The Rock Island Trail

Rainy days?

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Brooke & Andy from St. Louis on 2/15/2006 8:43:51 PM:

We're planning our first trip on the KATY in June, from Clinton to St. Charles, staying in B&Bs along the way. In case of rain, what do we do - sit it out and wait or keep going? If we do need to wait for awhile, are most B&B proprietors ok with a later check-in, or will this be an issue at all? Thanks for any advice you can give!

The Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 2/16/2006 6:53:00 AM:

The Dalton Boys got caught in grand style in 2002 by a rain as hard as a cow urinating on a flat rock and we just pedalled on....there was no thunder or lightning though. I would let the presence of thunder and/or lightning be the for sure caveat for seeking shelter (preferably not under a tree), keeping in mind that lightning CAN strike up to 12 miles away from a thunderhead cloud. Just full of positive information aren't I. The best news is that the B&B owners along the KATY understand the nature of the game and if you can keep them informed would probably be OK with a late check-in. Take rain gear...simple ponchos will do as the rain would most likely be warm. Regards.....Mark of the Dalton Boys

kasko from STL MO on 3/2/2006 11:11:52 AM:

I do believe most of KATY trail is covered by cell telephone network. ( Anyone else have additional info about this?) So take phone along and #s of B&B so you can call ahead if delayed.

Mark from Sedalia on 3/28/2006 3:33:57 PM:

Yes, you will find that many B&B's along the trail cater to the riders and are very flexible. Communication by cell phone is helpful. We (Sedalia House B&B) are quite often the first stop and sometimes riders are slower getting in than they originally planned. Flat tires (make sure you have spare tubes) and weather are the main culprits. The nice thing is, most B&B's will have a hot or cold beverage and some form of snacks waiting for you when you get in. We hope you have a great expereince on your first trip down the KATY.

Jared from St. Charles on 6/7/2006 6:58:10 PM:

I have ridden all over the katy trail and i lose phone service on several parts of the trail. Although i do have tmobile and they arent known for their coverage.

Paul from Chesterfield,MO on 6/11/2006 9:46:50 PM:

You might find that a nylon vest works pretty neat in the rain(summer). I keep one in my pack just in case. They block the cool wind and let you keep a little more of your body heat to yourself. They are light weight, easy to pack, and they keep your arms free. Get one with a zipper too!
Ditto on the T-mobile; I seem to always have to hike up some bluff road to get any service!!

pas from Wentzville, MO on 6/12/2006 10:12:20 AM:

I ride the Eastern Section of the KT- I have Nextel and my phone service is spotty near Klondike Park, around Augusta, and just east of Dutzow. I'm assuming because of the bluffs.

Dave S from Morristown, TN on 6/15/2006 9:14:19 PM:

Riding in summer rain is no big deal. Just hose down your bike and oil the chain at day's end. Rode west to east last month and don't recall losing Verizon cell service anywhere. Plastic bag everything, including the phone, BEFORE the rain starts.

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