! Around 5:00, we were getting desperate. The storm was getting closer with winds and thunder. Since we could not make any contact by phone with the Inn Keeper either, we decided to head to Columbia to look for lodging. About 1/4 way there, the Inn Keeper called me and apologized for his tardiness. We then headed back to the lodge. We were greeted by a man who was holding a half drunk pint of whiskey and a cigerette hanging out his mouth. We were at his mercy then because of the time and the storm. We headed to our room, which was upstairs. The lodge was sooo hot, but he did turn the a/c on for us and supplied a fan. There is a lot more to this story, I just gave you a quick synopsis of our ordeal. We can laugh about it now as we recall the night. This is the only negative thing that happened on our whole 6 day trip.

Hello Ms. Patty here. I know that this is late but, I am just leaning how to access PC world :). I was not aware at this forum until last week when a friend of mine printed a cpy of your comment. I am Very Very sorry that your experience was not as I would have hoped for you, I hired Jim to take care of the B@B while I was on vacation,(Family Reunion) upon my return I too found that his actions were not acceptable and he is NO longer and will never work for me again. I hope that you will consider visiting Katy's Little Lodge again. I promise it will be a much Better & Enjoyable experience!

Thank you - Ms. Patty / Katy's Little Lodge

They have an awesome hamburger, and are very biker friendly. We were there arougn 5 or pm and the bar was full, and the service was great.

You must clear camping with the Sheriff. 660-834-4300.

Groundskeeper number is 660-647-3130. Ruth is no longer the contact.

Thanks Dwight - I have updated the info.

We just stayed at the Lindenhof, which is close to the trail in Augusta. WE are new to the St.Louis area and this was our first time on the trail. The B&B was great. It was a lovely place to relax. It was very clean and the house and it's surroundings beautiful. Our host, Debbie, was warm and gracious. I would highly recommend a stay at the Lindenhof.

A freind and I stayed at the Lindenhof B&B as part of our ride of the Katy. Although it was a bit of a climb from the trail to get there, it was worth it. This is the cleanest and most beautifully decorated B&B I have ever stayed in! Our hostess, Debbie was very kind and gracious. She really made us feel at home. The breakfast was fabulous! I will definitely stay there again!

The Bothwell is a perfect classic hotel for cyclists. The accomodations are extremely clean and Katy Trail rates are very inexpensive. Sunday's however are a challenge because the downtown area has no restraunts that are open. We called Bob's Shuttle service and he drove us around town so we could pick. We ate Sunday evening at the Kehtee BBQ which is fabulous. THANKS BOB!

I stayed at the Bothwell Hotel and enjoyed my stay. They were very accommidating in allowing me to keep my bike in my room. Even though this is a very old Hotel, it looks like it has had extensive remodeling and is in great shape. I would certainly stay there again!

Does anyone have recommendations on lodging in Augusta? We plan to stay there 2, possibly 3 nights & cycle in both directions from home base.

Does anyone have recommendations on lodging in Augusta? We plan to stay there 2, possibly 3 nights & cycle in both directions from home base.

Does anyone have recommendations on lodging in Augusta? We plan to stay there 2, possibly 3 nights & cycle in both directions from home base.

The Cottage Inn is tops. Stayed there twice.

The Cottage Inn is tops. Stayed there twice.

The Cottage Inn is tops. Stayed there twice.

We've stayed as H.S. Clay House Bed and Breakfast several times now -- it's exceptional. We keep coming back because the evening appetizers and breakfast in the morning is gourmet, not to mention the owners are really nice people. Their website has a large collection of photos of the place. There's a link to their site on this page.
www.hsclayhouse.com

We've stayed as H.S. Clay House Bed and Breakfast several times now -- it's exceptional. We keep coming back because the evening appetizers and breakfast in the morning is gourmet, not to mention the owners are really nice people. Their website has a large collection of photos of the place. There's a link to their site on this page.
www.hsclayhouse.com

We've stayed as H.S. Clay House Bed and Breakfast several times now -- it's exceptional. We keep coming back because the evening appetizers and breakfast in the morning is gourmet, not to mention the owners are really nice people. Their website has a large collection of photos of the place. There's a link to their site on this page.
www.hsclayhouse.com

We stayed at the Lindenhof and it was great. Breakfast was awesome.

We stayed at the Lindenhof and it was great. Breakfast was awesome.

We stayed at the Lindenhof and it was great. Breakfast was awesome.

