S.O.B.'s (Steedman)
- + Personally my favorite stop on the entire trail. Great food and great drinks. The hospitality is absolutely awesome. Many places along the Katy tend to look at everyone that walks in, as just anoth...
Discussion started 02/01/2006 09:35 AM by flake77 - 5 replies (last reply by Bob Krzewinski at 05/04/2006 10:51 PM)flake77 from St. Louis on 02/01/2006 09:35 AM
Personally my favorite stop on the entire trail. Great food and great drinks. The hospitality is absolutely awesome. Many places along the Katy tend to look at everyone that walks in, as just another biker. SOB was totally different. Everyone there was so helpful. They were not open for breakfast, but the owner offered to make breakfast for us (had to pass on that, cuz I like to bike an hour or two before I eat).
Simply put, they have the best burgers on the trail and the coldest drinks!
Only problem for me was the primitive camping. Nothing wrong with steedman, just tired of taking my camping stuff. I usually ride the whole trail(one way) in 2-3 days and carrying camping supplies just get tiresome.
flake77 from St. Louis on 02/01/2006 09:35 AM
Personally my favorite stop on the entire trail. Great food and great drinks. The hospitality is absolutely awesome. Many places along the Katy tend to look at everyone that walks in, as just another biker. SOB was totally different. Everyone there was so helpful. They were not open for breakfast, but the owner offered to make breakfast for us (had to pass on that, cuz I like to bike an hour or two before I eat).
Simply put, they have the best burgers on the trail and the coldest drinks!
Only problem for me was the primitive camping. Nothing wrong with steedman, just tired of taking my camping stuff. I usually ride the whole trail(one way) in 2-3 days and carrying camping supplies just get tiresome.
The Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 02/01/2006 09:55 AM
Ooooooh, another believer in the SOB!!!! Yup, that place has the Dalton Boys stamp of approval. We did do breakfast and that was just another wonderful aspect of all that flake77 talks about. We were self-supported and cruisin' so camping at Steedman was great for us. Regards......Mark of the Dalton Boys (We asked first before we camped)
The Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 02/01/2006 09:55 AM
Ooooooh, another believer in the SOB!!!! Yup, that place has the Dalton Boys stamp of approval. We did do breakfast and that was just another wonderful aspect of all that flake77 talks about. We were self-supported and cruisin' so camping at Steedman was great for us. Regards......Mark of the Dalton Boys (We asked first before we camped)
Rich of the Dalton Boys from St Charles on 02/08/2006 09:47 AM
SOB was quite a memory. Certainly one of the best of a fantastic ride. If you are a veteren, you are a VIP in Steedman. Slept really well there in our tent (except for Bill's snoring). Regards... Rich of the Dalton Boys
Rich of the Dalton Boys from St Charles on 02/08/2006 09:47 AM
SOB was quite a memory. Certainly one of the best of a fantastic ride. If you are a veteren, you are a VIP in Steedman. Slept really well there in our tent (except for Bill's snoring). Regards... Rich of the Dalton Boys
The Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 02/08/2006 04:07 PM
....and now you all are getting missives from one of the two smartest of the three Dalton Boys....Yup, Love my smarter brothers...and nothing better than having done the KATY with 'em.....enjoy the voyage....Mark of the Dalton Boys (Hey Dalton Boys....coffees ready!!! :>)
The Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 02/08/2006 04:07 PM
....and now you all are getting missives from one of the two smartest of the three Dalton Boys....Yup, Love my smarter brothers...and nothing better than having done the KATY with 'em.....enjoy the voyage....Mark of the Dalton Boys (Hey Dalton Boys....coffees ready!!! :>)
Bill of the Dalton Boys from Tucson, AZ on 02/08/2006 06:09 PM
Oh my God, I can't believe I just read a comment by Rich about Bill's snoring!! Rich...the SNORING KING!!
The SOB was fantastic. Loved that Katy Trail ride! It was really rough draggin my two wheel-sukkin brothers all the way, though.
Bill of the Dalton Boys from Tucson, AZ on 02/08/2006 06:09 PM
Oh my God, I can't believe I just read a comment by Rich about Bill's snoring!! Rich...the SNORING KING!!
