Katy Trail Forum

The food and service was the worst along the trail. They had run out of nearly everything

when we got there. We had reservations for one month ahead and still most of the entrees

had gone. And this was at 12:00pm!!!

sour grapes... I was part of that group. The only thing that they were out of was fish sandwiches. I thought the service was wonderful. You must have been sitting on your bike to long. We also arrived at 1:00 not 12:00.....

They were out of four items that our table tried to order.



Thanks anyway

I should qualify something: what I had was fairly good. In the business' defense, they did

have a large crowd on their hands.

Did you ever think that it was crowded because the food was really good and the service great? Everyone I talked to loved it....

Speedracer: I have asked my group from OKC and no one has your particular handle. Were

you with the OKC group that went in July?

Does a reservation mean that they are to hold one (or two to be on the safe side) each of every item on the menu for each person there is a reservation for? Or does it mean that there is a seat reserved for you?



I got to McDonalds too late for breakfast last Saturday morning on my way to the office. I was in the drive thru lane to order and everything.....they even still had breakfast items shown on the outside menu. Sure didn't ruin my day or send me out broadcasting how bad McDonalds is. Man.....lighten up! What difference does it make that they ran out the freakin okra and creamed corn?

fyi...Maryland Yards in St. Charles is no longer open. Try Rumples or Tony's on Main St - much better food AND service.

We did our first two day ride from McBaine to Pilot Grove and back. Had a wonderful time. Stayed at this B & B and found it very nice. Dolores our hostess does not live on site but met us there and had pie waiting when we arrived. She was very accommodating and delightful. She has three rooms and a shed for the bikes. Breakfast was continental but suited us just fine to begin the day.

I made this trek this weekend (Oct 8) and it was prettier than I had expected, great views of the river, buffs and the Green Chute (swamp). The scenery ended when I got to the Family Arena. Having time to explore St. Charles is a must. Trail conditions were very good.

if you google claysville store it gives all of the information. They are only open Sat. evenings

and Sun. afternoons. The food is absolutely wonderful so try to make it there if you can!

Can you camp here with horses? Can you access horse trails from here and how far? Is there a phone number to contact?

Can you camp here with horses? Can you access horse trails from here and how far? Is there a phone number to contact?

Of the 4 places we stayed on our Katy ride (Clinton to St. Charles), this was the most disappointing. No host or hostess around, it was cold at night, and the bathroom was out of toilet paper. The shower was marked cold for hot, and hot for cold, and there was no note to tell you this, so I waited 10 minutes for it to turn hot, before trying to turn it to cold (which is when I got the hot water). Breakfast was good, but late. The hot tub was the only redeeming quality. The house is nicely decorated, but a little more comfort would have been appreciated after a long day of riding from Sedalia.

The Katy is adjacent to this hotel. It is an easy walk to good places to eat. It has a washing maching and dryer to clean your clothes. Our room was confortable and breakfast was good. I'm glad we stayed here.

The Katy is adjacent to this hotel. It is an easy walk to good places to eat. It has a washing maching and dryer to clean your clothes. Our room was confortable and breakfast was good. I'm glad we stayed here.

We just spent 6 nights on the trail and this was our last and favorite place. Polly is a gracious woman who served pie and iced tea upon our arrival late in the afternoon. Breakfast was huge and delicious (waffles, eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, juice and tea). She showed us small town Missouri hospitality. If you can't sleep here, stop for lunch Tuesday-Friday.

We just spent 6 nights on the trail and this was our last and favorite place. Polly is a gracious woman who served pie and iced tea upon our arrival late in the afternoon. Breakfast was huge and delicious (waffles, eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, juice and tea). She showed us small town Missouri hospitality. If you can't sleep here, stop for lunch Tuesday-Friday.

Just finished 5 days, 200 miles, from Sedalia to St. Charles. Oct. 15 thru 19th, 2005. All went fine, only 1 flat, on Raleigh Touring bikes with 700x38 tires. We are 64 years old, and averaged about 45 miles per day. All plans were arranged from the BikeKatyTrail site.

PEERS STORE, owned by Barb, is outstanding in all ways. Nice room, exceptional food, helpful, and priced right. Locals are fun to converse with also. Only bath needs some updating and Barb is working towards that.

RENDLEMAN'S B&B has very good food, (dinner and breakfast ). Doug is also an avid biker, cook and easy to converse with.

HARTSBURG INN owned by "Cath", very clean, with in room TV, Microwave. Locate right at trails edge.

Have photo's of lodging and will gladly converse on helping with anyone planning a trip.

