Shuttle from Clinton to St. Charles
-  + We're planning to begin our trip in St. Charles and bike the trail from May 28 - 31. Looking for a shuttle from Clinton to St. Charles Monday June 1. Any suggestions or offers to share shuttle appre...
Discussion started 05/12/2020 08:12 AM by Mother/Daughter Bikers - 3 replies (last reply by Richard at 05/12/2020 06:28 PM)Mother/Daughter Bikers on 05/12/2020 08:12 AM
We're planning to begin our trip in St. Charles and bike the trail from May 28 - 31. Looking for a shuttle from Clinton to St. Charles Monday June 1. Any suggestions or offers to share shuttle appreciated!
Anonymous on 05/12/2020 10:59 AM
There is a Share a Shuttle icon on the Home page for shuttle info and requests....it may be of benefit.
Bryan from Austin, TX on 05/12/2020 01:10 PM
You can take the train from St. Charles to Sedalia
Richard from Grafton on 05/12/2020 06:28 PM
I have used the shuttle from st Charles to Clinton and was very pleased with it. I think it was $90.
Riding from St Charles to KC
-  + In the next few weeks I'll be setting off to ride from Saint Louis to Denver, I'm still 19 years young and I am excited for the feat! What I am trying to figure out currently is the best stops and pac...
Discussion started 05/12/2020 12:16 AM by Phil - 2 replies (last reply by Jim at 05/12/2020 06:04 PM)Phil from Saint Louis on 05/12/2020 12:16 AM
In the next few weeks I'll be setting off to ride from Saint Louis to Denver, I'm still 19 years young and I am excited for the feat! What I am trying to figure out currently is the best stops and pace for me to take on the Katy Trail/ Rock Island section of my journey. I am thinking I can make it to KC,(Olathe) where I have a place to stay, in about 3 days time, riding 80 miles a day. This seems like a lot to me but I won't be stopping at any attractions or resturaunts. I plan to bring all of my food and only stay at campsites (hopefully all relatively close to the trail).
Currently I have a few places to camp in mind like the Grand Bluffs Conservation area, Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin and, the Katy Rock Junction. Unfortunately these are all spaced out perfectly to make my trek across my home state 4 days instead of 3. If you have any suggestions about where I could set up a minimal camp (no fire) or any other general suggestions please holler!
James from Kansas City on 05/12/2020 07:11 AM
If you haven't already, I'd suggest using the "trip planner" icon along the top menu. You can search for campsites and they will even include info like which City Parks (Hartsburg, Pilot Grove) and conservation areas (near Rocheport, etc) you can camp in. I'm planning a trip in the near future, but can't comment on any campsites except Katy Rock Junction, which is a great place to camp.
Jim from St. Thomas on 05/12/2020 06:04 PM
If I calculated right, St Charles to Olathe via the Katy/Rock Island is around 290 miles so that’s closer to 100 miles a day than 80. If that’s correct you could do St Charles to Jefferson City the first day. That’s 104 miles and you can camp at the Carl Noren access. Some folks have said it’s kind of a sketchy place to camp but it is there. The second day could be Jefferson City to Sedalia which is around 85 miles and you camp at the State Fairgrounds. That leaves you a little over 100 miles to do the 3rd day to get to Olathe. It’s doable but you’re going to be one tired puppy when you get to Olathe and you still have a lot of miles left to get to Denver. If you’re going to take a day or so break in Olathe I would say go for it. If not, I would take at least 4 days for the St Charles - Olathe leg.
RIT: Lee’s Summit to Arrowhead
-  + Hi, my sister and I are interested in walking on some of the Rock Island Trail. Can anyone tell me how to get to the trail at Lee’s Summit or Arrowhead stadium? Thank-you,Renee
Discussion started 04/30/2020 02:15 PM by Renee - 1 reply (last reply by colby m at 05/12/2020 12:00 PM)Renee from Independence on 04/30/2020 02:15 PM
Hi, my sister and I are interested in walking on some of the Rock Island Trail. Can anyone tell me how to get to the trail at Lee’s Summit or Arrowhead stadium? Thank-you,
Renee
colby m from lees summit on 05/12/2020 12:00 PM
There are two great trailheads. The Lee's Summit one is in Hartmann park. Just south of 3rd street off of Pryor Road. It's busier and more pubic. There is a second trailhead at 98th street off Bannister road. It's a nice trail head, just not quite as busy.
School House B&B in Rocheport
-  + Our stay was great. The hosts were very accommodating.
Discussion started 05/11/2020 09:07 PM by Jimmy and melissa - 0 repliesJimmy and melissa from Butler on 05/11/2020 09:07 PM
Our stay was great. The hosts were very accommodating.
