riding
- + when is the best time to start a bike ride? I have a 7 speed bike. wanting to try riding a trail. need input about gear, costs, riding time, anything that would help me prepare. I am an amateur. also ...
Discussion started 03/07/2020 03:18 PM by julia - 4 replies (last reply by Jim at 03/08/2020 07:55 PM)julia from ofallon ill on 03/07/2020 03:18 PM
when is the best time to start a bike ride? I have a 7 speed bike. wanting to try riding a trail. need input about gear, costs, riding time, anything that would help me prepare. I am an amateur. also I a 63 years young.
BikerBoy from Maryville, IL on 03/07/2020 06:09 PM
Julia, so glad to hear you are interested in starting riding. I'd suggest taking your bike to your local shop (Cyclery in O'Fallon) and have them check things over for you. It's essential that your bike fits you properly, otherwise you can do serious damage to your knees, hips, etc.
As for where to ride, start out on the local trails. I'd suggest making use of the new trail going from O'Fallon up to Edwardsville, where you will connect with 130 miles of paved, off-road trails. You will never be too far from home if you practice on those trails. Go to mcttrails.org to see the map.
Once you build up enough strength and confidence, you can tackle parts or all of the Katy and other long-distance trails.
There are quite a few Metro East riders on this board who can offer you more tips.
Jerry Whittle from Belleville on 03/08/2020 06:27 AM
BikerBoy provided some excellent advice. I'll add that the Nickel Plate Trail from Edwardsville towards Alhambra has the same kind of limestone surface as the Katy Trail. That would be good practice.
Anne from Cleveland on 03/08/2020 07:18 PM
I’m 61 and have done it twice. Going this summer end to end. But this will be my first time unsupported. You’ll be fine. Ride a lot before you go and train some hills so you can handle the uphill grade part, Clinton to Sedalia. Train with the weight you’ll carry on your bike, for me two rear panniers. It is SO much fun and so relaxing. I take my time, 38-48 a day. Enjoy the journey.
Jim from St. Thomas on 03/08/2020 07:55 PM
While there are some slight uphill grades between Clinton and Sedalia, the longest uphill grade is between Clifton City and Pilot Grove when going west to east.
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Pavement?
- + What sections of the trail are paved? Also wondering about campsites and fly-fishing relatively close to the trail. Thanks
Discussion started 03/06/2020 07:29 PM by Amy - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 03/07/2020 03:16 PM)Amy from Iowa on 03/06/2020 07:29 PM
What sections of the trail are paved? Also wondering about campsites and fly-fishing relatively close to the trail. Thanks
Anonymous on 03/07/2020 03:16 PM
Essentially none. Parts that go through town in Sedalia and Boonville, but thats about it. It's a hard packed limestone trail with negligible pavement.
Fly fishing? Any method of fishing legal in Missouri can be done in public fishing spots. Spin cast, bait cast, fly rod...your choice.
Disabled bike rental
- + Our family would like to ride the Katy trail . Is there anywhere we could rent a electric bike for our disabled son. He is 15. The bike would need three wheels.
Discussion started 03/05/2020 09:39 PM by Jimmy - 1 reply (last reply by Bill in Houston at 03/06/2020 02:13 PM)Jimmy from Butler Mo on 03/05/2020 09:39 PM
Our family would like to ride the Katy trail . Is there anywhere we could rent a electric bike for our disabled son. He is 15. The bike would need three wheels.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/06/2020 02:13 PM
Try https://bikekatytrail.com/planner.aspx
Set it to show bike shops.
That will show you all the shops. Then, you just smile and dial!
An electric trike is a pretty specialized piece of rental equipment. If none of the places along the trail have one, maybe try bike shops in St Louis.
Camping
- + Can you camp at all trailheads?
Discussion started 03/04/2020 07:22 PM by Michael - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 03/05/2020 10:56 AM)Michael from Tinley park on 03/04/2020 07:22 PM
Can you camp at all trailheads?
Anonymous on 03/05/2020 10:56 AM
No. Camping in not allowed at any of the trailheads.
Use the trip planner to find private campgrounds along the trail.
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Bathrooms
- + When do the bathrooms open up??
Discussion started 03/01/2020 11:11 AM by Michael - 6 replies (last reply by LB at 03/05/2020 07:47 AM)Michael from Camdenton on 03/01/2020 11:11 AM
When do the bathrooms open up??
Michael from Camdenton on 03/03/2020 11:32 AM
When do they open for the season?
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/03/2020 05:24 PM
Seems like that might be on the state park website? I do not know.
Michael from Camdenton on 03/03/2020 08:49 PM
Thank you!!... we should have that info here also!!
Ray (webmaster) on 03/04/2020 05:38 AM
Here's the MO State Parks web page with restroom info:
https://mostateparks.com/advisory/83486/some-modern-restrooms-winterized-katy-trail-state-park
Looks like the scheduled opening date is April 1.
Note that, as per the above web page, most of the restrooms use "vault toilets" or portable (i.e. Johhny on the spot) which are open year-round.