The SOB was fantastic. Loved that Katy Trail ride! It was really rough draggin my two wheel-sukkin brothers all the way, though.
Bob Krzewinski from Ypsilanti, MI on 05/04/2006 10:51 PM
We stopped in the SOB on Tuesday, May 2nd 2006 around 11:30am. When we rode up the place looked closed but as my wife went up to the door, the beer signs in the window came on. The owner came to the door and explained they did not really open until noon, but just come on in now and she would fix us whatever we wanted off the menu.
We had a great lunch and a good conversation with the previous owner who had stopped by. The cold ice teas and ice cream we had was a great way to top off our visit. They also keep a bike rider log that they hope you will sign.
This is a great lunch stop with some real friendly people.
Bob Krzewinski from Ypsilanti, MI on 05/04/2006 10:51 PM
We stopped in the SOB on Tuesday, May 2nd 2006 around 11:30am. When we rode up the place looked closed but as my wife went up to the door, the beer signs in the window came on. The owner came to the door and explained they did not really open until noon, but just come on in now and she would fix us whatever we wanted off the menu.
We had a great lunch and a good conversation with the previous owner who had stopped by. The cold ice teas and ice cream we had was a great way to top off our visit. They also keep a bike rider log that they hope you will sign.
This is a great lunch stop with some real friendly people.
Portland Trailhead (Portland)
- + One thing missing from this trailhead is where you can find water. The trailsigns you see approaching Portland have the "water" symbol, but when you reach the trailhead itself, there is none to be fou...
Discussion started 05/04/2006 10:44 PM by Bob Krzewinski - 0 repliesBob Krzewinski from Ypsilanti, MI on 05/04/2006 10:44 PM
One thing missing from this trailhead is where you can find water. The trailsigns you see approaching Portland have the "water" symbol, but when you reach the trailhead itself, there is none to be found. It would be great if even a small sign could be posted on the trailhead shelter signs on where water can be found.
Bob Krzewinski from Ypsilanti, MI on 05/04/2006 10:44 PM
One thing missing from this trailhead is where you can find water. The trailsigns you see approaching Portland have the "water" symbol, but when you reach the trailhead itself, there is none to be found. It would be great if even a small sign could be posted on the trailhead shelter signs on where water can be found.
Catch the Katy - DNR Ride 2006
- + Hi, I am making hotel reservations for the June 19-23 catch the katy trail ride and apparently the town of sedalia is having a sheep\ram celebration or livestock reunion or something like that the sam...
Discussion started 04/30/2006 06:47 PM by richard - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 05/03/2006 12:16 PM)richard from rolla mo on 04/30/2006 06:47 PM
Hi, I am making hotel reservations for the June 19-23 catch the katy trail ride and apparently the town of sedalia is having a sheep\ram celebration or livestock reunion or something like that the same week and I was told by the Hotel Bothwell staff that there are no vacancies anywhere. Will they shuttle me somewhere else to lay my weary head? PS will I get a confirmation soon?
Spinning Missouri Richard
Anonymous on 05/03/2006 12:16 PM
Since this website is in no way sponsered by Missouri State Parks, you really should contact state parks for detailed questions reguarding the ride. This website is great for comments and opinions but as far as logistics about the Katy Ride, it would be best to call MO State Parks at 800-334-6946
Amtrak & Panniers
- + I have been reading the forum about Amtrak's trailer policy, and someone mentioned that panniers, trunk bags, handlebar bags, etc count against the 2 bag carry on limit.
I have two panniers, ...
Discussion started 05/01/2006 04:12 PM by Barry - 1 reply (last reply by TRinJboro at 05/02/2006 08:44 AM)Barry from Conway, AR on 05/01/2006 04:12 PM
I have been reading the forum about Amtrak's trailer policy, and someone mentioned that panniers, trunk bags, handlebar bags, etc count against the 2 bag carry on limit.
I have two panniers, trunk bag, and a small handlebar bag and I was concerned about being stopped as I board the train. Also, does Amtrak require you to remove these bags from your bike when it is on the train?
Just curious what other riders experiences have been.
Thanks!
