Rock Island Trail Forum

Hi:

I am planning a group weekend one-way ride from New Franklin eastward to Jefferson City or Tebbetts.



I was wanting to drive ahead a leave a vehicle near our destination point, and also park a vehicle at the departure point.



Can anyone recommend places to leave a vehicle- preferably free and safe?



Thanks for the input. Jake

How about leaving your car at the parking lot next to Hartsburg Cycle Depot? That is not

quite as far as you were wanting to go, but it's fine to leave your car overnight there without

a problem. And, there are people around to kind of keep an eye on things. I do not

recommend leaving your car at the Jefferson City trailhead as there have been problems there

with cars being broken into and vandalized, sad, but true.

I agree with sbikes - I would not leave a car at Jeff City. Tebbetts would probably be okay. Hartsburg is a good idea also. As for leaving a car at the departure point, I would check with the New Franklin police department or the Katy Roundhouse Campground.

I went into Abigails for lunch today at 12:30 (my wife and child waited outside). I walked into the door and stood for three minutes. There were two waitresses/hostesses/associates within arms reach the entire three minutes I stood there. They didn't even acknowledge I was standing there. All of the 8-10 tables in the small restaurant had customers. I wasn't expecting to get a table. All I wanted was to be acknowledged with the greeting of the day and "we'll be right with you" or "give me a second and I'll be right back".



THEY'RE AMATEURS.



We went to the Trailside Cafe and Bike Shop and had a great chicken wrap. Trailside even let me test ride their Burley recumbent. Trailside is a great place and caters to the bicycle crowd. Trailside's outside tables are just as hip/trendy as Abigails plus at Trailside you can sit and watch the action at the Rocheport trail head.

My husband are planning a 3-4 day ride on the trail for my mother's day present. Planning to start mid-week second week in May. Want to go west to east. We are experienced cyclists and have done lots of bike tours the past 15 years. Looking to do around 50 miles a day. Any suggestions which town would be the best place to start and finish up? Particularly wanting nice B&B's and good restaurants so we are open to doing any section with these amenities along the way. Recommendations of B&B's and towns would be greatly appreciated for the suggested route. Thanks!

hey there peggy, i personally think rocheport then east is the prettiest route, but that is just me. my perosonal advice is to use this here web site for all its worth. ray, the web master, has done an excellent job of covering almost anything you would need for a bike ride. i have ridden from booneville to no. jefferson, from sedialia to 8 miles east and back, from st. charles to 10 miles out and back and from weldon springs to augusta. the prettiest is from rocheport east. i've have read where the globe hotel in hartsburg is great and some other b & b's along the way, but don't know personally. if you are in or around rocheport, you have to ride through the rocheport tunnel. hope this helps some anyways. happy bikin and happy mothers day.

Schoolhouse B&B in Rocheport - an old school building converted into a B&B - fun & charming.

Come and stay at Lococo House ll, B&B ---- just three blocks from the Trail Head ----- make it your beginning or end to riding the trail ----- start off with a good long soak in the hot tub and then a soothing massage ----- fresh baked goods in the evening and shuttle service ---- great breakfast to start your day ---- check us out on our web site ----www.lococohouse.com ----Rhona Lococo

Capt Wohlt Inn in Hermann will pick you up from the trailhead. There's lots to do and see in Hermann.

I would suggest starting in Sedalia, stay at the Bothwell Hotel. It is an old, historic hotel that's been restored and they cater to bicyclists. Spend the next night in Rocheport, there are several good B & B's there. Then ride to N. Jefferson, where there are several places that will pick you up at the trailhead and take you over the river and back the next morning. Or, if you're up to something a little more spartan, ride 12 miles further on to Tebbetts. There you'll find the hostel type Turner Katy Trail Shelter that's run by the MO State Parks Division. Then ride to Marthasville, where the Heaven on Earth B&B has a good reputation. Then on to St. Charles. This gives you approximately 50 miles each day. This site is a wonderful resource for more information on all the above, along with interesting places to stop and visit. Good luck, you'll love the KATY.

we are planning an west to east bike trip on the Adventure Cycling trans america trail. we would like to detour to Clinton and spend some time doing the entire Katy Trail. Any ideas on reasonable routes to make the connections? I have been reviewing the MO DOT maps that show the traffic volumes etc. but there are many choices of the "green routes" Also the Mississippi River Trail would seem to be an appropriate connection at the eastern end but I wonder what it is like to go around St. Louis on this trail? All responses greatly appreciated.

