Rock Island Trail Forum

Are all the bike rental places open on Memorial Day weekend? Specifically in Marthasville? If we start in Marthasville, which way would you recommend going? We will probably take our 8 year old daughter along so I guess we'll be slightly limited as to how many miles we can cover. Any suggestion for a nice family biking escapade?

Just about all the businesses along the trail will be open for the holiday weekend, especially the rental places. But I'd still recommend calling in advance, to reserve your bikes. On busy weekends like this, they might be all rented out by the time you get there, if you don't have reservations.

I have just returned from a walk on the Katy Trail and then lunch at Terry and Kathy's. What a great time. We had a terrific lunch (awesome cheeseburgers) and enjoyed hanging out with the locals. By the time we left, we felt like a part of the community. They DO take credit cards for lunch inside and outside on the deck. This is definitely a place I will visit often. Terry and Kathy's has a great reputation in the community and in St. Charles County. The first comment sounds like someone who had a long, bad day, and I'm sure Terry and Kathy's wasn't the cause, just the scapegoat! Keep up the great work!

I have just returned from a walk on the Katy Trail and then lunch at Terry and Kathy's. What a great time. We had a terrific lunch (awesome cheeseburgers) and enjoyed hanging out with the locals. By the time we left, we felt like a part of the community. They DO take credit cards for lunch inside and outside on the deck. This is definitely a place I will visit often. Terry and Kathy's has a great reputation in the community and in St. Charles County. The first comment sounds like someone who had a long, bad day, and I'm sure Terry and Kathy's wasn't the cause, just the scapegoat! Keep up the great work!

Do they serve fish??



Something sure seems fishy here....maybe just coincidence....oh well....can you Biggie Size that for me?

Do they serve fish??



Something sure seems fishy here....maybe just coincidence....oh well....can you Biggie Size that for me?

What is the best way to get from Clinton to Warrensburg to catch the Amtrak. We probably wont bike it and we don't have a car.



Thanks for any help you can give?



Dave

Check out this discussion from awhile back, about routes from Warrensburg to Clinton. I imagine you could follow the same route in the opposite direction.

Would like to hear anyone's comments on riding from Sedalia to N. Jeff and taking the train back. Lodging recommendations or caveats? Any problems crossing the bridge at Boonville?

Would like to hear anyone's comments on riding from Sedalia to N. Jeff and taking the train back. Lodging recommendations or caveats? Any problems crossing the bridge at Boonville?

Rode the trail from Clinton to Hermann in April. Took the AMTRACK from Hermann to Sedelia and caught a shuttle from Sedelia to Clinton. No problem with the bridge at Booneville. AMTRACK was great, no problem getting on and off the train with the bike. Watch out for the horseback riders on the stretch from Clinton to Sedelia. They think they own this stretch and are very demanding in their willingness to let you by.

Rode the trail from Clinton to Hermann in April. Took the AMTRACK from Hermann to Sedelia and caught a shuttle from Sedelia to Clinton. No problem with the bridge at Booneville. AMTRACK was great, no problem getting on and off the train with the bike. Watch out for the horseback riders on the stretch from Clinton to Sedelia. They think they own this stretch and are very demanding in their willingness to let you by.

We have really enjoyed using Amtrak, but they make it hard. I think if they would be more accomodating about tandems, trail-a-bikes, and larger parties (we can't use it this year because we have 8 in our party), they would get lots of trail business.

We have really enjoyed using Amtrak, but they make it hard. I think if they would be more accomodating about tandems, trail-a-bikes, and larger parties (we can't use it this year because we have 8 in our party), they would get lots of trail business.

I am planning on another Katy ride and would like to overnite in Columbia. Any comments...suggestions on logistics once I get to town on the spur. Where to stay....best routes through town to that lodging destination.....etc. Thanks.

Stay on the MKT spur until you get mile marker 1.4. Here there is a parking lot that leads to Stadium Blvd. Stadium is heavily traveled, but there is a good, wide shoulder on which to ride. Turn left (north) on Stadium, there are several motels about two to three miles away. Some suggestions are Baymont Inns & Suites, 2500 Interstate 70 Dr. SW; Days Inn, 1900 Interstate 70 Dr. SW; Drury Inn, 1000 Knipp St.; Holiday Inn Select, 2200 Interstate 70 Dr. SW; Econo Lodge, 900 Interstate 70 Dr. SW. These are also several good places to eat near all these motels. www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/Parks/MKT_Trail will give you good information on the MKT.