TRinJboro from Jonesboro, AR on 05/02/2006 08:44 AM
Amtrack is so picky, I would actually call them and get an answer from the "horse's mouth" on this.
Katy Trail
- + How fully covered is Trail foe cell telephone communication?
Discussion started 05/01/2006 08:29 AM by kasko - 1 reply (last reply by frank at 05/01/2006 02:51 PM)kasko from STL MO on 05/01/2006 08:29 AM
How fully covered is Trail foe cell telephone communication?
frank from festus, mo on 05/01/2006 02:51 PM
i have the wonderful cingular wireless service and have had no problem at all. i have not ridden everywhere on the trail and it was a little scratchy around the where the mkt fitness trail meets the katy just west of mcbaine. otherwise no problems at all. happy biken.
Fulton, Rocheport to Boonville
- + is it reasonable to stay in fulton and bike the trail? or too far away? is the trail from rocheport to booneville boring?
Discussion started 04/28/2006 05:54 AM by robbie - 7 replies (last reply by TRinJboro at 05/01/2006 11:39 AM)robbie from iowa on 04/28/2006 05:54 AM
is it reasonable to stay in fulton and bike the trail? or too far away? is the trail from rocheport to booneville boring?
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 04/28/2006 08:36 AM
The spur from Columbia to the Katy is very close to Fulton.....not unreasonable there at all.
To some, perhaps the Booneville to Rocheport section would be boring...no massive bluffs...no close proximity to the river...etc. In May of last year, we left Booneville early in the morning and rode through this section of the trail. It was one of the most memorable parts of our trip. The dew was on the grass next to the trail glistening in the morning sun, there were hundreds of bright blue indigo buntings, turtles, and even a few deer. Far, far from boring!
sbikes from Kansas City on 04/28/2006 02:15 PM
Very close means about 30 miles away. It would be just as close to stay in Fulton and drive
to the Jeff City trailhead...or the Hartsburg trailhead. And those trailheads are easier to find
than the Columbia. I have ridden the spur from the trail into Columbia and it just dumps you
out on a busy street. I am sure there is something I missed, but I have no idea what.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 04/28/2006 02:52 PM
Columbia is 20 miles to the west of Fulton. Robbie asked about staying there....which is doable......and riding between Booneville and Rocheport. Going in a westwardly direction though, to reach those towns, one would theoretically approach the spur in Columbia that leads to the Katy. The spur is a decent ride if one so chooses. A major north to south street in Columbia is Stadium Blvd. From I-70....south on Stadium Blvd.....to the Martin Luther King Trail Head on the south side of the road. Not hard to find at all. When you ride the spur south from there...it dumps you onto out on the Katy Trail. Perhaps I have missed something, but I have no idea what.
frank from festus, mo on 04/28/2006 05:35 PM
robbie, i rode from rocheport to booneville and back this past year. i did not care for it at all except the part from new franklin to boonville and the rocheport tunnel. from readin the previous entries, i apparently just didn't hit it at the right times. the dew on the grass had to be gorgeous. the old building at pearsons on the trail is pretty cool. as far as the trail from colunbia to the katy, i have ridden it, it is a nice ride, and not that hard to find. have fun and happy bikin.
savage24 from KC,MO on 04/28/2006 10:43 PM
Many parts of the trail between Rocheport and Boonville have little or no shade. It can be a hot ride in the middle of the afternoon. Sounds like a perfect ride in early morning. Fulton is not an ideal place to stay if you plan to ride the Katy, but I'm assuming you have friends there are some other reason to stay there. The North Jefferson trail head is kind of remote and I would not be real comfortable leaving my car there overnight. If staying in Fulton, consider driving to Mokane to ride the trail.
sbikes from Kansas City on 04/28/2006 11:10 PM
Savage24 is right about leaving your car at the Jeff City trailhead...but, it seems like this post
has taken on a life of its own beyond the original poster's note. Are you planning an
overnight? Do you plan to bike from Fulton to the trail head or drive? Whatever you end up
doing, have a great time on the Trail!
TRinJboro from Jonesboro, AR on 05/01/2006 11:39 AM
I agree with savage24, I would drive to Mokane and ride east.