Just finished 5 days, 200 miles, from Sedalia to St. Charles. Oct. 15 thru 19th, 2005. All went fine, only 1 flat, on Raleigh Touring bikes with 700x38 tires. We are 64 years old, and averaged about 45 miles per day. All plans were arranged from the BikeKatyTrail site.

PEERS STORE, owned by Barb, is outstanding in all ways. Nice room, exceptional food, helpful, and priced right. Locals are fun to converse with also. Only bath needs some updating and Barb is working towards that.

RENDLEMAN'S B&B has very good food, (dinner and breakfast ). Doug is also an avid biker, cook and easy to converse with.

HARTSBURG INN owned by "Cath", very clean, with in room TV, Microwave. Locate right at trails edge.

Have photo's of lodging and will gladly converse on helping with anyone planning a trip.

Just finished 5 days, 200 miles, from Sedalia to St. Charles. Oct. 15 thru 19th, 2005. All went fine, only 1 flat, on Raleigh Touring bikes with 700x38 tires. We are 64 years old, and averaged about 45 miles per day. All plans were arranged from the BikeKatyTrail site.

PEERS STORE, owned by Barb, is outstanding in all ways. Nice room, exceptional food, helpful, and priced right. Locals are fun to converse with also. Only bath needs some updating and Barb is working towards that.

RENDLEMAN'S B&B has very good food, (dinner and breakfast ). Doug is also an avid biker, cook and easy to converse with.

HARTSBURG INN owned by "Cath", very clean, with in room TV, Microwave. Locate right at trails edge.

Have photo's of lodging and will gladly converse on helping with anyone planning a trip.

This B&B was at just the right spot after biking 80 miles on that day. Supper was pot roast with carrots, potatoes and acorn squash and a salad. It was tasty and we were starving. Breakfast was French toast with fresh peaches. The sleeping rooms were upstairs and the bathrooms were downstairs. Our room was small, clean, spartan and air conditioned. Doug is a very interesting host.

This B&B was at just the right spot after biking 80 miles on that day. Supper was pot roast with carrots, potatoes and acorn squash and a salad. It was tasty and we were starving. Breakfast was French toast with fresh peaches. The sleeping rooms were upstairs and the bathrooms were downstairs. Our room was small, clean, spartan and air conditioned. Doug is a very interesting host.

This B&B was at just the right spot after biking 80 miles on that day. Supper was pot roast with carrots, potatoes and acorn squash and a salad. It was tasty and we were starving. Breakfast was French toast with fresh peaches. The sleeping rooms were upstairs and the bathrooms were downstairs. Our room was small, clean, spartan and air conditioned. Doug is a very interesting host.

My husband and I stayed in the Cowboy Cabin the last night of our 5 day bike ride, October 20, 2005. What a joy!!! The place was perfect. It turned off cold they day we were there and began to rain just as we were arriving. The hot tub and fire place was absolutely delightful. We will definately make a return trip. Thanks, Judy!

My husband and I stayed in the Cowboy Cabin the last night of our 5 day bike ride, October 20, 2005. What a joy!!! The place was perfect. It turned off cold they day we were there and began to rain just as we were arriving. The hot tub and fire place was absolutely delightful. We will definately make a return trip. Thanks, Judy!

My wife and I stayed there last week. Very nice place; secluded. Good breakfast. Hot tub wonderful. Bring something to read. More than a standard B&B. Fresh chocolate cookies in a basket on the bed were a nice touch. Good for anniversaries or retreats.

My wife and I stayed there last week. Very nice place; secluded. Good breakfast. Hot tub wonderful. Bring something to read. More than a standard B&B. Fresh chocolate cookies in a basket on the bed were a nice touch. Good for anniversaries or retreats.

We stopped and purchased two take out meals there last week. The food was good and the people were friendly and helpful. Fair prices.

We stopped and purchased two take out meals there last week. The food was good and the people were friendly and helpful. Fair prices.

Great spaghetti and the price is right. Bicycle friendly town.

Great spaghetti and the price is right. Bicycle friendly town.

I just spoke with someone at Scenic Cycles and learned that they no longer offer camping.

I just spoke with someone at Scenic Cycles and learned that they no longer offer camping.

I'm planning on camping at Steamboat Junction Campground with several of my 10 and 11 year old students. I have camped often, but none of these girls have ever camped. How rugged is this campground. Do I need to call and reserve a site? I'd hate to drive six hours and find everything full. I will be there in late October.



If I need to call; whom? and what number? Is the price $9 per tent, or $9 per site?

314-831-4807



We camped there over Labor Day weekend.....$9 per site. We had our own tent. It is very doubtfull that they full in late October, but call to make sure. They are very friendly and accomodating. The primative campground is relatively smooth with several trees. There is a very neat and clean showerhouse.....downside is the restroom is a portapottie. It was clean and well kept tho.

