Rock Island Trail Forum

Looking at riding thru this summer. I need electrical to recharge my pedal assist. Is electric available at or near campsites?
Thanks
Eric

Hi Eric
Its hard to say exactly but as a general rule there is usually electricity in the bathrooms or shower houses.
Here is a list of campgrounds I am familiar with:
Sedalia fairgrounds Shower house inside for sure (not in sight), may be some at RV sites close to tent sites
Katy Roundhouse Shower house outside (could be in sight depends where you pitch tent)
Hartsburg city park at gazebo (should be in sight)
Turner Shelter in Tebbets Inside (in sight)
Portland campground on side of shower house (in sight of tent sites)
Steamboat springs I believe some are outdoors by some RV campsites for sure in shower house
Herman City Park at campsites
Marthasville ballfields campsite, in shelter (would be in sight depending on tent placement)
Klondike Park at the shower house (not in sight of tents)
This is all the ones I am familiar with, hope this helps
Allen

You could also try to top up at rest stops along the way. Plug it in, go into Casey's for a Mountain Dew and a slice of pizza, sit for a bit while you eat...

You could charge at Cooper's Landing, also.

Hello Eric: What make of Electric Bike are you riding?

This might sound strange but have you considered calling the places you want to stay and asking them what they have?

I ride a TerraTrike Traveler. Need the stability of 3 wheel since a brain bleed & surgery in 2018

Hi Eric,
A couple of thoughts. Have you done any kind of tests to see how far your bike can go with a load? This might determine where you will have to stop. Do you have an extra battery? In general I don't think you will have a problem with recharging unless the miles you can travel are pretty short.

As an emergency you could always get a motel or a B & B for a night.

I rode a couple of years ago with a guy who had an electric bike and he made it all the way (he was camping also). I have also ridden with a guy who had a cpap machine, it required recharging every day he did ok also (he was camping).
Have a good trip.

Allen

looking to ride part of trail this weekend from east to west and back but would like trail report please

This man has retired and will no longer be shuttling, according to his FB page.

The KAMO Bicycle Touring Group is contemplating doing parts of the RI & KT for its annual spring tour. While I have read all the MO SP Temp closures, Trail conditions, etc., I can't find an estimated finish date for the currently closed sections along the trail. Does anyone know if the KT will be completely repaired by May 15, 2020? Tailwinds, John. P.S. Feel free to join the KAMO Bicycle Touring Group on Facebook if you want to join your fellow touring cyclists from KS, AR, MO, & OK on tours.

Good question! I walk dogs out of Hermann on the Katy and there is one bridge by 94 that they have closed. Fortunately I can walk right around it. In all honestly the bridge looks fine, can't see anything that makes me think me and my dogs could knock it over. Same w/Rocheport bridge. I have seen no signs of any work being done on either. The Rocheport bridge really puts a damper on thru trips. Not to mention B&B business. I plan to do a thru Fall trip in 2020. Anyone have alternative to getting around Rocheport bridge besides riding on the HWY? I think that is the only real obstacle you will run in to on a thru trip. I think most other things you can get around, or are small enough they will be fixed (I hope) by next Spring.

The Rocheport bridge over Moniteau Creek (AND the tunnel) are now both finally open, with the trail surface in great shape. Rode across both yesterday. There are still signs on the east approach of the bridge that warn "bridge out" but the bridge is wide open, with all the barriers and 'no trespassing' signs removed.

OH wonderful! Thank you Mark!

Three of us rode West of Rocheport yesterday (December 29th) and that bridge is still out. You can ride about 3 miles beyond the tunnel before you come to the barrier. Big pile of debris...wide gap where the creek is running through...part of the bridge that was pushed off the pilings, etc. So for now the 'work-a-round' would still be the highway out of Rocheport.

I am glad to hear about the areas that are being rebuilt! Slowly but surely!