Mahalo Willy - Go to Missouri Bike Federation Web for a best detour to Clinton from the TransAmerica, at the other end the Confluence Trail System. Do a search with key words Confluence Trail and a good amount of trails will pop up in and around St. Louis. The web site should include the Chain of Rocks Bridge. You know doing the KATY also gets you a part of the Lewis & Clark Heritage Trail!! Enjoy the voyage......Mark of the Dalton Boys

willy, hey there, are you talking bout the trail that runs from downtown st. louis north of the arch, north to the chain of rocks bridge and beyond??? if you are, supposedly it goes all the way past alton, ill., all the way to grafton, ill. i have ridden the trail from downtown to the chain of rocks bridge and in to ill. it is a nice trail that goes through an industrial area and across and on top of a levee, going through north riverview park then across the old chain of rocks bridge. it is a nice ride on asphalt, some nice views, and fairly easy ridin. during the week you'll need to be careful of heavy truck traffic, week ends not so much. i hope this helps and it is the trail you are talkin bouts. if you would like, go to www.trailnet.net happy bikin

Here's a web page that tells you how to get from the Katy Trail to downtown St Louis, where you can catch the Riverfront trail mentioned above.

We are planning out our first trip on this trail and may end up overnite @ Das Gast Hause...any feedback about this one???

We are planning out our first trip on this trail and may end up overnite @ Das Gast Hause...any feedback about this one???

We had a great stay there a couple of years ago. They have a hot tub, and complimentary glass of wine on arrival. Each room has its own section of the large wrap-around porch. Breakfast was fantastic--more than we could eat, and we like big breakfasts.

We had a great stay there a couple of years ago. They have a hot tub, and complimentary glass of wine on arrival. Each room has its own section of the large wrap-around porch. Breakfast was fantastic--more than we could eat, and we like big breakfasts.

A friend and I stayed there one night last summer. It was fantastic. Elegant, roomy, friendly, just about a block from the trail head. And as the other person said, a phenomenal breakfast one of the most lovely, attractive, elegant and tasty, to say nothing about how GIGANTIC.



A very nice place.

A friend and I stayed there one night last summer. It was fantastic. Elegant, roomy, friendly, just about a block from the trail head. And as the other person said, a phenomenal breakfast one of the most lovely, attractive, elegant and tasty, to say nothing about how GIGANTIC.



A very nice place.

I am looking for a recommendation on a great Bed and Breakfast in Hermann. Any thoughts? I will be staying a couple of days in early June.

I highly recomend Birks Gausthaus. Rick and Diane are great people, the house wonderful and you can't beat the food or the prices. You can find a link to thier site elsewhere on this site. King and queen size beds, large clawfoot tubs (first tub I've been in that was long enough for me) comfy chairs and a good location. It's easy to find and easy to get to if you're on bikes. Tell them Bryan and Carolanne from Arkansas sent you.

My wife and I stay at the Herman Hills Vineyard B & B. Magnificant setting with great views of the town and valley. Walking distance to the winery if you're so inclined. Hot tub jetted jacuzzi, complimentary glass of wine or beer upon arrival, cookies at night and a great breakfast. It is a bit on the high side with the price dropping $100.00 during the week. Check it out.

Yes, Birk's Gasthaus is the best in Hermann. WONDERFUL hosts; breakfasts and walkable to most of Hermann.

It,s the best place to catch the feeling of the past. Very easy to relax and enjoy yourself.

It,s the best place to catch the feeling of the past. Very easy to relax and enjoy yourself.

I'm attending a convention at the end of June at America's Center in downtown St. Louis

and I'd like to bike the Katy from mid-Missouri to St. Charles, rather than driving. But how

do I get me and my bike from the end of the trail to the convention center hotels? Any

bike routes or recommended transports that are bike-friendly?