Trailside Bar & Grill (formerly Gosen's) (Rhineland)
- + We stopped in for a late lunch last friday afternoon while riding the trail for the first time. What a treat as this friendly and clean establishment served up a great catfish sandwich and excellent ...
Discussion started 05/01/2006 11:34 AM by Ron Bangle - 0 repliesRon Bangle from Garden City, Kansas on 05/01/2006 11:34 AM
We stopped in for a late lunch last friday afternoon while riding the trail for the first time. What a treat as this friendly and clean establishment served up a great catfish sandwich and excellent chocolate pie. Our price for three large softdrinks, three specials and a slice of pie came to only $13!!!!!!!!!
Stop here.......... you will be glad you did.
Ron Bangle from Garden City, Kansas on 05/01/2006 11:34 AM
We stopped in for a late lunch last friday afternoon while riding the trail for the first time. What a treat as this friendly and clean establishment served up a great catfish sandwich and excellent chocolate pie. Our price for three large softdrinks, three specials and a slice of pie came to only $13!!!!!!!!!
Stop here.......... you will be glad you did.
St Charles
- + RT wielers....lots of space, for the most part, the place isnt to busy (which is why I can see them only having one server on a friday) Its because I cant see people going back. We went there at least...
Discussion started 04/29/2006 06:04 PM by stcharlesgirl - 0 repliesstcharlesgirl from st charles on 04/29/2006 06:04 PM
RT wielers....lots of space, for the most part, the place isnt to busy (which is why I can see them only having one server on a friday) Its because I cant see people going back. We went there at least once a week when it was Kriegers, but needed to only go back one time to swear off of it. We ordered chicken wings and they were not cooked. it honestly looked like someone had dropped them in a fryer just long enough to cook the outside. We told our waitstaff, who sent over the manager. He was like, oh well, ya- those look a little raw. HE DIDNT EVEN TAKE THEM OFF OUR BILL!!! There are way to many great places on main street to eat, dont waste your time/money here
Catch the Katy - DNR Ride 2006
- + Is there any provision for laundry services? I'll probably stay in motels along the way.
Will there be any "beerless" nights?
Thanks, JEM
Discussion started 04/28/2006 01:37 PM by Jack - 4 replies (last reply by savage24 at 04/28/2006 10:24 PM)Jack from Houston, TX on 04/28/2006 01:37 PM
Is there any provision for laundry services? I'll probably stay in motels along the way.
Will there be any "beerless" nights?
Thanks, JEM
Dave from Houston, TX on 04/28/2006 03:12 PM
I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm also from Houston. When are you riding the Trail? I plan on riding around the middle of June. Did you ride the MS? DG
Jack from Houston, TX on 04/28/2006 03:58 PM
I plan to do the DNR Ride 6/19 thru 6/23. I rode St. Charles to Boonville in 10/04. I didn't do the BP MS150 this year, I decided after last year that there are just too many riders on the road. This year my wife and I were just volunteers; but, had just as much fun.
This year I want to do the whole Katy trail, and doing an organized ride is the only practical way for me to do it (if I can have clean clothes and beer).
Hope to see you there.
Dave from Houston, TX on 04/28/2006 05:41 PM
I'll be on the trail at the same time. Except I'll be going West to East. Have fun. DG
savage24 from KC,MO on 04/28/2006 10:24 PM
Jack, Most folks bring enough clothes for the week. Your best bet on finding a laundry mat would be Jefferson City (Tuesday) or Sedalia (Thursday).
BEER!
Sunday: Trailhead brewery, St Charles.
Monday: A concession stand that sells beer at the ball park were we usaully camp may be open, otherwise their is a bar and a convenience store very close.
Tuesday: On the route, there are bars in Steedman, Mokane, & Tebbetts. C-stores and bars in Jefferson City.
Wednesday: On the route, there is Cooper's Landing at Easly, Lucy's at McBaine and Katfish Katy's at Huntsdale. I'm not sure if there is a bar in Rocheport, but I think the A-frame at the winery sells beer.
Thursday: On the route, bar and C-store in Pilot Grove, but that may be a little early still. Sedalia has bars and C-stores.
