Rock Island Trail Forum

I'm planning on biking the trail in May with 3-4 friends. We biked the Natchez Trace last year and averaged about 50 miles per day. Can we expect to do more per day on this trail since the Trace was hilly? I didn't know if the surface would tend to slow us down.

I did 60 on the day we went and i don't consider myself as fit as i would like to be...besides, missouri is a pretty flat state so you shouldnt have any problem doing more:)

We rode from Sedalia to Agusta in June of 2005. It was beautiful and a true adventure. It rained a lot last Spring and the trail was very mushy. We peddled the entire time, no coasting. We had to pick up our bike (a tandum recumbent) 3 times to carry is over downed trees and mud slides. One day we rode 77 miles and it was too long. Our 50 mile day was just about right.

50 miles a day is about right. You can do more, because the trail is extremely flat, but you'll want to take the time to enjoy the scenery, it's beautiful !! When dry, the surface is very hard, but a little mushy when wet.

Hello, we are thinking of a Katy trail trip in late April. Is there a company that does luggage transfer? I noticed that Independent Tourist has a 7 day package, but we would prefer to book our own accomodations, etc. as we are thinking we would want to complete the ride in less than 7 days. Thanks!

The trail shuttle services are also happy to transport luggage, bikes, or whatever. Here's a recent discussion of shuttle services, and a comprehensive list of shuttle services.

Thanks for the tip!

I'm a newbie that's considering a long KATY ride in the spring, and since I've never visited, I'm wondering if some of you can share some more details about the composition & condition of the trail. From reading these forums, I've gotten the following impressions. Are they true or false?



- The trail is very dusty and you & your bike will be, too.

- The trail has a couple of major ruts (one for each direction) and getting in & out of them is a challenge for your balance.

- The trail is pretty hard-packed, but soft enough to slow you down a lot (compared to a paved trail or road).

- The trail is not very crowded, even at peak seasons.



Can anyone comment on any or all of these assumptions? THANKS!

Very dusty - no, some dust yes, but no more than any non-paved surface unless its a plainly dirt trail. Pug (crushed limestone) is the surface on the KATY and when dry is hard as concrete. If its wet (not just moist) it will get slow going and will "mung" up your shoes and bicycle drivetrain but again its got to be wet, or soaked. While there are ruts on the trail there aren't a huge proliferate amount of them, be wary after heavy rains as there will be wash-outs and ruts normally will be found only on the sides of the KATY. Minor exceptions do exist, but then again its not paved. Again, when the trail is bone dry, the surface is hard as concrete. Density of use depends mostly on ones proximity to population centers with easy access to the KATY. Starting about 40 miles out from St. Louis/St. Charles and on week-ends, it may well be crowded but it won't be like a mass start at the Tour de Tucson, or Ride for the Roses...you will be able to navigate easy enough. Other populations centers where you may encounter "crowded" conditions: Columbia and 30 miles on either side of its access to the KATY, Sedalia (kinda), Boonville. If its Wichita Kansas you're from (is there any other Wichita?), then you know that in the summer it can be oppresively hot and humid. Autumn on the KATY will be a bit more crowded as its cooler, and of course colorful. Hope this helps...Regards....Mark of the Dalton boys

brian, i rode the KATY 3 yrs ago the day after a regular toad strangler of a rain storm. not one problem, and that includes no dust obviously. experienced a few soft spots east of hartsburg bout 3-4 miles last yr when i rode, but other wisegreat biking. never have i experienced the ruts that you described. i have experienced a little dust, but nothin major. as far as crowding, there are a few more people out of the st charles area, but nothin drastic. it is certainly not neck to neck. the trail is hard packed, like concrete, however there are a few soft spots, but nothin that can't be pedaled through. happy bikin. frank

I rode the trail by myself for three days a few years ago. I took the train from Hermann to Sedalia and rode to Pilot Grove the first day and to Hartsburg the second day. If you want to take your bike on Amtrak call ahead to make sure they have space for the bike. It will be a slight grade down if you travel that direction. No problems. I never noticed the dust and the ruts. Sounds like an avid trail rider wants to keep the trail to themselves. Ha! No crowds during the week but like everywhere weekends have more traffic. Carry a tent, raincoat, cold camp and have a great trip. If you list your email I can give more details if needed.

Thanks for the great detailed comments, y'all. It's great to be able to draw on your experiences. I'm hoping to ride from Sedalia to Dutzow in April or May, but personal circumstances may push it to Sep or Oct. The enthusiam of folks like y'all make me more excited about going! BTW, what's a "cold camp"?