Only a handful are the "modern" ones that have to be closed for the winter: St Charles, Hartsburg, Rocheport. Plus 5 more are listed as simply "closed": New Franklin, Pilot Grove, Sedalia, Green Ridge, Calhoun
Brian L. from Austin,Texas on 03/04/2020 07:50 AM
According to the MO state parks website, “Water is turned off and restrooms are closed from Nov. 1 to April 1.” (https://mostateparks.com/page/57944/general-information)
LB from JC on 03/05/2020 07:47 AM
Hi! Hartsburg is open with water!
Dottys Cafe Hartsburg.
- + Hello to all of you from Dottys Cafe.
My Cafe didn't sell at the end of the year like it was supposed to, so I want to let you know that Im back from retirement again. lol I plan to stay as long as I...
Discussion started 02/25/2020 05:50 PM by Dotty Manns - 3 replies (last reply by Kevin at 03/04/2020 09:08 PM)Dotty Manns from Hartsburg on 02/25/2020 05:50 PM
Hello to all of you from Dottys Cafe.
My Cafe didn't sell at the end of the year like it was supposed to, so I want to let you know that Im back from retirement again. lol I plan to stay as long as I can do it. Im open for breakfast on Sat and Sunday 7am to noon . I hope to extend my hours as soon as the weather gets warmer.I will be happy to see all of you again!! Our Phone # is 573 657 1360. Since I wont be there all the time, my cell is 573 289 271 if you'd like to bring a group through the week, Ill open for you.
Thank you all for your business!
Sincerely, Dotty
Dotty Manns from Hartsburg on 02/25/2020 05:54 PM
OOPS that cell is 573 289 0271
Dotty
Bill in Houston from Houston on 02/26/2020 10:27 AM
Welcome back, Dotty!!
Kevin from CoMo on 03/04/2020 09:08 PM
So glad to hear this! I miss getting down there. I’ll be down in a couple of weeks as the weather warms.
Chilhowee Corner Store
- + I just wanted to advise that the Chilhowee corner store is closing today (6-14-19). That means that there is no place to get water or food between Pleasant Hill and Leeton. Please be aware of this w...
Discussion started 06/14/2019 07:33 AM by JF - 3 replies (last reply by GORDON at 03/04/2020 05:07 PM)JF from Lees Summit on 06/14/2019 07:33 AM
I just wanted to advise that the Chilhowee corner store is closing today (6-14-19). That means that there is no place to get water or food between Pleasant Hill and Leeton. Please be aware of this when riding,especially on hot days.
sr on 07/24/2019 09:46 AM
Does the post office there have a spigot?
ibikeslow on 08/03/2019 07:18 AM
The store has new owners and is now called Hometown Convenience Store.. checkout their FB page for info
GORDON from RAYMORE on 03/04/2020 05:07 PM
THERE IS A SPIGOT BEHIND THE CHURCH.
Chilhowee Trailhead in Chilhowee
- + Is there water at the Medford and the Chilhowee Trail restrooms?
Discussion started 08/25/2019 09:29 AM by Christopher A Wagner - 2 replies (last reply by GORDON at 03/04/2020 05:06 PM)Christopher A Wagner from Topeka on 08/25/2019 09:29 AM
Is there water at the Medford and the Chilhowee Trail restrooms?
LS KB on 08/26/2019 03:25 PM
I do not believe there is running water at either of these locations. There is a store in Chilhowee that I frequent. They have soda machines outside if they are not open. Not sure about water. Someone might be able to give a better answer than I.
GORDON from RAYMORE on 03/04/2020 05:06 PM
THERE IS A CHURCH IN CHILHOWEE THAT I FOUND WATER BEHIND THE CHURCH. IT IS JUST A HOSE BIB, BUT BETTER THAN NOTHING IF SUMMER HEAT AND MILES HAS YOU IN NEED.
Suspension on bkie trailer for child
- + Hello! I am trying to find a used bike trailer for a toddler to ride in. We are needing to find one that has suspension, like the Burley d'lite X. I know its a long shot, but does anyone have one for ...
Discussion started 03/03/2020 03:16 PM by LB - 4 replies (last reply by Allen at 03/04/2020 09:13 AM)LB from JC on 03/03/2020 03:16 PM
Hello! I am trying to find a used bike trailer for a toddler to ride in. We are needing to find one that has suspension, like the Burley d'lite X. I know its a long shot, but does anyone have one for sale? We have a regular bike trailer for him, but the trail is rough and he needs a little better ride. We are trying to save a little money :)
Thank you!
Michael from Camdenton on 03/03/2020 09:46 PM
The trail not rough!!...
Andrew from Olathe on 03/04/2020 01:40 AM
Thule chariot 1 is an awesome trailer. I have been using mine for 4 years now and in all kinds of weather. The suspension is great on it and it’s a single seater so it’s not all big and wide. I have mine set up to pull my sons 16” bicycle behind it so he can ride when he wants and get in the trailer and take a break when he’s tired. I have an awesome video from this weekend of the suspension at work going across the bridge into Jefferson. I had the go pro on his bike being pulled by the trailer so you see it perfect. Not sure how to attach a link or video to this but I’ll try tomorrow. I spent probably $1000 on my trailer with everything but it’s been well worth it. You can find them used for $200-$300 sometimes.