Friday: Windsor has a bar and C-store. So does Clinton.
Please remember that the state parks ride is a very family friendly event. If you bring beer to camp, be descrete and observe 'quiet hours'. If we are camped on school grounds or a park that does not allow beer, go to the bar. My friends and I have never had a problem.
WIFI along trail?
- + I am planning on a N. Jefferson to St. Charles ride in June with my 2 sons 15 and 11, and was planning on taking my PDA to send & receive email, etc. However, my PDA requires wireless access...
Discussion started 04/27/2006 01:46 PM by David Neighbors - 1 reply (last reply by sbikes at 04/27/2006 10:15 PM)David Neighbors from Paragould, Arkansas on 04/27/2006 01:46 PM
I am planning on a N. Jefferson to St. Charles ride in June with my 2 sons 15 and 11, and was planning on taking my PDA to send & receive email, etc. However, my PDA requires wireless access...
Any chance any of the restaurants, stores, B&Bs have WIFI? Anyone know?
Thanks in advance,
David
sbikes from Kansas City on 04/27/2006 10:15 PM
I don't know, but I wouldn't count on it. And, the trail is VERY dusty...if you feel you must
bring this technology along, put it in a ziploc bag to protect if from trail dust. Trail dust
ruined one cell phone of mine even though it was inside my underseat zipped bag.
easy rides
- + I am a newbie to biking and in the first 2 weeks I have fallen in love with it!!! I am older (50) and am getting a little bored with Creve Couer Lake area, any suggestions for a nice 10 mile ride, no...
Discussion started 04/26/2006 09:16 PM by nan - 2 replies (last reply by nan at 04/27/2006 09:42 PM)nan from chesterfield mo on 04/26/2006 09:16 PM
I am a newbie to biking and in the first 2 weeks I have fallen in love with it!!! I am older (50) and am getting a little bored with Creve Couer Lake area, any suggestions for a nice 10 mile ride, no big trucks and no big hills!
Ken from St. Charles on 04/26/2006 09:43 PM
If you can tolerate a moderate hill, the Hamburg trail is a nice ride. You can access the trail from the parking lot of the cemetery that's across 94 from Francis Howell high school. There is a gate there that puts you right on the trail. The trail goes past the Weldon Spring cleanup area and mound all the way to the KATY trail between the Weldon Spring and Defiance trailheads. It's about 5 miles from the cemetery to the KATY. There is a 6% grade at one point that you must climb on the return trip to the cemetery. It's not too bad on a mountain/comfort type bike with low gearing.
Once you hit the KATY, your options are pretty much open. From the Cemetery to Klondike park and back is 26 miles. There is a pretty tough hill to climb from the KATY up into Klondike park, but the park is worth it.
You could always park at the Page bridge lot and take the KATY either direction.
There's also a paved bike path between Laurel Park and the St. Peter's Rec-Plex. I'm not sure about the distance between them, but it can't be more than 4 or 5 miles. It's an easy ride.
nan from chesterfield on 04/27/2006 09:42 PM
Thanks Ken, hopefully the rain will hold off this weekend and I can try a few of your suggestions. I do have a new K2 comfort bike, 21 gears I think, I am still getting used to them but I am a whimp with big hills!!!
Katy Trail
- + I'm trying to figure out something. Why is it that people say that if they move the Boonville Bridge it threatens the survival of the Katy Trail? I didn't think that the trail used that bridge anywa...
Discussion started 04/20/2006 04:15 PM by Clint Thompson - 1 reply (last reply by Jody at 04/26/2006 01:31 PM)Clint Thompson from Moberly on 04/20/2006 04:15 PM
I'm trying to figure out something. Why is it that people say that if they move the Boonville Bridge it threatens the survival of the Katy Trail? I didn't think that the trail used that bridge anyway. I'm just trying to understand the issue. The articles that I have read didn't really explain anything other than the poltics of the matter
Jody from St. Louis on 04/26/2006 01:31 PM
It is a "political" matter. There is question about the interpretation of the agreements, and supposedly, the trail must remain ready to turn back to train traffic if needed. I believe the theory is that TWO breaches of the trail would negate the agreement, and there is already one in the St. Chas. area. That bridge keepes it "ready to turn back to rails", and we all know that train travel is really on the rise! It is really too bad, though, that we have gotten away from moving more freight on rail and barge. In Europe, freight and passenger trains usually use different tracks, so the passenger trains have a smooth ride, unlike Amtrak. I don't think there is any chance that those two modes of transport will ever revive. I was amazed to see people in small towns in Europe hopping the train every day to go to the next town to shop, which they seem to do every day. Many there still just buy food for the day, bread from the bakery baked today, etc. Not too efficient, but tasty!
