Rock Island Trail Forum

Okay...so they do not allow tents. But let me tell you at the end of a week in a tent, a cabin

was a welcome site. They were pretty nice. Plus they have a convenient trolley shuttle that will

take you into St Charles until like 5pm.

Okay...so they do not allow tents. But let me tell you at the end of a week in a tent, a cabin

was a welcome site. They were pretty nice. Plus they have a convenient trolley shuttle that will

take you into St Charles until like 5pm.

A fine place to stay. They are very friendly, and most helpful. The host helped me cut through a bicycle lock, when I found I had left my key at home. We are staying there again this year in transit.

A fine place to stay. They are very friendly, and most helpful. The host helped me cut through a bicycle lock, when I found I had left my key at home. We are staying there again this year in transit.

The officers club is very clean and has all the touches of home. The beds are very comfortable. Paula is a wonderful host and prepares delicious baked goods to sample and an exquisite breakfast! :P

The officers club is very clean and has all the touches of home. The beds are very comfortable. Paula is a wonderful host and prepares delicious baked goods to sample and an exquisite breakfast! :P

My daughter from Germany & I want to plan a day trip hopefully to include the "best" part of the trail and perhaps a ride on Amtrak. Any ideas about where to start, how far to ride, where to catch the train (or should it just be a round-trip ride), etc? We will be unable to stay overnight on the trail unfortunately & hope to do this on 5/29 or 5/30. I live in KC (Overland Park). THX

I think almost everyone agrees that the prettiest part is East from Rocheport. It depends on how far you want to go, but you could cross the river and catch Amtrak in Jeff City. You would have to check times, though, and Amtrak won't take you back to Rocheport--you would end up in Sedalia. Besides, the bridge crossing at Jeff City isn't great unless you're a pretty confident cyclist. I guess I would recommend an out-and-back from Rocheport if you only have the one day. Also, consider Rocheport to Columbia instead of staying on the main trail--Columbia would be a good destination for lunch (or start in Columbia and go to Rocheport for lunch at Les Bourgeois, taking their trail up the bluff to the restaurant on the East side of town.

e t hit the nail on the head with rocheport then east being the prettiest part of the trail. i have ridden from columbia to rocheport and back. easy riddin and pretty also. you will need to check with amtrak on the towns they stop in. have fun and happy bikin.

ET and Frank - Thanks for your responses. Very helpful! We'll plan on the Columbia/Rocheport round-trip ride.

Since we'll start our ride in the morning would you suggest us riding from Columbia to Rocheport to avoid sun in the face or are there other factors we should consider? Just looking for it to be the best experience since we have limited opporutnity together. Thanks again!

Yes, if it's a sunny day, you would be better of riding west in the morning, because there are some not-very-shady stretches near McBaine. As for starting in Columbia, there are several trail heads, the two easiest to access and park being off of Stadium, at the MLK Memorial garden, or off of Forum. The official trail head is at Flat Branch Park, at 4th and Cherry downtown. When they finish the construction there, it's going to be great--they are nearly ready to pour the concrete for the 4 new underpasses that will mean no road crossings. From what I hear, though, it's not likely to be done until mid-June, so if you are riding before that, you will need to cross Providence, Stewart, Locust and Elm to get into the downtown area. The other good thing about starting in Columbia is that lunch at Les Bourgeois really is a treat. The restaurant is on a bluff with a gorgeus river view, and the food and wine are good. I recommend, unless you are keen mountain bikers, that you lock your bikes up at the rack at the bottom of their trail and walk up==it's steep and twisty, but really gorgeous. It was built entirely by hand (that is pickaxe, shovel and wheelbarrow) by a man who used to be the groundsman there. Don't just stop at the winery, though--be sure to ride on into Rocheport to see the MKT tunnel, and Rocheport itself, which is a cute little town with several interesting art and antique shops.

Is there a spot in N. Jefferson where we can store our bikes for one night?