I would take the trail all the way into downtown and then stay at either the Taylor House, Missouri Manor, University Avenue or the Gathering Place, all B&B's within easy riding of the trail head at Flat Branch Park. The owners of the establishments could direct you--all would be east across campus except for Taylor House. The only tricky part of the trail in town is knowing what to do at Stewart Road. The trail will seem to end at a fairly busy intersection with a stop light--cross to the diagonally opposite corner(Northeast) and follow the sidewalk for a short distance until it veers off to the right. You then cross two streets, Elm and Locust to get to the trail head. If you are going to one of the B&B's near campus, you might just cross eastbound on Stewart Road. It goes about 3 blocks before dead-ending into the campus, which is very bikeable.

Hi! I love your site and find it very helpful.

I am considering hiking the entire trail solo sometime next year. Needless to say, my wife and kids think I am semi-nuts. I have a few questions.

First off, is their a sister-site to this having to do with hiking the trail?

Second, I am planning on camping about half of the nights on the trail. The other half I will be able to sleep at home or will try to grab a B&B or hotel. If I get into an area without a campground within the walking distance of a sore-footed 42 year old, how feasible is it to just camp by the side of the trail? I intend to stop in the various towns at night, but some evidently don't have a camping area or I might not always be ready to stop for the day. Ha! Does anyone have any insight on this?

Tim & I just spent a wonderful week biking the Katy from Clinton

to Hermann and back, 300 miles total. The trail conditions were

perfect on 98 percent of the trail, and even the small amount of

rainy conditions we biked through did not harm the trail. We used

our 20 year old road bikes with 27 x 1 3/8" hybrid tires. We

stayed in B&B's and traveled light, no trailers. We had one

broken spoke (old bike) and the cycle shop in downtown Sedalia

(across from the Hotel Brothwell) fixed it up very quickly for us.

We would like to thank Missouri for the fun trail, and thank the

following B&B's for their great accomodations: The Globe Hotel

in Hartsburg, Doug Rendelman B&B in Bluffton, Rivercene in

New Franklin, Hotel Brothwell in Sedalia, Pilot Grove B&B,

Schoolhouse B&B in Rocheport, and Cruse's Cabooses in

Windsor. Cruce's Cabooses was fun, just 1 1/2 miles off the trail

on a gravel road (we had to walk the bikes part of the way) but

the cabooses were very nice and we enjoyed the breakfast that

was left for us in the small kitchen in the caboose. The campfire

was nice in the evening.

Our favorite dining experience was Katy's Roundhouse in New

Franklin, and the Beaugolais winery near Rocheport was great

for a picinic. We had a great week and hope to return sometime

for the Hermann to St. Charles ride. Thanks to all, Karen & Tim

Glad that you had a great time, Karen! That is high praise coming from someone in Wisconsin! I spent four days in Elroy last July riding the trails there before going on to SAGBRAW. Elroy was wonderful, and I will go back again someday.

Hi,I am a waitress at Dutzow Deli.If you enjoy good food at reasonable prices stop in and join us. Just be sure that you have a few minutes to spare. All of our food is made fresh when you order so nothing sits under a heat lamp. All of the waitresses Are Happy to Serve You and Welcome New Faces. P.S. Tips are Greatly Appreciated.....

Is this the same Dutzow establishment that has a sign posted refusing to let KATY users to use the restroom facilities?

The Concord-Hill Bed and Breakfast, right near Peers & Marthasville is very nice and quiet. Has it's own wine cellar and hot tub! Owners are very nice and great cooks!!!

Planning to camp on a ride from Clinton to ST. Charles. Can't seem to locate any campgrounds with showers. Any info concerning showers would be much appreciated.

I wouldn't plan on it, but a Marthasville resident let us use the shower in their home. She also gave us a couple of beers and it was all we could to do to decline a home cooked meal.