Pretty sure two different bridges are being discussed in this thread. The Moniteau creek bridge is close to the tunnel in Rocheport. The bridge further west that is still out is over Salt creek, this is the one causing the detour now. This bridge is close to where 40 hiway crosses over the Katy trail.

Yes, the Salt Creek bridge near mile #181 was blown off its moorings in Spring of 2019, and the creek itself eroded much wider there.
Do not know, but hope that MAY get reconnected (at some fairly great expense) in 2020.
Until then, New Franklin-Rocheport trail users will still need to detour on 40 HWY -- and in that case, the tunnel and the Moniteau Creek bridge are just missed, unless you backtrack just 1/8 mile or so each way to ride thru the tunnel (probably well worth it! IMO.) I think I read on this forum that the auto bridge (the detour) is also slated for replacement fairly soon.
You can see photos of the Salt Creek bridge disaster here:
https://bikekatytrail.com/trail-condition-report.aspx

Thanks for letting me/everyone know about the bridges. That sure puts a damper on things. Hope they have rebuilding Salt Creek Bridge as their priority!

Here's a couple of links of how to bypass that problem area without using Hwy 40. Evidently the bypass has gravel roads on it

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30955310

https://mobikefed.org/2019/12/flooding-closes-katy-trail-section-west-rocheport-indefinitely-here-better-more-scenic-low?fbclid=IwAR0FIz8B8fbYVJ2faEwMezouIYsz98zMgTzDje0_Wpk6w-r84lUZ8vCixVc

The Summer 2019 floods severely damaged a bridge west of Rocheport and the Rocheport Tunnel.

Upshot is, a four-mile section of the Katy Trail west of Moniteau Creek (which is just on the west side of Rocheport, near the Rocheport Tunnel) is closed indefinitely.

The recommended detour is to take 240 north out of Rocheport, then Hwy 40 west to Salt Creek, where you can re-join the Katy Trail.

That is a feasible bypass--but Hwy 40 has no shoulders and is growing ever-busier. The route includes a big, slow climb up the Missouri River Bluffs.

So is there a better route? If you don't mind riding on some gravel roads and seeing some AMAZING scenery and area history, the answer is a resounding yes.

The alternate route takes you through Diana Bend Conservation area (side trip to the Moniteau Bluffs overview possible) and the amazing Davisdale Conservation area.

When we rode the route to check it out in Fall 2019, we saw exactly one motor vehicle on the entire route.

It's worth a look--and passes right by some beautiful camp sites, too.

Check it out:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30955310

The route does have about 560 feet more climbing than the Hwy 40 option, but it is only about 1/10th mile longer.

The first 2/3 of a mile north from Rocheport is on a paved minor state highway; the remainder is on low traffic, scenic county gravel roads. The surface on the county gravel roads is generally just slightly lower-quality than the soft-surface Katy Trail.

If you would like to compare with the State Parks recommended detour on Hwy 40, here is that detour:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30955310

Link: Flooding closes Katy Trail section west of Rocheport indefinitely--here is a BETTER, more scenic, low-traffic Katy Trail detour for that section - MoBikeFed

Thank you Jerry! I am going to look at your routes here. We do not want to get on highways! Am hoping they will replace the bridge and open the trail by next Fall, but nice to know we have a safe detour. Thank you.

Jerry Whittle, that looks like a great ride-around. Thanks!

That Salt Creek washout looked like it was going to take a long time to fix.

Anyone know how close to the washed out Salt Creek bridge you can actually get from the east? It sounds like you can go through the tunnel from Rocheport and most of the way.

What I'm wondering is if it might be possible to take the trail until it becomes impassible then bush whack 200-300 feet up to catch US40 just east of its bridge. There's actually a bit of what looks like an old service road or previous highway alignment in the weeds on the south there for a bit. Then after crossing the creek on the US40 bridge, get back on the cement pads again visible to the south and apparently being used for farm stuff and take those the short distance and cross north where the official detour rejoins the Katy at the Davisdale parking.