We stopped at the Cycle Depot our last day on the trail this past Sunday and had a great visit. The owners are the friendliest people you'll ever meet! I found the cutest water bottles with holders for my kids’ tag-a-long bikes, children’s cycling gloves, and the perfect helmets for myself and my son. I found a great brass bell for my handlebar. They have a nice selection of bikes, including recumbents for excellent prices! I can’t put into words how comfy that recumbent seat was after riding for three days on my upright mountain bike! They also have some nice jerseys, shorts, and other biking apparel and all sorts of bike parts and accessories. This is definitely a stop I recommend. They are easy to find, right next to Dotty’s Cafe. We’ll be coming back to the Cycle Depot on future trips.

We stopped at the Cycle Depot our last day on the trail this past Sunday and had a great visit. The owners are the friendliest people you'll ever meet! I found the cutest water bottles with holders for my kids’ tag-a-long bikes, children’s cycling gloves, and the perfect helmets for myself and my son. I found a great brass bell for my handlebar. They have a nice selection of bikes, including recumbents for excellent prices! I can’t put into words how comfy that recumbent seat was after riding for three days on my upright mountain bike! They also have some nice jerseys, shorts, and other biking apparel and all sorts of bike parts and accessories. This is definitely a stop I recommend. They are easy to find, right next to Dotty’s Cafe. We’ll be coming back to the Cycle Depot on future trips.

The Cycle Depot is great! Most folks are suprised to find a full serve bike shop with a

certified mechanic along the trail. They also offer custom built bikes as Mark is a frame

builder. They offer service for road bikes and mountain bikes which makes them rather

unique along the trail. I highly recommend them!

The Cycle Depot is great! Most folks are suprised to find a full serve bike shop with a

certified mechanic along the trail. They also offer custom built bikes as Mark is a frame

builder. They offer service for road bikes and mountain bikes which makes them rather

unique along the trail. I highly recommend them!

I want to add my name to those singing the praises of the Cycle Depot! Mark is the best bicycle mechanic I have found; a rare combination of excellent mechanical skills PLUS excellent customer relations skills.

I want to add my name to those singing the praises of the Cycle Depot! Mark is the best bicycle mechanic I have found; a rare combination of excellent mechanical skills PLUS excellent customer relations skills.

both these people are absolutely correct. i have only had the oppurtunity to stop there once, but it was an enjoyable time. good snacks to.

both these people are absolutely correct. i have only had the oppurtunity to stop there once, but it was an enjoyable time. good snacks to.

On the trail late last fall we were so happy to see the cycle shop open, most places(including the cafe'in town) are closed on mondays. We were in need of a dry warm place and starving. The owners went into their kitchen and whipped us up lunch(fantastic soup and bread)they were even kind enough to dry our clothing. What a little gem on the trail and they really try their best to serve cyclist. We were not charged for the food since they are not a cafe but felt a big tip would be appreciated to pay for what we ate. Good food, good conversation and laughs at their coffee bar made our trip(rain and all)worth while. We left dry,full and happy. Thanks Cyle Depot for being there.

On the trail late last fall we were so happy to see the cycle shop open, most places(including the cafe'in town) are closed on mondays. We were in need of a dry warm place and starving. The owners went into their kitchen and whipped us up lunch(fantastic soup and bread)they were even kind enough to dry our clothing. What a little gem on the trail and they really try their best to serve cyclist. We were not charged for the food since they are not a cafe but felt a big tip would be appreciated to pay for what we ate. Good food, good conversation and laughs at their coffee bar made our trip(rain and all)worth while. We left dry,full and happy. Thanks Cyle Depot for being there.

One of the things that gives the section from Pitman Hill Road to Weldon Springs is also responsible for its beauty. You are riding along some significant bluffs. This is one of my favorite sections when the trees have all their leaves. The branches on the trees on either side of the trail touch overhead. It gives one the feeling of riding through a kind of tunnel.

One of the things that gives the section from Pitman Hill Road to Weldon Springs is also responsible for its beauty. You are riding along some significant bluffs. This is one of my favorite sections when the trees have all their leaves. The branches on the trees on either side of the trail touch overhead. It gives one the feeling of riding through a kind of tunnel.

....like touring in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Tree tubes are the best.....I will agree with you there.