Best food on the trail!

Best food on the trail!

Absolutely--we were so sad when Glenn's closed in Columbia, and checked it out last weekend--great food, right on the trail. Ride a long way first so you're hungry enough to enjoy it!

Absolutely--we were so sad when Glenn's closed in Columbia, and checked it out last weekend--great food, right on the trail. Ride a long way first so you're hungry enough to enjoy it!

We were walking down Main Street and noticed the very attractive looking restaurant called Cafe Napoli. Went in for dinner and discovered great Italian food. Best pizza I ever had and my wife loved her pasta and all served up with Italian background music.

We were walking down Main Street and noticed the very attractive looking restaurant called Cafe Napoli. Went in for dinner and discovered great Italian food. Best pizza I ever had and my wife loved her pasta and all served up with Italian background music.

I agree with the original post. We had a group of SEVENTEEN people in for dinner last night, 6 of them being children under 12 yrs old. The staff was courteous and professional, and the food was incredible. Plenty to eat, and reasonable prices. Great pizzas, fantastic lasagne, the the most tender meatballs with spaghetti my wife has ever had. We will definitely put it on our list for next time!!

I agree with the original post. We had a group of SEVENTEEN people in for dinner last night, 6 of them being children under 12 yrs old. The staff was courteous and professional, and the food was incredible. Plenty to eat, and reasonable prices. Great pizzas, fantastic lasagne, the the most tender meatballs with spaghetti my wife has ever had. We will definitely put it on our list for next time!!

WOW! What a dining experience. I've dined on the hill in SLM many times and this little treasure of a cafe rates with the best of them. My wife and I went to the festival of lights in Boonville and

heard Italian music coming from the distance and followed the sounds. They were coming from a Napoli's front enterence . We injoyed

decor of late 18th century tin ceiling and what a meal. Pizza was the best we've had and the Brusette was perfect. Glad to know that

other people have enjoyed this find in Bonnville.

WOW! What a dining experience. I've dined on the hill in SLM many times and this little treasure of a cafe rates with the best of them. My wife and I went to the festival of lights in Boonville and

heard Italian music coming from the distance and followed the sounds. They were coming from a Napoli's front enterence . We injoyed

decor of late 18th century tin ceiling and what a meal. Pizza was the best we've had and the Brusette was perfect. Glad to know that

other people have enjoyed this find in Bonnville.

I am planning a trip - what are the most scenic sections of the trail??

I know the sections aroun Rocheport are really pretty but the section between Greens Bottom and Weldon Springs is my favorite.

I see Weldon Springs on the trail map. Where is Greens Bottom and in what direction from

Weldon Springs? Also, what is the distance between the 2 spots?



And what is the beauty of it? Meaning why do you prefer that section?



Thanks! (We've gone from Clinton to Hermann, but not further...) And must confess, we

don't do the whole trail at once...just a few days per year...but such a pleasure! We live

close to Clinton, so we do lots of day trips. Do love the river/cliff areas....the prairies of

the west side are peaceful and can be pretty in the way of plants, flowers....but lacking in

the way of restaurants, etc.

Greens Bottom is a trailhead in the southern part of St Charles, so it is in an eastern direction along the trail from Weldon Spring (northeast actually). It does not appear on the maps because it is just a trailhead, rather than a town. But here's a page with info on Greens Bottom including a map and directions.



From Weldon Spring to Greens Bottom is about 10 miles each way. There are heavy woods on either side of the trail, making this section a favorite for many, and a few nice views of the Missouri River too. There are no businesses between (or at) Weldon Spring and Greens Bottom.

A group of 4 of us routinely bike the area from Greens Bottom to Weldon Springs, and would agree....it's beautiful. We see wildlife very often. Mostly deer, and squirrels. 2 weeks ago, a huge Great Horned Owl flew right over us, landed on a nearby tree, and watched us as we stopped and looked at this beautiful creature!

Nearly all published photos of the Katy Trail were taken within two miles of Rocheport, MO. The tunnel and the high bluffs with river views are here. That said, the entire trail from end to end is a true National treasure with untold Missouri beauty all along the way. Tourists would and do spend thousands to make similar length European journeys. Enjoy!

My wife and I are rididng from Booneville to Hartsburg this week and I was wondering if its permissable to leave our vehicle parked at the trailhead in Booneville for a couple of days?

Yes.....it's okay.