Outage between boonville and rocheport
-  + Trying to find out exact trail outage between boonville and rocheport and if still out.
Discussion started 05/09/2020 09:36 PM by Shawn - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/11/2020 02:32 PM)Shawn from Kc on 05/09/2020 09:36 PM
Trying to find out exact trail outage between boonville and rocheport and if still out.
Anonymous on 05/10/2020 12:35 PM
Trail Conditions via the Home page may help.
Brian Jones from Tucson on 05/10/2020 09:00 PM
Coming out of boonville there is a section still closed it was maybe a 5 mile rode section joining back to trail right at rocheport trailhead
Shawn from KC on 05/11/2020 01:06 PM
Thank you. Every page I found was dated months ago, wasn't sure what the update was
Anonymous on 05/11/2020 02:32 PM
The date on the Trail Conditions is 5/2 and 5/3. Should be pretty current.
Camping on the west side?
-  + Are there any camping options open on the western side of the state? Either on the Katy or Rock Island.
Discussion started 04/28/2020 11:02 AM by ER - 7 replies (last reply by Brian Jones at 05/10/2020 09:05 PM)ER from KC on 04/28/2020 11:02 AM
Are there any camping options open on the western side of the state? Either on the Katy or Rock Island.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 04/29/2020 11:15 AM
Windsor has great camping at Katy-Rock Junction and normally at Farrington Park. Check with the park with all going on. On the Rock Island I believe still camping in Chilhowee
LS Rider on 04/29/2020 11:24 AM
Windsor has several choices for camping. Plus it is a nice little town to visit with restaurants available.
Anonymous on 04/29/2020 12:13 PM
On the western side of the Katy Trail there are camping options in North Jefferson, Hartsburg, Easley, Rocheport, New Franklin, Pilot Grove, Sedalia, Windsor and Clinton.
ER on 05/01/2020 07:43 AM
I’m aware of all these options. I’m asking which are open right now during the pandemic. Thanks.
Anonymous on 05/01/2020 07:50 AM
Maybe you should call those that you would like to visit to determine their open hours right now during the pandemic.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 05/02/2020 07:32 PM
To clarify Katy-Rock Junction is open for camping but best you call ahead
Brian Jones from Tucson on 05/10/2020 09:05 PM
I just camped at Katy rock junction couple days ago, nice guy and convenient spot
Columbia MKT Trail
-  + The MKT trail is open the entire distance to the Katy Trail ? No wash outs or closures? Think it may get crowded over Memorial holiday?
Discussion started 05/06/2020 02:22 PM by Electric Eddie - 1 reply (last reply by AJ at 05/09/2020 10:23 AM)Electric Eddie from Metro-East on 05/06/2020 02:22 PM
The MKT trail is open the entire distance to the Katy Trail ? No wash outs or closures? Think it may get crowded over Memorial holiday?
AJ from Boonville on 05/09/2020 10:23 AM
I know the trail is closed for the remainder of the year between New Franklin and Rocheport. The alternative route requires you to ride on Highway 40. I'm not sure of other closures.
Vineyard and Restaurant near the River
-  + Can anyone tell me the name/place of the vineyard near the highway(not on the KATY Trail) and upscale restaurant not far from the River and the Vineyard?
thanks
Discussion started 05/08/2020 03:58 PM by Russ Williams - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 05/08/2020 05:32 PM)Russ Williams from Colorado on 05/08/2020 03:58 PM
Can anyone tell me the name/place of the vineyard near the highway(not on the KATY Trail) and upscale restaurant not far from the River and the Vineyard?
thanks
Anonymous on 05/08/2020 05:32 PM
Are you thinking of Les Bourgeois Winery in Rocheport MO?
Montelle in Augusta?
Victoria’s On the River
-  + Does anyone know if Victoria’s is still in business? The phone recording says the number is no longer in service.
Discussion started 05/02/2020 10:30 AM by Richard - 2 replies (last reply by Richard at 05/06/2020 06:49 AM)Richard from Grafton Il on 05/02/2020 10:30 AM
Does anyone know if Victoria’s is still in business? The phone recording says the number is no longer in service.
Ray (webmaster) on 05/05/2020 07:16 AM
Yes, this business is permanently closed.
Richard from Grafton on 05/06/2020 06:49 AM
Thanks, sorry to hear that. I always enjoyed staying there.
Recumbent riders
-  + Just curious to know if anyone has ridden the entire trail
on a recumbent trike and how many days did it take? And What was your daily average distance?