It looks so tempting on a satellite view from an armchair 1000 miles away - if it worked it would mean only being on US40 for the bridge itself.

But I'm not sure I'd actually ride the three or so miles out to try it with a touring loadout, only to find I had to turn back and still do the official detour or the gravel one.

I looked at a little bit of a bushwhack in that area when we rode last April. The undergrowth was really thick. Getting a loaded bike through would have been pretty terrible. I'd ride the gravel route instead.

any of you ever been on the withlacoochee trial. I will bein dunnellon fl and the trial is a few miles south of there. any advice for the ride.

The Withlacoochee is very nice, wide and paved, pretty flat. Lots of trees. I started at one of the county parks just south of Dunellon, and also at Inverness on another day. Inverness has the most to do for towns along the trail. There is a bike shop there where you can rent three wheeled recumbents, which I did one day for fun. Have lunch at Dillon's Cinnamon Sticks Restaurant in Inverness, about a half block off the trail. I think it is by Eden Drive on hwy 41 but you'll have to look it up to be sure. Have dinner at Stumpknockers in Dunellon over on hwy 200. I think there is another bike shop in Floral City that rents a different brand of recumbent trikes. I was in Ocala for a week and rode the trail several days.

thanks rbr, i will be in dunnellon for two weeks with a lot of spare time. may take my bike with me.

If you have that much time, you may also want to try the Suncoast trail. The north end of the Suncoast starts where US 98 meets the Suncoast Parkway (toll road - Florida 589). I think it's about an hour drive south from Dunellon, but I'll leave it to you to plan a route - I've only done it once, and I was not driving. The north end has some nice hills, the trail runs 42 miles down to almost Tampa. Have a great trip.

Highly recommend both trails...though personally , I enjoy the Withlachoochee a bit more.

My parents spend their winters in Brooksville which is right between the two trails.

Wonderful riding.

As noted, both trails are paved (unlike the KATY).

Enjoy... (I'm a little bit jealous.)

Agree about the Withlacootchee. There is more to do off the trail, without having to travel very far. Suncoast is more for people who like to ride without stopping, or try the hills, or the wilderness area - Starkey Wilderness park.

My wife and I had a great time riding the Withlacoochie trail earlier in the year. If you enjoy restaurants with loads of local color, try River Ratz Pub and cafe in Nobleton ... http://www.nobletonoutpost.com/river-ratz-cafe.html

At what mile marker does the Good Neighbor trail intersect with the Withlacoochee trail?
Your help is appreciated!

Is Snoddys Store still open?

Maybe call them on the phone?

No. They have not re-opened after the flood. Not sure if they will re-open. It’s a shame to lose a business like Snoddy’s.

Sharon

Unconfirmed Rumor.

I heard that a local man was attacked by free-running dogs while walking the KATY trail in Mokane. The local man is someone who grew up with dogs and is very familiar with their ways.

In the past month, I've noticed groups of free-running dogs near the trail.

I recommend that anyone using this section of trail bring a can of pepper mace with them and be familiar with how to use it. I personally prefer Bear Spray which is a much stronger version of mace.

I haven’t heard much about this section of trail. Have repairs been made so it is rideable now? Last I read it was extremely difficult to get through it. Is there a detour if not rideable?

Bump:
I would like hear from anyone that has actually ridden this section of trail recently and would share your opinion of the condition.
Thanks,

Allen

HI, We will be a bi-family group on the Katy Trail from June 10th- June 20th- We plan to camp at the Clinton Community Center for our starting location- How is it there? the facility looks great- Do I need to make a reservation? Thanks.

I don't think that there is camping at the community center. I think people just park there. But the people there are very nice, and if you call, they can help.

Yes, they allow you to camp behind the community center - I think it is actually on the fair grounds

Thanks for the responses- I will call the community center this week to ask.