Cold Camp--you simply eat cold food and you don't carry a stove. A little cooler strapped on the back with a few frozen sandwiches, fruit and peanut butter and jelly and you're set to go. It's the budget way to travel for those who want to sleep under the stars and avoid the amenities and expense of B&B and restaurants.

Yesterday the trail around the Dutzow area was hard packed and pleasant riding. It may tend to get a little soggy after freezing and thawing, depending on the remainder of the winter but should be in good shape in April/May.

I plan on doing the Katy Trail Ride in June and wonder about the transportation of bicycle and gear upon completion of the ride BACK to the east where it started.I will be by myself and also wonder about accommodation all along the entire length of the trail during the ride.

I assume you're talking about the big organized ride in June, sponsored by the MO Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Transportation of bikes and gear is provided by the DNR, and included in the price of the ride (at least it always has been in the past). Probably within the next few weeks, the DNR will release more details about the ride, including information on overnight accommodations. Whenever I hear any details, I'll post them on the BikeKatyTrail.com home page.

I want to take the Katy from Clinton to St. Charles this season ('06). I'll probably be doing

it solo. In the interest of keeping the weight down at this point I don't plan on taking

anything other than a hammock, a poncho, a coffee thermos and a fleece blanket for

camping. I plan on getting my food along the trail.



Any suggestions on camping (ie: actual camping, not B&B) along the way? With the

hammock, I'll need some trees. I'd like to do the trip in less than 70 mile stages, maybe

over 4 or 5 days.



How are the indigenous populations along the way? I'm wary about small town people. Is

personal safety a major consideration?

Travis,

Don't forget the insect repelant!

Some suggestions for camping:

Pilot Grove. City park has trees - call ahead and get permission.

New Franklin. Katy Round House campground - hot showers!

Hartsburg. Volunteer Park. Check with the bike shop or Globe hotel.

Tebbetts. Turner Katy Trail Shelter hostel. Call ahead for info.

Marthasville. Community park - call ahead.



Wary of small town people? Why? Do you look like an ax murderer?Being a former small town person, I can't decide if I should laugh at this or be offended. I have been told to "get back on the trail" as I rode on a public street in Treloar, but I've also been called a "fag" by a pre-teen girl in my own suburban nieghborhood (presumably because I was wearing spandex?). Ignorant people are everywhere. Ignore them and practice the golden rule with everyone else.

Good recommendations from savage24. Here's a full list of all campgrounds along the way.



The vast majority of the "locals" along the trail are more friendly than what you usually encounter in urban areas. As long as you stay off of the private property along the way, you'll most likely experience nothing but friendliness and overwhelming hospitality.



Personal safety: you're far safer on the trail than on the streets of your hometown St Louis, where there always seems to be some guy in an SUV trying to assert his dominance over us lowly bike riders (OK, maybe it's not that bad, but I ride often in suburban St Louis, and there's a reason why I prefer the trail).

I don't know Ray, I think it just may be that bad....even here in Austin, TX. Car-free since 2000......Mark of the Dalton boys

I'm training for a marathon, and have discovered the trail is great place for my long runs! I was hoping for some help on mileage, though; I recently parked at the Page extension lot, and ran east until I ran out of gravel. I don't believe that the mileage stated for this segment includes the stretch of trail past Frontier Park. Any one ever mapped it? Thanks!

So, why is only the bike [sic] trail closed and all lanes of traffic?

http://www.trailnet.org/m_latest.php#latest0

The bike path will be open on the weekends. The work is under way right now and the path is closed. MoDOT felt that it would be best to do this work during the winter when temperatures are typically colder and fewer riders were utilizing the path. Barricades and signs have been posted on the bike path notifying riders that it is closed. This work is not associated with any problems with the bridge. The bridge was supposed to be designed with certain features to accommodate future maintenance on the bridge bearings. MoDOT is correcting the issue now so that it will not have to be addressed in 25-30 years.

For more information, please contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center at 314-340-4100.

The listed parks in Hartsburg had signs unfriendly to campers. We camped anyway. The Hitchin' Post is fairly expensive for bar food, and one customer was very vocal about his disdain for "g*dd*mn college graduates".

Stay in Kansas.

Heh, heh. The border war continues.......

I wouldn't pay too much attention to the ramblings of some Hartsburg Hick in a bar .... there are some people with some kind of superior attitude there, but Hartsburg is used to seeing lots of college students, hippies, and everyone else there... ignore them, enjoy yourselves, and have fun.

Hartsburg is a great little town and So far I haven't seen any"Hicxs" If you go to a small town you will not see all the crime and filth you see in the cities, so give me a "hick" anytime.

His complaint was probably because you were from Kansas. Probably the fool was not from Hartsburg but a visitor as the town actually tries to draw visitors. The Mayor, Nancy Grant, is working hard to make our town a place to stop and visit a while. Call ahead and giv eus another chance.