Most of the regular campgrounds have showers (as opposed to the city parks that allow camping, and the occasional bar or restaurant that will let you pitch a tent). For example, Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin. Here's a list of campgrounds

The Rendleman Home in Bluffton at mile 110.8 has showers for campers

Showers we used:



Hermann: City park, where we camped, had dingy usable showers in the bathhouse. Look for the RVers, and the bathhouse closest to them.



Tebbetts: We didn't end up staying at the hostel, but it was open so we showered before heading on.



Pilot Grove: The city park with the little pool has showers in the bathhouse. You could probably shower without paying to swim, but the swim was darned nice.

How well is the trail patrolled? I've never ridden it. Do rangers make regular trips? Is it safe

to stop along the trail?

I've covered every inch of the trail and have never seen anything like a ranger. As I've said in another post, you should treat the KATY trail as any other back country trip. First, no matter how insignificant a trip, make sure someone knows your itinerary and will be able to verify your safe arrival. Second, do not go alone if you will be away from a highly developed area. Third, think of what could possibly go wrong and have contingency plans. I'm not trying to scare you off, rather, I'd encourage you to push your limits in exploring. It's just that many of us become accustomed to having every service within 5 minutes and aren't conditioned in being self-sufficient.

A couple of years ago I did get rather frightened as I had a man who was stalking me. I am a single woman who usually bikes alone on the trail. This was on a Friday and the trail was not very populated at the time. He came alongside me, wanting to ride with me. I declined and he appeared upset and turned around the other way. So I was relieved. Shockingly, later when I went to turn around to head back, he was behind me and tried to dive into the bushes to hide. Fortunately, I am a black belt in Tai Kwon Do-not that I'd want to use it but I would if put in the situation. Even more fortunate, a couple was just coming back my way so I tagged along behind them. So DO be careful if you go on your own. I still go out on my own as I hate not being able to be on the trail. I just try to go during busier times now.

I would just like to let everyone now what a great experince I had at such a wonderful restaurant. They have an outside deck that overlooks the katy trail. The service was verrry friendly. I felt right at home. They're also kid friendly, I know since I had several with me. The food was some of the best I've ever had and inexpensive too. The next time I'm in St. Charles I'm going to pedal there. Do yourself a favor and try it.... you'll be happy you did.

I would just like to let everyone now what a great experince I had at such a wonderful restaurant. They have an outside deck that overlooks the katy trail. The service was verrry friendly. I felt right at home. They're also kid friendly, I know since I had several with me. The food was some of the best I've ever had and inexpensive too. The next time I'm in St. Charles I'm going to pedal there. Do yourself a favor and try it.... you'll be happy you did.

I have to say you are sooo right. This had to be one of the best places I've ever stopped at on the Katy Trail. The staff were the nicest I've ever had, not to mention the great food. It really hit the spot after a long ride. Did you know they have their own bottled water? I will be back....

I have to say you are sooo right. This had to be one of the best places I've ever stopped at on the Katy Trail. The staff were the nicest I've ever had, not to mention the great food. It really hit the spot after a long ride. Did you know they have their own bottled water? I will be back....

I agree with both of you. Is that a neat building or what???? The food was great, the folks working there were super, the deck is awsome!!!! A great place to take a break after a long ride!!!

I agree with both of you. Is that a neat building or what???? The food was great, the folks working there were super, the deck is awsome!!!! A great place to take a break after a long ride!!!

Dad (70) and I are planning to ride from Sedalia to Dutzow and catch the train back to Sedalia. Camping each night. First night camping will be at the MO State fairgrounds. Question: is free parking available at the fairgrounds or would it be better to leave my van at the Amtrak station?

Also, is the bridge from Dutzow to Washington really that bad? we are both fairly experienced cyclists. Any input is most appreciated. Thanks!

Jarome

I have been planning a similar trip for this summer and have emailed the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and this was their reply:



You have 2 choices you can leave your vehicle at 2nd and Osage 2 block from the Amtrak station and across the street from the police station, or you can leave it at the Katy Trail State Park Trailhead in the DNR parking lot on the east side of the Katy Depot, that is 6-7 blocks away and is next to the Katy trail. Both are secure.