Discussion started 05/04/2020 10:16 PM by 3 wheelin - 1 reply (last reply by Jerry Whittle at 05/05/2020 08:38 AM)3 wheelin from Monroe City Mo on 05/04/2020 10:16 PM
Just curious to know if anyone has ridden the entire trail
on a recumbent trike and how many days did it take? And What was your daily average distance?
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 05/05/2020 08:38 AM
I know of one 80+ year old who has done it on a trike a few times in 5 days. Of course he isn't your normal 80 year old.
2020 Katy Trail Ride cancelled
-  + Earlier today I cancelled my ride, due to the pandemic, assuming the state would go forward with it.
I just got an e-mail from the organizers saying the ride has been cancelled due to health concerns...
Discussion started 05/04/2020 06:01 PM by Bradley Wilson - 1 reply (last reply by Jerry Whittle at 05/05/2020 08:37 AM)Bradley Wilson from st louis on 05/04/2020 06:01 PM
Earlier today I cancelled my ride, due to the pandemic, assuming the state would go forward with it.
I just got an e-mail from the organizers saying the ride has been cancelled due to health concerns, and that they would begin issuing refunds.
Two cancellations in a row.
Floods.
Pestilence.
Locusts next year?
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 05/05/2020 08:37 AM
We received the same email. Sad. I just signed up for Bubba's Pampered Pedalers Katy Trail ride in September. It's a lot more expensive; however, you are sleeping in hotels and B&Bs.
Missouri state parks no turn away policy
-  + Like others I had planned for this year but postponed till 2021. My route will start in st Louis to Kansas on the Katy, then to Joplin and back on ACA Route 66 to st Louis.
I had made a few state par...
Discussion started 05/04/2020 11:28 AM by Angie - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 05/04/2020 12:38 PM)Angie from Vancouver WA on 05/04/2020 11:28 AM
Like others I had planned for this year but postponed till 2021. My route will start in st Louis to Kansas on the Katy, then to Joplin and back on ACA Route 66 to st Louis.
I had made a few state park reservations and cancelled but I recently read on ACA that MO state parks now have no turn away policy for hiker.bikers. can anyone confirm this?
Thanks!
Anonymous on 05/04/2020 12:38 PM
Your best bet would be to contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The state parks are under their jurisdiction and they could best tell you their policy.
Rocheport to Hartsburg
-  + I just wanted to say "bravo!" to the state park's department. They have made excellent headway on the part of the trail I rode this weekend.
Next weekend, weather permitting, I will ride from Jeff C...
Discussion started 05/04/2020 09:08 AM by Cat - 0 repliesCat on 05/04/2020 09:08 AM
I just wanted to say "bravo!" to the state park's department. They have made excellent headway on the part of the trail I rode this weekend.
Next weekend, weather permitting, I will ride from Jeff City to Mokane or maybe even Hermann to see what that section looks like.
I am planning a ride in early June from Clinton to St. Charles and expect that the trail will be in pretty good shape for it. Yes there are some rough spots and I know there are a couple of detours. But all in all, what I've seen, it's not too bad.
I know folks are cancelling because the virus has many businesses closed. But, if you can stand camping or "roughing" it a day or two, I would encourage you to go ahead and get out there!
scenic
-  + what part of the trail do you think is the most scenic for a one day ride
Discussion started 05/01/2020 09:11 AM by bill - 1 reply (last reply by Jim at 05/01/2020 04:53 PM)bill from indianola ia on 05/01/2020 09:11 AM
what part of the trail do you think is the most scenic for a one day ride
Jim from St. Thomas on 05/01/2020 04:53 PM
My vote would be somewhere in the section between Rocheport and Jefferson City. Second choice would be somewhere in the section between Marthasville and Weldon Springs.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
scenic
https://bikerockisland.com/talk.aspx?tid=11269&tonly=1
Fans of the Katy Trail Group on Facebook - Please Join Us!
-  + Hi there everyone!
What a great forum and discussions you all have going on here. Just stumbled upon it and loving the daily digest! I wanted to let you know that I have started a group on Facebook ...
Discussion started 04/29/2020 04:33 PM by Stephanie Bryan - 3 replies (last reply by Jim at 04/30/2020 04:25 PM)Stephanie Bryan from Jefferson City, MO on 04/29/2020 04:33 PM
Hi there everyone!
What a great forum and discussions you all have going on here. Just stumbled upon it and loving the daily digest! I wanted to let you know that I have started a group on Facebook (associated with the KATY Trail Page), it's called Fans of the Katy Trail Group. I know not everyone is on Facebook but we have quite a few members already and would love you have ALL of your input and comments too! Please check it out and ask to join, I will approve it right away. Let's collaborate!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/499221650808158/
Thanks!