West End vs. East End
- + Someone commented on another thread that the west end of the trail is significantly rougher than the east end. They even mentioned gravel 2 inches deep in places. I've ridden from St. Charles to Aug...
Discussion started 04/18/2006 08:22 PM by Ken - 8 replies (last reply by hooked on biking at 04/23/2006 09:13 PM)Ken from St. Charles on 04/18/2006 08:22 PM
Someone commented on another thread that the west end of the trail is significantly rougher than the east end. They even mentioned gravel 2 inches deep in places. I've ridden from St. Charles to Augusta and Rocheport to Hartsburg. How does the far western portions of the trail compare with these stretches, especially the surface condition?
Anonymous on 04/19/2006 02:40 PM
I do think the east end is probably a little smoother than the west end. The reason for this is the east end gets more traffic and the west end has the equestrian section. St. Charles to Augusta is the most used section of the entire trail and the traffic really smoothes out the trail. I know the maintenance staff works real hard on all the sections, but it seems like the staff on the east end is out on the trail daily and is always doing something to keep the trail hard and smooth. I always try to say thank you when I pass them on the trail, I hope everyone else does the same.
TRinJboro from troyratliff@hotmail.com on 04/19/2006 03:24 PM
I've ridden the entire trail, and I didn't find too much difference in the east v west condition of the surface. However, the portion from Clinton to Sedalia, in my opinion, is not worth doing, as the scenery is boring and the horse traffic can be, at times, a problem. I would suggest you start or end at Sedalia.
MLH from Overland Park on 04/19/2006 06:05 PM
Ditto on last comment regarding trail condition and scenery. The gravel that the other writer may have been referring to is seen at the gravel road crossings and yes some areas seem like they are 2 inches deep as it gets pushed by the cars and plows to the sides of the road, or on the trail in this case. I haven't made it all of the way to St. Charles but there does seem to be more gravel crossings on the west side. These are not enough in number to be a major factor though. I personally enjoy the Clinton to Sedalia stretch and a surprising amount of it is shaded. Windsor is a great halfway point stop.
sbikes from Kansas City on 04/19/2006 10:05 PM
Each part of the Trail represents a different type of geography. I find beauty in all of it. The
stretch between Clinton and Sedalia shows the wide open spaces of Misssouri before you get
into the bluffs and the river. The trail between Clinton and Sedalia doesn't get as much traffic
and so it is not as hard and compacted as the portion of the trail nearer to St. Louis.
Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 04/20/2006 08:01 AM
...what sbikes said....Regards.....Mark of The Dalton Boys
Ken from St. Charles on 04/20/2006 10:08 PM
Thanks for all the information. I'm planning a 3-day west to east trip the first week of October with a buddy of mine. I ride the St. Charles-Defiance-Augusta stretch on a regular basis. I'm comfortable with doing 75 miles per day if the western portion of the trail is anything like the trail in my area.
MLH from Overland Park KS on 04/23/2006 08:55 AM
I stand corrected from my post below. I rode the stretch from Clinton to a point about 4 miles north of Windsor and back yesterday. The trail is wonderful west of Windsor. The stretch east of Windsor does have some areas of softness due to thick gravel. Not quite 2 inches deep, but more than I remember from last year and I almost slid out going in a straight line. That's on 700 x 37 tires with knobby lateral treads. I just happened to meet a DNR guy on the trail and he acknowledged the problem, stating that the source of the crushed limestone in that section is different than the other areas. To me, it just seemed like there was too much of it. Whatever the reason, I would be careful on the Windsor to Sedalia stretch and would be very concerned about using a road bike there. I hope the DNR is able to sort this out as I would think there would be liability concerns.
hooked on biking from around KC on 04/23/2006 09:13 PM
We rode from Jefferson City to Mokane last fall & the trail was terrible. There were ruts that ran across the entire trail, anywhere from 2-6 inches deep in several places There were no rough road signs anywhere on the trail so you had no warning they were there. We broke several spokes on that stretch because we couldn't avoid them We haven't ridden that stretch this year so don't know if the problems were fixed over the winter or not. Suggest using caution when riding that area.