I actually camped here before the start of a trip a couple of years ago, If you get there before 5 you can get a shower. There is no water available after they close at 5 but it is only a couple of blocks from the Katy trail head, there is water and bathrooms available there. There is a huge picnic type shelter with a number of tables if you need to get out of rain or sun. The people inside are very friendly.

Allen

What can you tell me about the trail from Boonville to Hartsburg? Is it still flooded? Passable?

Pam, the trail is closed approximately 10 miles east of Boonville due to the Salt Creek bridge being out. There is a detour around it, but it takes you on the shoulder of US Hwy 40, which a lot of people will find intimidating. There is another "unofficial" detour on some gravel farm roads that do not see much traffic, but of course are rougher. Both of these detours are well-documented on this site and you can find them from the main page or by reading some of the comments from the last few months.

Beyond the Salt Creek closure, I do not know the condition of the trail closer to Hartsburg.

I think the trail from Booneville to Hartsburg is in good shape except the Salt creek bridge. The tunnel just west of Hartsburg was closed due to the flood but I think its open now. Hartsburg to Jefferson City is in good shape

Tunnel west of Rocheport?

I know this tree. I had a farm about five miles from Rocheport in the 80's/90's. We had a solo Bur Oak only slightly smaller than this one. I measured them both. My tree had been hit by lightening earlier in its life. As a consequence it grew out like an umbrella instead of up. It was magnificent. I could have 300-400 sheep sleeping there in the shade on a hot summer day. The farm was all broken up and sold seemingly at random. But, I'm betting the tree is still there and worthy of historical recognition.

It's still there

what date does the Tebbets hostel open for the season. I plan to pass by there in late March. Safe travels and tailwinds to all.

The Turner Shelter opens March 1st. You can stay during the winter if you give them advance notice. You can get their contact info here:
https://www.conservemo.org/reservation-form.html

Hello!
I am wondering if you're allowed to get married at the Katy trail in Rocheport?? Who do I need to contact?

Call Shirley at Rocheport City Hall. We have parks and a Community Hall you can rent for a wedding. 573-698-3245

Contact MO State Parks Dept. I doubt if there are any fees, depending on what you have in mind.

Hartsburg has a gazebo that is used for weddings.

If I were going to do it, I'd contact Katy Bed and Bikefest, rent all of the rooms in the little house, have my friends and family stay on site, and try to just do the wedding somewhere on the grounds.

has state provided any guidance as to when this bridge is expected to be back in service? thank you

I asked on the FB page, they were pretty vague about when it would happen.

Even on fairly well-defined stuff, they are very vague. Like last year when they worked on the rock tunnel near Rocheport, and just wouldn't give completion dates.

We have a group of about 35 riders that plan to travel Clinton to St. Charles the second week of June (the week before the DNR ride). We have been riding the Katy end-to-end for about 20 years, so we're rather experienced.

We know the bridge at Salt Creek is out and will very likely not be open before our trip. We have ridden the Hwy 40 detour before and will use that again.

The bridge at Bigelow Creek is out according to the DNR website. Is there any hope for it being open again by June? If I recall correctly, that stretch of Hwy 94 is rather hilly and twisty. Is my memory correct? Is there a better detour?

There's mention on the web of a bridge near Herman being out, but the exact location is not mentioned. Is the bridge still out? Is it east or west of Herman?

Are there any other outages that are not "walkable" that I haven't mentioned?

Thx.

We walked from klondike to Augusta and no bridge was out. Also, the bridge near Hermann is sort of blocked off, you can cross the bridge if you want. Or you can walk right around the whole thing on the grass or there is a little gravel road you can bike. No problem there. By the time you go I would guess the orange barricade will be gone.

Anyone use the IndepentTourist for a bike trip on the Katy Trail? Do you have any feedback regarding, service, value, and or reliability. Thinking of using this company for a spring trip and just looking for others experience with them. Thanks