Stephanie Bryan
(huge fan of the Katy Trail!)
Anonymous on 04/29/2020 09:50 PM
Why? No one in the business exclusively to mine data for profit here. And everyone has access without supporting Facebook via their data sales. Support this website instead of the big corporation that doesn’t need it.
cj on 04/30/2020 11:03 AM
I would prefer to follow here as well!
Jim from St. Thomas on 04/30/2020 04:25 PM
I don’t think this is a binary decision. You can follow either or both places if you want. If you just want to follow here I don’t think Stephanie will mind.
Water availability
-  + Does anyone know what the current water availability is due to Covid 19 and the trail being on Winter Schedule? Thanks! April 30th 2020
Discussion started 04/30/2020 08:17 AM by Micah - 1 reply (last reply by Bill at 04/30/2020 11:39 AM)Micah from KC on 04/30/2020 08:17 AM
Does anyone know what the current water availability is due to Covid 19 and the trail being on Winter Schedule? Thanks! April 30th 2020
Bill from Clinton on 04/30/2020 11:39 AM
Also curious on water situation!
GLOBE HOTEL BED AND BREAKFAST, HARTSBURG, MO
-  + Due to personal commitments we must limit our dates of availability for guests in 2020. The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be open May 1st through November 24th. Reservations are preferred as we...
Discussion started 03/10/2020 03:07 PM by Leaia & Mark - 3 replies (last reply by Leaia & Mark at 04/29/2020 12:43 PM)Leaia & Mark from HARTSBURG, MO on 03/10/2020 03:07 PM
Due to personal commitments we must limit our dates of availability for guests in 2020. The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be open May 1st through November 24th. Reservations are preferred as we can not guarantee we will be available for walk-ins this year.
Leaia & Mark from HARTSBURG, MO on 04/28/2020 08:22 AM
GLOBE HOTEL BED AND BREAKFAST, HARTSBURG, MO
The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be closed temporarily until September 1st. Reservations are preferred as we can not guarantee we will be available for walk-ins this year.
Jim from St. Thomas on 04/28/2020 04:55 PM
So, just to be clear........you are not taking reservations before September 1st, correct?
Leaia & Mark from HARTSBURG, MO on 04/29/2020 12:43 PM
CLARIFICATION:
The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast in Hartsburg, MO will be closed through September 1, 2020.
Businesses Along The Katy Open?
-  + What do you all think, will businesses, especially restaurants along the Katy be "open" after Memorial Day along the trail? I say open in quotes because I know there will still be social distancing e...
Discussion started 04/29/2020 10:02 AM by Adam - 0 repliesAdam from KC on 04/29/2020 10:02 AM
What do you all think, will businesses, especially restaurants along the Katy be "open" after Memorial Day along the trail? I say open in quotes because I know there will still be social distancing efforts, but I'd love to still support them even if it means calling it in and eating it outside. Sounds like a lot of the more rural counties in MO are planning to phase things open as early as the first week of May, so might bode well for some of our planned trips.
GLOBE HOTEL BED AND BREAKFAST, HARTSBURG, MO
-  + GLOBE HOTEL BED AND BREAKFAST, HARTSBURG, MO
The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be closed temporarily until September 1st. Reservations are preferred as we can not guarantee we will be available ...
Discussion started 04/28/2020 08:47 AM by Leaia & Mark - 0 repliesLeaia & Mark from HARTSBURG, MO on 04/28/2020 08:47 AM
GLOBE HOTEL BED AND BREAKFAST, HARTSBURG, MO
The Globe Hotel Bed and Breakfast will be closed temporarily until September 1st. Reservations are preferred as we can not guarantee we will be available for walk-ins this year.
Comfortable saddles
-  + Any recommendations for a nice saddle for the trip?
Discussion started 04/23/2020 12:40 AM by Jason - 4 replies (last reply by Bill in Houston at 04/27/2020 04:31 PM)Jason from Rolla Mo on 04/23/2020 12:40 AM
Any recommendations for a nice saddle for the trip?
Marna from Boonville on 04/23/2020 09:03 AM
I ride on a Cloud Nine....and love it. I do not get ONE DIME for this endorsement.
Al from Athens, GA on 04/24/2020 08:41 AM
We ride Brooks leather saddles and are always comfortable. They are a bit pricey but we just move them from bike-to-bike when we change bikes so, they are "for life". Many people will tell you that they are uncomfortable until they get broken in - that has never been true for us. They get more comfortable the longer you own them but they don't start off as uncomfortable at all. Excess padding can create serious chaffing problems for many people so, I always advise to avoid padding in their saddles. If you prefer some padding, wear bike shorts with a bit of padding.