KC to Katy Trail
- + Flying into KC on Tuesday evening 5/2, have a near-airport motel room where I plan to assemble the Bike Friday & trailer. WHAT is the best route to the western trailhead? My parameters in order of i...
Discussion started 04/18/2006 02:45 PM by sharron sussman - 6 replies (last reply by gc at 04/21/2006 02:15 PM)sharron sussman from Julian California on 04/18/2006 02:45 PM
Flying into KC on Tuesday evening 5/2, have a near-airport motel room where I plan to assemble the Bike Friday & trailer. WHAT is the best route to the western trailhead? My parameters in order of importance: shoulders, traffic, distance, grade. It can be done before dark in one day's ride, can't it? (70-80 miles max)
Information/opinions much appreciated. I have a highway map from AAA.
sbikes from KCMO on 04/18/2006 07:20 PM
I suggest checking the modot.gov website (if that's not the right address, go to mo.gov
and follow the links to department of transportation) and they should have a link for bike
friendly routes in Missouri to get you from KC to Clinton. I will think on this. Also, I live
pretty close to the KC airport. If you would like, perhaps the webmaster could assist in us
exchanging e-mail addresses and I would be happy to "talk" off-forum..help you out with
any last minute details. I will think on this as well as a good route to get out of KC. You
might pick up a city map from AAA, as well, as you will be going from the far north side of
KC to the far south side. I don't have a map handy, but my thought is that getting out of
KC will be trickier than getting from south KC to Clinton.
Sharon
Ray (Webmaster) on 04/18/2006 07:49 PM
Try this link; it has links to Missouri maps with traffic counts, shoulder indications, etc: http://www.mobikefed.org/momaps.php
Mike Johnson from Jefferson City on 04/19/2006 02:47 PM
Man I dont know if you really want to ride that. Atleast through Kansas City. I would prolly call a cab or find a somebody that can get you to clinton or atleast southern KC. Traffic in Kansas City isn't that all that bike friendly. Atleast in my experience anyway.
Mike Bare from Spring Hill, Kansas on 04/20/2006 03:43 PM
I would definently not want to ride that unless you are really hard core a pretty brave. REALLY bad traffic and scary neighborhoods. I'd strongly suggest renting a vehicle and driving to and from the trail head in Clinton.
savage24 from KC,MO on 04/20/2006 11:37 PM
Sharron, Would it be possible to carry your trailer and baggage on to a city bus? Some of our buses have bike racks on the front of them. Go to www.kcata.org and look at the bike 'n bus info (I'm not familiar with Bike Friday's enough to say for certain they will fit on the racks). If this would be a possibility, look at the I-29 express (route #129X) and the Blue Ridge (route #28). They both have bike racks and that could get you from the airport to the south side of the city. From there I would take: Longview Rd east to Raytown Rd north to 109th St east (across the dam of Longview Lake) to View High Dr south to 3rd St east to highway 50 in Lee's Summit. Highway 50 has a LOT of traffic, but it has good shoulders and I have seen a brave cycle tourist on it before. The traffic volume drops off once you get out of Lee's Summit and again once you are east of MO Route 7. There are directions on this website to get from Warrensburg to the trail head in Clinton or you could continue on Highway 50 to Sedalia and start on the trail there. I would encourage you to take advantage of sbikes offer of assistance. I would be offering also, but I will be out of town.
gc from Columbia on 04/21/2006 02:15 PM
Sharron,
I read an interesting "travelogue" by a couple that biked the trail a few years ago. They had a similar problem with getting to Clinton from St. Louis. I believe they rented a small U-Haul to travel one-way. Ray, I believe that was a link from this site. Any ideas?