....like touring in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Tree tubes are the best.....I will agree with you there.

I ditto the praises for the Cycle Depot. And, one of the things I love about them is that they

are a REAL bike shop, not just a place along the trail that rents bikes. For those of us in the

Mid-Missouri area, they are a godsend. I am pretty new to this area and this is the only bike

shop I have found in mid-Missouri where the mechanic is a real bike mechanic and not just

some guy working in a bike shop. Highest praises for the Cycle Depot.

I ditto the praises for the Cycle Depot. And, one of the things I love about them is that they

are a REAL bike shop, not just a place along the trail that rents bikes. For those of us in the

Mid-Missouri area, they are a godsend. I am pretty new to this area and this is the only bike

shop I have found in mid-Missouri where the mechanic is a real bike mechanic and not just

some guy working in a bike shop. Highest praises for the Cycle Depot.

We pulled into Hartsburg on a late Monday morning and pulling up in front of the Cycle Depot, were informed by the owners that all the restaurants were closed that day but we could find some things inside their store that might help us out.



We had for "emergency food" we were carrying some bagels with peanut butter and honey, and added to that for our lunch were chips, bananas, cold drinks and ice cream from the Cycle Depot that really hit the spot. They even recycle the drink bottles!



This shop is great and has really has a very complete selection of biking accessories. Highly recommended for a stop in, even if your bike is doing fine.

We pulled into Hartsburg on a late Monday morning and pulling up in front of the Cycle Depot, were informed by the owners that all the restaurants were closed that day but we could find some things inside their store that might help us out.



We had for "emergency food" we were carrying some bagels with peanut butter and honey, and added to that for our lunch were chips, bananas, cold drinks and ice cream from the Cycle Depot that really hit the spot. They even recycle the drink bottles!



This shop is great and has really has a very complete selection of biking accessories. Highly recommended for a stop in, even if your bike is doing fine.

Hartsburg Cycle Depot is the best. Thanks for sharing your story!

Hartsburg Cycle Depot is the best. Thanks for sharing your story!

I'm working on planning a trip on the Katy Trail in early June. My riding partner is only up for a 3 or maybe 4 day trip and riding 30-35 miles a day . We're planning to stay in B&Bs for those nights. I'm interested in any suggestions for the starting and ending points for the trips and any other suggestions for planning the trip.

I recommend getting Brett Dufur's The Complete KATY Trail Guidebook. It will help greatly in planning a cycling adventure across Missouri.



Based on your plans, I would like to suggest starting in Sedalia and riding to Hermann where you can catch the AMTRAK back to Sedalia. The Sedalia House B&B has a nice KATY Trail package that includes shuttles. You can leave your car at our place and we would shuttle you to the trailhead after breakfast. We would then pick you up at the AMTRAK station upon your return, and you can either spend another night or head on your way.



In any case, we wish you the very best on your trip and hope you enjoy your visit to Missouri.

This web site is a great resource for planning a ride....there is even a hot key above titled "Plan a Ride!" Ray does a very good job of keeping this site current. He even won an award for it!!



IMHO: Dufur's book is a good guide while on the trail for general reference, but I prefer this site to get to the facts that don't wait on a book publication date to be current....and I don't have to weed through irrelevant facts about each and every town that are of little interest to me while planning a ride. Modern day....I'm more concerned about food/shelter, etc. in a town than knowing that it was flooded there 20 years ago.

Pat, this website and Dufur's book are excellent resources, so I recommend using both for planning and while on the trail. You started in the right place, because there are many avid KATY Trail cyclists who will provide their own unique spin. Each cyclist has their own reason to ride the trail. Some for strictly the physical activity, and others for the pleasure of an enjoyable adventure. Whatever your pleasure, please fell free to enjoy the history of the trail and those towns you pass through. We welcome you and hope you have a truly enjoyable ride.

Dufur's book is indeed a great reference - you can get a copy at Pebble Publishing's website

Thanks! I've ordered the book.

I would suggest parking at St. Charles, and then getting shuttled to Rocheport to start your trip back east. With overnight stops at Jefferson City, McKittrick/Herman/ and Augusta, you will arrive back at St. Charles on the 4th day.