Look at the mass transit (Metro busses with front mounted racks and Metrolink train)options here: http://www.metrostlouis.org/MetroNews/FAQs/bikenrideFAQs.asp

Take a look at these two webpages: Getting from the Katy Trail to Downtown St Louis (to bike all the way downtown), and Getting from Lambert-St Louis Airport to the Katy Trail (from the airport you can catch MetroLink)

here I am again ----- the ride from St. Charles to St.Louis convention center ---is not bicycle friendly to say the least ------ we have a B&B in ST. Charles just three blocks from the trailhead ---- we will shuttle you to St. louis convention center ----the cost is 25.00------it is 25 miles ------ for us to shuttle you ---you must spend a night with us ---- check out our web site ----www.lococohouse.com ----let us know if we can be of help to you ---Rhona Lococo

I'm sorry if I'm repeating topics, but I can't seem to find the info I'm looking for. I haven't sent in my registration yet, so will they send me more information on the ride when I do? Basically, I'm concerned with how I will get to the trail on Monday. I plan on taking the shuttle from Clinton to St Charles, and probably staying in the hotel they recommended (Comfort Suites?). Do I have to walk all of my stuff 2 miles from the hotel or will they haul me over there?? Would I be better off staying at one of the two places closer to the trailhead?



Sorry, I guess I have a fear of being left behind! =)

My husband and I will be there. We are taking the AMtrak from Kansas City, Mo to Kirkwood and then a shuttle to Trailhead. Not sure if coming in on Sat or Sun. and also not sure where to stay.

I would check with the hotel or hire a shuttle.

MattMan628,

First let me make it clear that I am not with the DNR or connected to the ride in any official capacity. I have participated in the ride the last 5 years and have always camped. This is just what I have observed in past years.

You should receive a confirmation and rider number in April or early June if you have not already. You will probably recieve a folder of information about the ride in Clinton before you board the bus or in St Charles on Sunday afternoon. The hotel shuttle is an optional service that is listed on the registration form. If you pay the fee, the DNR staff will take you and your bags to and from the hotel in a large van. I believe they secure your bikes at camp (probably put them in the baggage truck overnight).



More details on the hotel shuttle: I believe they run several shuttle trips in the afternoon/evening but only one in the morning. When you arrive in camp each day, after checking in, you can get your bags and catch the shuttle to your hotel to check in, shower, take a nap, etc. Then you can get the shuttle back to camp for dinner and the riders meeting and then get on the shuttle again to go back to your hotel for the night. In the morning, you catch the shuttle back to camp for breakfast and then begin the days ride.

I hope this helps and I hope it is all accurate!

Actually, I am camping too. I was just planning on the hotel for Sunday (didn't know if there was camping available for that day). Thanks a ton for the info, though!

You may be able to pay for a shuttle ride that day. That's a wise move to get a hotel for Sunday. I never really get a good nights sleep when we start in St Charles; too much traffic noise from nearby I-70, but I'm too cheap to pay for a hotel room!

Yes, you can pay for the shuttle for just one day. If you stay at the hotel on Sunday night rather than camp, you will have all shuttle services provided for that one night. You can also switch it up and camp every other night or any combination you like. With all shuttles provided on the days you choose to stay in a motel. If you have any questions feel free to call DNR, they are always good about answering questions.

here I am again------ we have a B&B just three blocks from trail head ----- our rooms are reasonable and we have a hot tub and massage available ------- we will shuttle you ---- and get you where you need to start ----let us know if we can be of help to you ----Rhona Lococo ----Lococo House ll ----Rhonaloc@aol.com

Correction The State Champion Bur Oak tree is owned by Mr. John Sam Williamson, Jr. It is in vesinity of Huntsdale MO.

It's Circumference is 289" Height 85 feet and had a spread of about 118 feet. estimated age Over 300 years

You can also see info and pictures at www.huntsdalemo.com

Correction The State Champion Bur Oak tree is owned by Mr. John Sam Williamson, Jr. It is in vesinity of Huntsdale MO.