Our children had given us an overnight at the Swan Haven Inn. We had to reschedule multiple times and Jacqui and Gene were VERY kind about it. The Inn is historic, charming, clean and comfortable. The wine and cheese was delicious and the breakfast was complete with fruit, fritata and scones. The hospitality was outstanding. Take a soak in the footed bathtub after the trail! What a reward!!!

Our children had given us an overnight at the Swan Haven Inn. We had to reschedule multiple times and Jacqui and Gene were VERY kind about it. The Inn is historic, charming, clean and comfortable. The wine and cheese was delicious and the breakfast was complete with fruit, fritata and scones. The hospitality was outstanding. Take a soak in the footed bathtub after the trail! What a reward!!!

Our children had given us an overnight at the Swan Haven Inn. We had to reschedule multiple times and Jacqui and Gene were VERY kind about it. The Inn is historic, charming, clean and comfortable. The wine and cheese was delicious and the breakfast was complete with fruit, fritata and scones. The hospitality was outstanding. Take a soak in the footed bathtub after the trail! What a reward!!!

This cozy cottage built for two was just what the doctor ordered. My husband and I are both

athletic and rather competitive, so it was a delight to be able to come back to the privacy of

the cottage after a day on the trail. We relaxed, shared a little wine and spoke for hours on

the large covered porch. The cottage was just perfect in a storybook kind of way; the fun

didn’t end once we left the trail.

This cozy cottage built for two was just what the doctor ordered. My husband and I are both

athletic and rather competitive, so it was a delight to be able to come back to the privacy of

the cottage after a day on the trail. We relaxed, shared a little wine and spoke for hours on

the large covered porch. The cottage was just perfect in a storybook kind of way; the fun

didn’t end once we left the trail.

This cozy cottage built for two was just what the doctor ordered. My husband and I are both

athletic and rather competitive, so it was a delight to be able to come back to the privacy of

the cottage after a day on the trail. We relaxed, shared a little wine and spoke for hours on

the large covered porch. The cottage was just perfect in a storybook kind of way; the fun

didn’t end once we left the trail.

During a recent tour on the Katy we had a chance to stay at The Lindenhof in Augusta. It was the cleanest B&B on the trail and meticulously maintained inside and out. The innkeeper Debbie is most personable and a pretty good cyclist in her own right. Thanks again, Debbie for a terrific stay!

During a recent tour on the Katy we had a chance to stay at The Lindenhof in Augusta. It was the cleanest B&B on the trail and meticulously maintained inside and out. The innkeeper Debbie is most personable and a pretty good cyclist in her own right. Thanks again, Debbie for a terrific stay!

During a recent tour on the Katy we had a chance to stay at The Lindenhof in Augusta. It was the cleanest B&B on the trail and meticulously maintained inside and out. The innkeeper Debbie is most personable and a pretty good cyclist in her own right. Thanks again, Debbie for a terrific stay!

Stopped through and had lunch at Dotty's. Excellent food, excellent super friendly service. Weather was in the high 90's and our waitress brought us glasses of water and our own pitcher as soon as we sat down. Food came quickly which is always a plus in my book!

The accomdations were first rate, beautiful and the jetted tub was awesome following a long ride. However, breakfast was lacking. The food tasted good but there wasn't enough and no one was offering us seconds. Also breakfast was at 9am and I didn't get the impression the owners would make any changes for us. Couldn't even get coffee until 7:30 and the single pot for 8 guests ran out long before breakfast. The gentleman was nice enough, never spoke with the lady just saw her handing dishes to her husband. So to sum it up the accomodations are great but the customer service a bit lacking which isn't acceptable at their prices.

We enjoyed our stop at the Treloar Grill. We pulled right up to the bar and the 'tender recommended the hamburgers so we tried one of those (thick and loaded) and a small salad with bottomless lemonade... two candy bars to go...that's $8. I had the salad ($2)...a great little garden salad covered with grated cheese! Met some friendly people and we emptied the ice from our lemonade in our camelbacks (added a hint of lemon to our water for the trip back to Portland). The 'tender directed us to the pool room where we could fill up our water bottles with the coldest water (ever) from a tap.