Annette Ray

Visitor Services Manager



Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention & Visitors Bureau

600 East Third

Sedalia, MO 65301

800-827-5295

660-826-2932 ext.16

aray@visitsedaliamo.com

I'd like to bike the state of Missouri, and I mean the whole shebang, border to border. east to west. I know I can use the Katy Trail for most of it, but I'm having difficulty finding information on getting from Clinton, Mo. to the Kansas state line. Any information you can give me would be much, much appreciated.

On Wednesday April 27 Governor Blunt has backed out of the agreement made by the previous DNR director to save the Boonville Bridge. To allow the UP Railroad to remove the bridge is very unfortunate for the citizens of Missouri and the KATY Trail users.

This bridge would have been a big draw for the Katy Trail. It is a sad day... the bridge should have been saved for future (cycling) generations.

THIS ISSUE IS NOT OVER - the governor's decision may have been illegal and/or unconstitutional. Lawyers are currently working through this. If the bridge reverts to the railroad, it could threaten the entire Katy Trail. See this section of the home page for links with more details.

Don't miss this. What a refreshing way to cool off. They have about 25 flavors (maybe more). I recommend the Pina Colada or the Blueberry. Great location, plenty of shade, and tables. The person that owns it is extremely kind and knowledgeable about the trail. Please take the time to stop. You won't be sorry !!!!!!!!!

I am a 60 year old Grandma and I cannot find any friends or family interested in riding the entire Katy trail with me so I have signed up for the 2005 DNR ride (#129).



However, I am HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS. 50 and 60 + miles a day seems like a lot of distance to cover (I normally ride 10-15 miles per day on a paved surface). I have also read (since I signed! - my guidebook did not discuss this) that the trail is difficult riding in places. I don't mind difficult but can't do that many miles a day if much of it is difficult. My main concern, however, is that meandering along and enjoying the trip and stopping at sights and communities along the route is, for me, a major reason to ride the trail. I know that 'ain't gonna happen' covering 60 + miles per day.



Does anyone know of a small group (or is there a like-minded 60ish Grandma out there) with a more meandering itinerary (or NO itinerary), that I could throw in with instead? I'm willing to camp or stay in lodgings, start at either end of the trail, take whatever time is required, etc.



I saw the Sierra Club and TC Tours rides, which both have more relaxed ternaries, but don't think I would be in the league with that type of rider and do not know if non-members can join anyway.



I would appreciate any suggestions and would like to hear from others interested in the type of ride I have in mind.

Only two days have long rides and you can be hauled in if the length is too long. I am one of the Katy Trail volunteers and will be riding most of the ride; I did the entire ride two years ago. I would encourage doing the ride. Average age is >47!

Lena, I also would encourage you to do the DNR ride! While there may be a few short stretches where you tires will tend to sink in (this is usually an area that has been repaired after a rain storm has washed out part of the trail), I have never experienced difficult riding conditions for an extended distance on the trail. There will be several sixty-something riders to lend moral support and the staff and trail volunteers do a great job and they will help you if needed. Consider this a "scouting mission"! You will get to see the entire trail, so you can decide which towns/areas you would like to spend more time in when you come back. It may also be a great oppurtunity to make some contacts with people who would like to get together for a liesurely ride! Hope to see you there!

As long as you train some, you should have an enjoyable time. This will be my third year on this ride. I am (only)49, but there are many 50-70> riders who ride. (119)

We are planning to ride the trail starting on Memorial Day Weekend and through the first

week of June. Are we nuts? Will there be huge numbers of people on it, crowding the trail

like a "freeway"? Or can we realistically hope for some pleasant, quiet, unpeopled miles?

thanks much for your input,

Marty and Joe

It will depend on when and where you decide to ride. During the week in my area (central Missouri) I have ridden for hours and seen no other trail users. On the weekends, even holiday weekends, I do not find the trail to be at all crowded where I usually ride.



I have been told that when you get closer to St. Charles there is more traffic on the trail but I have no personel knowledge of this, maybe someone from that area can advise us.