It's Circumference is 289" Height 85 feet and had a spread of about 118 feet. estimated age Over 300 years

You can also see info and pictures at www.huntsdalemo.com

There is a beautiful black and white pen and ink drawing of this tree in the "Art & Antiques" shop in Rocheport. They have 30"x 22" signed and numbered limited edition prints available. mcrr@mchsi.com

There is a beautiful black and white pen and ink drawing of this tree in the "Art & Antiques" shop in Rocheport. They have 30"x 22" signed and numbered limited edition prints available. mcrr@mchsi.com

"Burr Oak Tree " you are talking about is not in Huntsdale or Rochport It is on Route K (just keep going south on Providence) on the south side of Columbia The land it is on may very well be owned by Mr. John Sam Williamson, Jr

There are many legends about this tree. One that I am most familar with is that it is a witches hanging tree. I have also been told that visiting the tree on Halloween is a very eerie experience



At one time there was a plaque at the tree site but vandals destroyed it many years ago.

"Burr Oak Tree " you are talking about is not in Huntsdale or Rochport It is on Route K (just keep going south on Providence) on the south side of Columbia The land it is on may very well be owned by Mr. John Sam Williamson, Jr

There are many legends about this tree. One that I am most familar with is that it is a witches hanging tree. I have also been told that visiting the tree on Halloween is a very eerie experience



At one time there was a plaque at the tree site but vandals destroyed it many years ago.

Does anyone have a bike route from St. Charles to Springfield?

Springfield, MO? Take the Katy Trail to Clinton. Then look at the maps at this link via

modot: http://www.modot.gov/othertransportation/bike_ped/Bike-PedProgram--

RoadandRouteInfo.htm



I drove Highway 13 from Clinton to Springfield not so long ago, and it would be bike

feasible. While there is some traffic (more during the "season" when people are headed to

Branson), but it's not bad.



Once you get to Springfield, there are ample bike trails/routes to get all over town.


May the wind be at your back....!!

For some relief from Highway 13......the Frisco Highline Trail runs for 35 miles from Bolivar to Springfield.



http://www.ozarkgreenways.org/trails.html#aFrisco

I'm looking for accomodations near Augusta for two single girls who want to bike the Katy trail. All of the b&b's are geared toward couples with queen/king beds. Does anyone know of accomodations with either 2 single or 2 double beds per room?

I'm looking for accomodations near Augusta for two single girls who want to bike the Katy trail. All of the b&b's are geared toward couples with queen/king beds. Does anyone know of accomodations with either 2 single or 2 double beds per room?

I think the Old Town Augusta Inn - near the trail - has a two bed setup.

http://augustainn.com/index.htmlInn

I think the Old Town Augusta Inn - near the trail - has a two bed setup.

http://augustainn.com/index.htmlInn

About 15 miles west of Augusta is the Peers Store. It's a little country store where you can rent the room above the store overnight for a very reasonable rate. Two beds, very comfortable, and the owner is very interesting and full of stories.

About 15 miles west of Augusta is the Peers Store. It's a little country store where you can rent the room above the store overnight for a very reasonable rate. Two beds, very comfortable, and the owner is very interesting and full of stories.

If you are just looking for a place to lay your head, check out the cabins at St. Charles County's Klondike park. The are sparse, sleep up to 8, no heat or cooling...but it's a roof, a bed, shower facilities within the park and only $60 (half a B&B).

If you are just looking for a place to lay your head, check out the cabins at St. Charles County's Klondike park. The are sparse, sleep up to 8, no heat or cooling...but it's a roof, a bed, shower facilities within the park and only $60 (half a B&B).

I am also getting together a group of girls to ride the katy trail. We were wanting to sleep somewhere near augusta but can't find anything for about 6 people. We don't want to have to rent bed and breakfast rooms. Does anyone have any ideas?

I am also getting together a group of girls to ride the katy trail. We were wanting to sleep somewhere near augusta but can't find anything for about 6 people. We don't want to have to rent bed and breakfast rooms. Does anyone have any ideas?