We started our trip from Portland and though we had only gone about 5 miles, we couldn't resist the shaved ice...we recommend blue raspberry or the ever popular cherry. Candy bars, gatorade, chips, soft drinks, water, juices, fruit...you name it they have it. It has a relaxing, country ambiance thanks to Sandra and Dan. If you get a chance to talk with Sandra, she will tell you some steamboat history about her property. Sandra served us on the way out, but Steamboat Junction "closes" at 4P so Mr. and Mrs. Benz have a refrigerator stocked with treats/drinks that are self-serve, self-pay. Their camping is self check-in after hours also. You will enjoy this stop! We want to try the camping at a future time. Phone: 314-831-4807 Email: sbenz@slcl.org (subject: camp) See you there!

Thank you for having cool water available at the trailhead. It was refreshing and worth filling our camelbacks with.

About a block or two from the trailhead (we saw the parking lot filling up) was a town picnic going on. We had their fish (by recommendation) and it was delicious, but their claim to fame is the MUTTON. The ice for our camelbacks was free, the funnelcakes the best I ever tasted! A car show was going on and later Karaoke and it was...you know....karaoke...what can I say?

The blackberries are ripening on the trail...get them before they spray the poison ivy! One bush that probably won't be touched is the one atop Standing Rock...that's right...there's a blackberry bush growing on Standing Rock. Go and see for yourself.

We camped there last weekend. The campsite is a work in progress which made the stay a little rough even with the full hook ups. But the view of the Missouri River was great and made it worth wild. The trail between Portland and Bluffton was super!

We camped there last weekend. The campsite is a work in progress which made the stay a little rough even with the full hook ups. But the view of the Missouri River was great and made it worth wild. The trail between Portland and Bluffton was super!

We concur with the previous post. The trail between Portland and Bluffton is a must do! If you don't do any other portion of the KATY...do that one. You will experience five or so miles of glimpses/full views of the the MO river, green canopies of trees overhead, vine covered bluffs. Moss even grows on the trail. This portion was a respite from the heat in the mid-90 degree July weather because cool air flows all day in the deep green growth to the left, right, and above the rider. It's a good choice for a hike/ride.

We concur with the previous post. The trail between Portland and Bluffton is a must do! If you don't do any other portion of the KATY...do that one. You will experience five or so miles of glimpses/full views of the the MO river, green canopies of trees overhead, vine covered bluffs. Moss even grows on the trail. This portion was a respite from the heat in the mid-90 degree July weather because cool air flows all day in the deep green growth to the left, right, and above the rider. It's a good choice for a hike/ride.

We stayed two nights at "River's Edge". We were the lone campers on the grounds and we slept well in the cooler night air. I don't know if the MO river has something to do with the air cooling down at night, but it was NICE. The hot showers were appreciated to wash the KATY dust off. David, the campground manager, will give you a key to the trailer which also includes a sink, flushing toilet, and AC in a room you can cool off in. Firewood and night crawlers are available...talk to David.

We stayed two nights at "River's Edge". We were the lone campers on the grounds and we slept well in the cooler night air. I don't know if the MO river has something to do with the air cooling down at night, but it was NICE. The hot showers were appreciated to wash the KATY dust off. David, the campground manager, will give you a key to the trailer which also includes a sink, flushing toilet, and AC in a room you can cool off in. Firewood and night crawlers are available...talk to David.

I rode the entire trail from west to east last week. I found the vast majority of people along the trail to be friendly and helpful.I rode a Schwinn Fastback Cyclecross with Kenda 38c kevlar belted tires. I experienced no flat tires.I believe a cyclecross bike to be the perfect Katy Trail bike for someone who likes to ride at a fast pace.Very durable and lightweight.The Katy trail is a thing of beauty. Enjoy.....

We visited Augusta and the Mt. Pleasant Winery 6/22. We were aware of the $5 charge each to try your choice of 5 wines. You do get to keep the wine glasses, and they give you a $5 certificate to use on a purchase of $20 or $25 or more. One of the wines we tried we liked, and notice a sign in the tasting room that it was on sale for $5.99 (regularly $9.99). We thought it would be fun to get a cold bottle and sit out in their wein garden area to enjoy it, may get some cheese & crackers, etc. We were told we could purchase cold bottles and snacks in the next room - their grocery area. We were shocked when the clerk at the grocery said to purchase a cold bottle, the cost was $19.00. When we asked about the sale price in the tasting room, he said it was only for take home purchases. We then asked about just buying a glass or two to drink in their outdoor area, and were told they didn't sell by the glass on weekdays. We couldn't figure any way to justify paying more that 3 times the amount for a cold bottle versus a room temp. bottle, so we left with our wine glasses and went elsewhere.

I hope you went to Augusta Winery. They will sell you a cold bottle of wine at a reasonable price to enjoy on their covered patio.