What about the TORNADOES???? Has the trail been damaged? Where? I will be on the trail around May 4-10, going west-to-east. In California we stand in the doorway for earthquakes - where should we stand for a twister???



Any specific or general information much appreciated,



Sharron Sussman

Well, for starters, you don't stand for a twister...well, unless you are from Kansas like I am

and then you stand to watch them for as long as you can...but, if you are from California,

the goal is to get as flat as possible, below ground level, if you can and protect your head.

So, that means prone in a ditch, if you can find one, or in a basement. Don't stand under a

tree. http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/safety.html is a link to a page on tornado

safety.



And, the other thing to remember is that tornado damage usually is pretty localized.

Damage is only where the tornado is, not like an earthquake. Not saying that it can't

track you down on the trail, but the risks are fairly minimal. So, worry more about the

sunburn and wind and don't forget the copperheads...and have fun! The trail is marvelous

and you will have a great time!

I haven't been on the trail yet this year, but I doubt that there has been any storm/tornado damage. At the worst, there may be a few branches down on the trail, but the state park folks are good about getting it cleared off quickly. As far as what to do if you're caught out during a tornado, your best bet is to find a low spot (like a ditch) and lie down. BUT ... your chances of seeing a tornado are very low. I've been here 40 years, and have never even seen one in person. Have a great ride!

As far as trail damage, if a tree or trees come down due to a storm the park staff usually gets to them within 24 hours. You can go to www.mostateparks.com and check the trail conditions. As for stormy conditions while you are riding, I would purchase a little weather radio and take it with you. You can put it on stanby and it will alarm you of any watches and warnings in the area. Take a good map so you know what county you are in since the watches and warnings are given by counties. If things get real bad there are towns every ten miles so its easy to find shelter and wait out any storms. The other folks are right, it is very unlikey you be close to any tornadoes, especially since they typically occur in the late afternoon and at night. You should be off the trail by that point enjoying a nice bottle of wine somewhere.

If a tornado is bearing down on you, a door way won't help. In fact, the doorway might even leave, and take you with it! Your friends could call you "Dorothy" after that, I guess.



Seriously, the chances of being caught by a tornado on the trail are very very slim. Watch or listen to the local forecast before starting out. If severe weather is predicted, then take a closer look and see if it is in the area you will be riding, and alter your plans accordingly. Unlike earthquakes, it's difficult for a thunderstorm to sneak up on you. They are very visible in the daytime from a long distance away. If dark clouds are gathering to the west and southwest of you, haul it to the nearest available shelter and wait it out. A small AM-FM radio doesn't weigh much, and would keep you informed. You can even get this info on your cell phone if you have web access. Know where you are and keep yourself informed, especially if you are hearing thunder in the distance, and you'll be fine.

But, then again, if you stand in the doorway, you might have a really good view to watch the

tornado coming your way! : )

Copperheads?

We woke up the morning of May 3, 2006 to an approaching cold front/rainstorm that according to the National Weather Service (and the Weather Channel) was going to park itself over central Missouri for a few days with severe thunderstorms included in the mix. We were on our tandem, pulling a Burely Nomad trailer, which is not the best for riding a soggy Katy trail (it tends to bog down with all that weight) so with our vacation time coming to an end, decided to sadly wrap up our trip by having someone shuttle us back to our van at St. Charles.



We were staying at the Meyer Hilltop b & B and they recommended we call the Herman Ride, Rest and Go Bicycle Shop in Herman for a shuttle. We called around 8am-ish, had the owner answer the call, and he informed us a shuttle would not be a problem and he could do it within an hour or so.



By the time we were packed up, the shuttle arrived, loaded up our tandem and trailer inside the van (we have S & S couplers on the tandem so it splits into two sections), and we were on the way, arriving in St. Charles with a very reasonable charge for the ride.



If you are needing a shuttle service, or bike service (the owners of the B & B said the shop owner is a great mechanic), I would highly recommend the Hermann Ride, Rest & Go Bicycle Shop.