Signs unfreindly to campers? What are you talking about?

Tommy, I apologize to ya son for all my rantin'. I had a little to much to drink and when I realized that my secret camcordin' of yer college sweatshirt wasn't that rare red-headed woodpecker, I got a little outta control. Woman and I been lookin for that durn bird fer months. Again, I am sorry. If you all would like yur sweatshirt back, I left it hangin' on the hitchin post for ya.

I don't care who you are or where your from - THAT'S FUNNY!!!

Went to the Hitching Post and found the locals to be friendly. In fact, over 20% of Hartsburg's residents stopped by in the hour we were there. Great little stop--even had pumpkin ale beer.

Hartsburg a great town. went to the local bar, had a great time the english guy at the bike shop was very helpful with my problem i`ll be back thank you

Great little bar. We stayed at the Globe Hotel... it was a great place to stay the night. We are going back in March to do it again. We'll say hi to the bar hick for ya.

Hi, I am the listing real estate agent of this wonderful historic building along the Katy Trail in Treloar Mo. It is currently in a "re-hab" state, which means, anything is possible! We would love to find a buyer who could restore the splendor of this old brick gem. I know many of you who frequent the Katy Trail know of this building and I wanted to get the word out that it is for sale and would make a wonderful business of any kind or simply a beautiful residence. Please call me for any questions or comments. Thanks, Anne



Anne Deschenes

Heritage Realty

Washington Missouri

636-358-3066 my cell

636-239-6941 office

kidtoys@fidnet.com my email



**I will be out of town 1/23 to 1/28/06, in case you try and cannot get me!**

We had dinner at this resturant Wednesday night. It was terrible. The food was gross and overpriced and the service was terrible. Save your money.



However, Jeanette at The Globe Hotel in Hartsburg was amazing!! If you're passing through or planning a trip, you need to spend a night in Hartsburg. The Hitching Post has good food and company, the bike shop is friendly, and Jeanette makes these amazing muffins. It was the best experience of our whole trip.



The people in Clinton were really rude the night we spent there. They yelled at us for riding on the shoulder and stared at us while we ate dinner (we weren't even in lycra).



Herman was a great town, though. Everyone was amazingly friendly and nice. The Stonehill Winery Resturant was the best meal that we had. It was expensive, but well worth the $$$. If you plan on treating yourself, this is the place to do it. Great food and great service.

We had dinner at this resturant Wednesday night. It was terrible. The food was gross and overpriced and the service was terrible. Save your money.



However, Jeanette at The Globe Hotel in Hartsburg was amazing!! If you're passing through or planning a trip, you need to spend a night in Hartsburg. The Hitching Post has good food and company, the bike shop is friendly, and Jeanette makes these amazing muffins. It was the best experience of our whole trip.



The people in Clinton were really rude the night we spent there. They yelled at us for riding on the shoulder and stared at us while we ate dinner (we weren't even in lycra).



Herman was a great town, though. Everyone was amazingly friendly and nice. The Stonehill Winery Resturant was the best meal that we had. It was expensive, but well worth the $$$. If you plan on treating yourself, this is the place to do it. Great food and great service.

We had dinner at this resturant Wednesday night. It was terrible. The food was gross and overpriced and the service was terrible. Save your money.



However, Jeanette at The Globe Hotel in Hartsburg was amazing!! If you're passing through or planning a trip, you need to spend a night in Hartsburg. The Hitching Post has good food and company, the bike shop is friendly, and Jeanette makes these amazing muffins. It was the best experience of our whole trip.



The people in Clinton were really rude the night we spent there. They yelled at us for riding on the shoulder and stared at us while we ate dinner (we weren't even in lycra).



Herman was a great town, though. Everyone was amazingly friendly and nice. The Stonehill Winery Resturant was the best meal that we had. It was expensive, but well worth the $$$. If you plan on treating yourself, this is the place to do it. Great food and great service.

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with Ashley's Rose Restuarant. Where did you stay between Hartsburg and Clinton? How was it?

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with Ashley's Rose Restuarant. Where did you stay between Hartsburg and Clinton? How was it?

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with Ashley's Rose Restuarant. Where did you stay between Hartsburg and Clinton? How was it?

We stayed at the Safari Motel in Clinton, the Best Western in Sedalia, and the Comfort Inn in Booneville, which has almost direct access from the trail and a shuttle to the casino. Then we stayed at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg, which was amazing and the Lindenhof in Augusta. The Lindenhof has nice rooms, a hot tub, jacuzzi's in the rooms, walking access to the winery and brewery, and a tasty stuffed french toast for breakfast. All in all, it was a great vacation. We're considering the organized ride in June, as well.