I would not be at all concerned about crowded conditions on the trail. You will see more people near St Charles and possibly near Rocheport, but I would not really consider those areas crowded. The farther away from those trailheads you go the fewer people you will see. Be sure to stay informed about weather conditions; carry a radio or ask locals. My niece and I had to wait out a severe thunderstorm with hail and tornado warnings before we could ride on Sunday of Mem. Day weekend 2004. We rode about 10 miles in the late afternoon around McKittrick & Rhineland and saw about 3 people.

I have ridden every mile of the trail. Most of the trail is lightly used. In particular, Between Jefferson City and Augusta, there have been times when it has been over an hour between seeing other users of the trail. However, within 10 miles of St. Charles, it can become quite crowded. Just take your time, give wide berth/friendly passing words, and be polite. You'll get there with little delay and may just make a new friend.

I rode the Katy Trail from St. Charles to Defiance last Memorial DAY and did not find it crowded. You will encounter more people between Page Avenue Extension access and St. Charles. But it is never too crowded in that stretch. The Katy Trail is fantastic! I have only ridden it to Portland and look forward to taking it all the way to Clinton. Happy riding!

People have posted some great replies to this question. The only suggestion I can add, is to be sure you make your lodging reservations in advance. The B&Bs/hotels/campgrounds tend to fill up on summer weekends.

Around the popular trailheads you will have some people, but it won't be crowded. I ride

the trail with my friend from California and he is always amazed at how unpopulated it is.

I often hear, "Where are all the people? If this was California it would be bike to bike

traffic." Have fun on the Katy.

Hi. I'm planning on hiking the Katy Trail from end to end, but I've heard that camping is only allowed at designated campgrounds. Problem is, many of the designated campgrounds are spaced 30+ miles apart - too far for an average hiker to make in a day.



Does anyone have experience hiking through and spot camping? I'd love to follow the rules and only camp at campgrounds, but it seems that they are placed with bikers in mind, not hikers. Thoughts?

anyone know if the 2005 ride sponsored by dnr has reached its 300 person limit?

Don't know. I mailed my registration a couple of weeks ago, but have not heard anything yet. I don't think it would be full yet though. If I get a confirmation and a rider #, I'll post it here.

I received an email confirmation today. I'm rider #230.

thanks a lot, seems like I should be OK.

I'm part of a group planning a bike trip along the Lewis and Clark trail across to O

regon...Just noticed this group is starting the same day the 4 of us are starting. Yikes!

Will we be able to find a place to camp? Where does the DNR place all of these folks. W

ill we be welcome to mingle in? Chris

Can someone give me the telephone number for Polly's Perch?

660-834-6012 - she's open 9AM-2 PM for light lunch and morning sweet rolls daily except Sunday (thanks to "Winky Chesnutt" for this info)

We're planning to fly from California to St. Louis in June so we can ride the whole trail. Can anyone recommend the best way for us to get from St. Louis to St. Charles with our bikes, and then after the ride, get from Clinton back to St. Louis to fly home?

Huge thanks for any suggestions--

Marty and Joe

A shuttle service will get you where you need to go. These services operate like taxis for the trail, shuttling you and your bikes and gear from one point on the trail to another point on the trail (or beyond). Here is a list of shuttle services.


I know that at least the two services based in St Charles (TC Tours & Katy Trail Shuttle) will take you between the airport and the St Charles trailhead, for somewhere in the neighborhood of $30. They generally charge by the vanload, so it’s the same price for one passenger as for two.



Any of the shuttles will take you from Clinton to St Charles. I don’t know what they all charge, but you might expect about $250-350. Again, this is per van so it’s not so bad if you can split it with other riders.



Another option for your return trip is to take the Amtrak train back to your starting point. Amtrak stops at Sedalia, which is on the trail but 35 miles from Clinton, so you’ll have to back-track 35 miles from trail’s end to get to the station. The train does not stop in St Charles, but it does stop in Kirkwood, which is in St Louis County. Either of the two St Charles-based shuttles mentioned above will take you from the Kirkwood train station to Lambert St Louis airport, again for something like $30. Here is a web page with more details on the Amtrak option. Amtrak is a popular option with many trail users.

Another option involving Amtrak, is going to the Saint Louis station instead of Kirkwood, then hop onto Metrolink, ($1.50) to the airport (bike free on Metrolink need to go to the back, or front of each car)