With the Brooks saddles, we almost never wear padded shorts. Saddles are a very personal thing so, these are just what my wife and I have found works best for us.
John Hutchins from Pacific on 04/25/2020 06:11 AM
Brooks B17. My experience is that they require some break-in. But worth the effort and the money. There is no more important component on a bicycle than a good saddle if you plan to ride a lot of miles. Plenty of information on the internet about breaking in a Brooks.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 04/27/2020 04:31 PM
Saddles are super personal and individual. Whatever you do, don't buy a new saddle and put it on the day before your trip. Make sure its one you have spent plenty of time on.
Portland detour advice please
-  + My son and I are hoping to ride the whole trail again this summer. This would be our 5th time. We had to skip last year due to flooding! Does anyone have a detour of the Portland Area that they've ...
Discussion started 04/27/2020 10:09 AM by JTH - 1 reply (last reply by Jim at 04/27/2020 11:55 AM)JTH from Lebanon Mo on 04/27/2020 10:09 AM
My son and I are hoping to ride the whole trail again this summer. This would be our 5th time. We had to skip last year due to flooding! Does anyone have a detour of the Portland Area that they've used? I've heard 94 is not a great road for cyclists but it looks like the best detour would be 94 to county road 464 and would just add a couple of miles on a road. Are there any other ways?
Jim from St. Thomas on 04/27/2020 11:55 AM
I think this the route we took. Assuming you’re going west to east you get on Schmid Way and take it to 94. After a little under a mile on 94 you’ll cross the bridge over Logan Creek. Just past the bridge you’ll turn left on 476 to loop back down to the trail. If you look at google maps it’s easy to see the route.
Rivers Edge Campground
-  + Just letting everyone know we are open for business at Portland, MO at River's Edge Campground. The bar and grill is currently closed but we are open and asking for everyone to call ahead so we can as...
Discussion started 04/18/2020 09:05 PM by Melody Brownell - 1 reply (last reply by JTH at 04/27/2020 10:05 AM)Melody Brownell from Portland, MO on 04/18/2020 09:05 PM
Just letting everyone know we are open for business at Portland, MO at River's Edge Campground. The bar and grill is currently closed but we are open and asking for everyone to call ahead so we can assure social distancing. we are cleaning with bleach daily and not getting so busy as of yet. If you are looking for a quiet place to get away we are the perfect place with full RV hook-ups or tent sites available along with a shower/bathroom, firewood if wanted. 573-590-9159 or 573-676-3540
JTH on 04/27/2020 10:05 AM
Do you have any information about potential Portland detours? It looks like taking County Road 464 over to 94 for just a couple of miles would work. We are experienced riders.
Rocheport
-  + I was planning on riding from Boonville to Rocheport, so going west to east. I know there is a detour at the clay grain bin but can I ride past it on the trail and get all the way to the tunnel at Roc...
Discussion started 04/23/2020 11:07 AM by Tammy - 2 replies (last reply by Jeff Brown at 04/27/2020 09:50 AM)Tammy on 04/23/2020 11:07 AM
I was planning on riding from Boonville to Rocheport, so going west to east. I know there is a detour at the clay grain bin but can I ride past it on the trail and get all the way to the tunnel at Rocheport? I don't need to go into Rochephort, so I can turn around at the tunnel, but if I have to detour at the silo, there's not any point in starting at Boonville. If I wanted to ride on the highways, I sure wouldn't drive 2 hours to do it.
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 04/23/2020 02:28 PM
Tammy, the section that is causing the detour is east of the grain elevator, just under the Hwy 40 bridge. The trail bridge over Salt Creek was completely washed off its moorings. That bridge was about 200 feet long. The river washed out a huge section of the land and levee, exposing pipelines and all sorts of things. It's a huge repair effort, and I do not know the current progress, but MO State Parks is saying that section is not open. When I visited there last fall, there was no way to ride through that section without risking serious injury.
So, I agree there is no point at starting in Boonville, only to have to take a detour after 7 miles of riding. I intend to get up that way in a few weeks and hopefully provide an update with new pictures.
Jeff Brown from Newalla, OK on 04/27/2020 09:50 AM
I took a trip up there about a month ago specifically to see that bridge. The bridge is still washed out. No work being done that I could tell. I wish some vendors would get together and maybe work something out with the park officials to even put in some sort of rinky-dink temporary/sacrificial bridge. Just having "communication" through that bridge would open up way more traffic to the businesses on both sides of the bridge. If I can post pictures of it on here, I will.