We stayed at the Safari Motel in Clinton, the Best Western in Sedalia, and the Comfort Inn in Booneville, which has almost direct access from the trail and a shuttle to the casino. Then we stayed at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg, which was amazing and the Lindenhof in Augusta. The Lindenhof has nice rooms, a hot tub, jacuzzi's in the rooms, walking access to the winery and brewery, and a tasty stuffed french toast for breakfast. All in all, it was a great vacation. We're considering the organized ride in June, as well.

We stayed at the Safari Motel in Clinton, the Best Western in Sedalia, and the Comfort Inn in Booneville, which has almost direct access from the trail and a shuttle to the casino. Then we stayed at the Globe Hotel in Hartsburg, which was amazing and the Lindenhof in Augusta. The Lindenhof has nice rooms, a hot tub, jacuzzi's in the rooms, walking access to the winery and brewery, and a tasty stuffed french toast for breakfast. All in all, it was a great vacation. We're considering the organized ride in June, as well.

In September 2003, I rode the Katy Trail. Spent the night at Ashley's Rose (bed and breakfast) in Augusta. Had a nice French Dip sandwich for dinner, and a great breakfast. They even fixed my breakfast a bit early, as I wanted to get an early start.

Only odd thing about this bed and breakfast, no one lived at the facility. The owners left at 7:00pm, gave me a key to the front door, told me to lock myself in at night.

Only bad thing about Augusta, I had to ride up a long, steep hill to get there.

In September 2003, I rode the Katy Trail. Spent the night at Ashley's Rose (bed and breakfast) in Augusta. Had a nice French Dip sandwich for dinner, and a great breakfast. They even fixed my breakfast a bit early, as I wanted to get an early start.

Only odd thing about this bed and breakfast, no one lived at the facility. The owners left at 7:00pm, gave me a key to the front door, told me to lock myself in at night.

Only bad thing about Augusta, I had to ride up a long, steep hill to get there.

In September 2003, I rode the Katy Trail. Spent the night at Ashley's Rose (bed and breakfast) in Augusta. Had a nice French Dip sandwich for dinner, and a great breakfast. They even fixed my breakfast a bit early, as I wanted to get an early start.

Only odd thing about this bed and breakfast, no one lived at the facility. The owners left at 7:00pm, gave me a key to the front door, told me to lock myself in at night.

Only bad thing about Augusta, I had to ride up a long, steep hill to get there.

Dont get me started on Jeanette's muffins. We really enjoyed staying there. That whole town is great. Give Jeanette a hug on the way out!

Dont get me started on Jeanette's muffins. We really enjoyed staying there. That whole town is great. Give Jeanette a hug on the way out!

Dont get me started on Jeanette's muffins. We really enjoyed staying there. That whole town is great. Give Jeanette a hug on the way out!

Touring Cyclist has closed - Chamber said Momentom Cycles is new but didn't have a phone # - can anyone help?

Most always Google can help......



http://www.momentumcycles.com/main.asp

My husband and I just completed a 200 mile trip in France, the Loire Valley area and love it. We are now looking for a place closer to home. We found the Katy trail on the web. My question is: Let's say we would arrive in St. Louis and head out to do the Whole Katy trail in about a week, just one way. How do we get back to our car? I know we could bike back there but we only wanted to go one way. Is there a shuttle service that could take us back to our car? I see that some B&B's have suttle service, is that what it means? They will take you back to your car. We will be riding in middle Sept. or Early Oct. Any comments or suggestions would be great.

Louise, Michigan

Louise, You can find contact information for shuttle services in the towns and services section under the map at the top of the page. I have not stayed at any of the B&B's, but based on what others have posted here, I think most of the B&B shuttles are for their immediate area; for instance if you are staying in a B&B in McKittrick, they will shuttle you to Hermann and back if you do not wish to ride across the the state highway bridge that is quite narrow with no shoulder. Amtrak is another option that has been discussed at length in the comment forum. I know you wrote Sept. or early Oct., but if June would work for you, then the MO State Parks Katy Trail ride is another option: http://www.mostateparks.com/katytrail/2006ride.htm

Louise ---- I am a B&B ownner and we offer shuttle service, for the Katy Trail ------ there are a number of ways you can do it ----- we can take you to the other end of trail Clinton and then you can ride back to St.Charles ----we will keep your car in our parking lot -----or you can ride to Clinton and we will pick you up there and bring you back home --------or we can take you to train station in Kirkwood and you can ride the train with your bike (I think it only goes to Sedila)then ride your bike back to St. Charles ------ there are many ways to do it ----contact us for info -----www.lococohouse.com -----Rhonaloc@charter.net