Marna from Boonville on 03/04/2020 05:08 AM
We use a Trailer, it IS rough for them.
Allen from Shawnee,Ks on 03/04/2020 09:13 AM
Try putting the widest tires on the trailer that will fit and run about 10% less air than the maximum or even less. This also works for bikes.
There have been studies in recent years that suggest this method doesn't really increase rolling resistance.
Trail conditions- Jeff City to McBaine
- + Has the flood damage from 2019 been repaired between Jefferson City and McBaine? the DNR site says the trail is still rough west of Hartsburg. Any updates.
My son attends Mizzou and it makes a great...
Discussion started 03/01/2020 05:48 PM by Chris - 1 reply (last reply by LB at 03/03/2020 03:05 PM)Chris from STL on 03/01/2020 05:48 PM
Has the flood damage from 2019 been repaired between Jefferson City and McBaine? the DNR site says the trail is still rough west of Hartsburg. Any updates.
My son attends Mizzou and it makes a great ride to park in north Jeff City or Hartsburg and ride west to just past McBane to pickup the MKT trail into downtown Columbia. It’s 39 or 29 miles ride respectively. We end the ride at Flat Branch Brewery for burger and a cold one. I hoping to ride this April or May. Thanks,
LB from JC on 03/03/2020 03:05 PM
Rode from Jefferson City to Hartsburg. Not as great as it use to be, however it was still very enjoyable. I think with more traffic the trail will become better. Enjoy!
Camping in Boonville?
- + Does anyone know if Boonville city still allows camping in Harley Park? Passing through in a few weeks; please let me know. Thanks and tailwinds to all.
Discussion started 03/03/2020 09:58 AM by bicycle Chris - 0 repliesbicycle Chris from USA on 03/03/2020 09:58 AM
Does anyone know if Boonville city still allows camping in Harley Park? Passing through in a few weeks; please let me know. Thanks and tailwinds to all.
Camping
- + Kind of surprised you closed the Camping thread Ray. Didn’t see any over the top replies from either side. I think “stealth camping” is probably one of more important topics to be discussed here.
Discussion started 03/02/2020 03:34 PM by Jim - 3 replies (last reply by Marna at 03/03/2020 07:59 AM)Jim from St. Thomas on 03/02/2020 03:34 PM
Kind of surprised you closed the Camping thread Ray. Didn’t see any over the top replies from either side. I think “stealth camping” is probably one of more important topics to be discussed here.
Michael from Camdenton on 03/02/2020 05:09 PM
I agree!!... as long as you have permission it’s not an issue, camping on private land is a no go!!
Ray (webmaster) on 03/02/2020 08:18 PM
Jim I completely agree, this is an important topic that can directly affect public attitudes about the trail.
The earlier discussion had not gotten nasty, yet... but it felt like it might be veering in that direction. I felt like everyone had expressed their opinions pretty thoroughly so I pulled the plug before things started going downhill.
Having said that, I'm sorry if I cut off discussion too soon, and welcome further comments in this thread as long as everyone remains civil.
Happy trails, Ray
Marna from Boonville on 03/03/2020 07:59 AM
I agree this topic should be expanded. Where to find Free Camping? It's out there. But a person should also be prepared to reach into their pockets to stay along the Trail.
I might have come off Grumpy with my first post on Skamp Camping, but as a Landowner, it is AN ISSUE! No one ever thinks about the shoe being on the other foot....as in, what if I camped in YOUR front yard, or on YOUR land.
There are so many small towns now that offer free camping, like in Pilot Grove, you just have to check in at Police Station. I do not think that is too much to ask. Further, in Pilot Grove, at the Park where a person or group can Camp, there is a Bathroom, covered Picnic area with Grills, Trash Bins and for a small fee, a Swimming Pool. There is also a Dollar General for restocking a couple blocks away.
Land Owners are not grumpy.....we just tire of being taken for granted as part of the Park/Katy Trail.
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Current Status of The Katy Trail
- + Where can I find the current status of the trail? Has the trail west of Rocheport opened up? What about east of New Franklin?
Discussion started 03/02/2020 08:27 PM by Darren - 0 repliesDarren from Springfield on 03/02/2020 08:27 PM
Where can I find the current status of the trail? Has the trail west of Rocheport opened up? What about east of New Franklin?
Lost 16” wheel and parts from a kids trailer 2/1-20
- + Lost a wheel to my sons bicycle I pull behind his trailer while out camping this weekend. It was probably around Hartsburg. We had been coming from Jefferson City and realized it was gone about 10 mil...
Discussion started 03/02/2020 09:14 AM by Andrew - 0 repliesAndrew from Olathe KS on 03/02/2020 09:14 AM
Lost a wheel to my sons bicycle I pull behind his trailer while out camping this weekend. It was probably around Hartsburg. We had been coming from Jefferson City and realized it was gone about 10 miles from Cooper’s Landing.. There was a red shirt with a part from my trialer that says Santa Cruz. If you find it will you stash in the woods and leave me a drop pin or gps coordinates please?
913-544-3150.