Ditto what Trek Biker said. In fact I called the Department of Natural Resources a few weeks ago and asked if overnight multi-day parking was allowed at trailheads, and they said yes (with the suggestion that you might want to notify local law enforcement if you're going to be gone for several days, so they won't wonder if it's a stolen or abandoned vehicle).

Jeanette was very pleasant, the breakfast was more than adequate. Hartsburg has a lot of history and colorful characters- a must stop at the GLOBE HOTEL.

Jeanette was very pleasant, the breakfast was more than adequate. Hartsburg has a lot of history and colorful characters- a must stop at the GLOBE HOTEL.

Can you tell me if there is overnight parking available in Dutow? We are trying to plan a trip to McKittrick and don't want to get our vehicle towed.

Can you tell me if there is overnight parking available in Dutow? We are trying to plan a trip to McKittrick and don't want to get our vehicle towed.

There is ample parking at the trailhead in Dutzow.

There is ample parking at the trailhead in Dutzow.

We are doing the reverse of you :) How do you getacross the bridge into Herman? That road is way to fast.

We are doing the reverse of you :) How do you getacross the bridge into Herman? That road is way to fast.

Many of the B&B's will shuttle you from Hermann to McKittrick...check with who you are staying with as they may already have you covered.



Many warn not to ride the bridge in Jefferson City and Hermann. We have ridden both and found them not to be as bad as the thermal runaway crowd might want you to think. If you are a novice....the Hermann bridge may not be for you. If you are accustomed to riding in or near traffic.....time your entry onto the bridge with little or no traffic behind you. The Hermann locals seem to be accomodating.

Many of the B&B's will shuttle you from Hermann to McKittrick...check with who you are staying with as they may already have you covered.



Many warn not to ride the bridge in Jefferson City and Hermann. We have ridden both and found them not to be as bad as the thermal runaway crowd might want you to think. If you are a novice....the Hermann bridge may not be for you. If you are accustomed to riding in or near traffic.....time your entry onto the bridge with little or no traffic behind you. The Hermann locals seem to be accomodating.

Rode across the bridge to Hermann this weekend, cars were very nice. They are building a new bridge winter 2007 with a bike lane and a spur from the trail (McKittrick Trailhead) to the bridge. At the city campground the people said that drivers are used to bikes there and like having them in town.

Rode across the bridge to Hermann this weekend, cars were very nice. They are building a new bridge winter 2007 with a bike lane and a spur from the trail (McKittrick Trailhead) to the bridge. At the city campground the people said that drivers are used to bikes there and like having them in town.

Sunday September 17, 2006 we had lunch at Lucy's Bar and Grill. There were 11 in our group of gals. We rode bikes on the trail from Rocheport to McBaine to have lunch at Lucy's and enjoy the Live Blue Grass Music that started at 1:30. Had a wonderful time and really appreciate the warm hospitality, the delicious food and the Cold, Cold Beer. Can't wait to go back!!!!!!!

Sunday September 17, 2006 we had lunch at Lucy's Bar and Grill. There were 11 in our group of gals. We rode bikes on the trail from Rocheport to McBaine to have lunch at Lucy's and enjoy the Live Blue Grass Music that started at 1:30. Had a wonderful time and really appreciate the warm hospitality, the delicious food and the Cold, Cold Beer. Can't wait to go back!!!!!!!

Wish we would have had the good fortune the other riders had at Lucy's. We stopped there on Sept. 28, 2006, for just pie and coffee. Had to wait nearly 20 minutes and the wait was not worth it. Neither the pie or coffee was very tasty. Guess we should have had a beer.

Wish we would have had the good fortune the other riders had at Lucy's. We stopped there on Sept. 28, 2006, for just pie and coffee. Had to wait nearly 20 minutes and the wait was not worth it. Neither the pie or coffee was very tasty. Guess we should have had a beer.

This is a great place to stay. It is comfortable and quiet. The breakfasts are good and the proprieter is very friendly. Located midway between the trail and Stone Hill Winery and its delicious restaurant.

After reading a couple of less than positive comments about Mokane, and in particular its country market, I find I must respond. As a displaced New Englander who has lived many years in small, rural Maine towns, I feel quite at home in the Mokane market. In fact, one of my wife and my favorite rides is the Bluffton to Mokane round trip, with lunch in the Mokane Market. Not only is the ride pretty and secluded, with plenty of the route directly along the Missouri River and very little anywhere near the highway, it takes us to a wonderful, if simple lunch at the market. The proprietors certainly don't cater to cyclists because they are focused on serving their farm community customers who come and go in a constant stream. But we always get our to-order sandwiches cheerfully made, pay a very modest price, and then contentedly eat them at the little tables in the window, watching the flow of people into and out of the store. Listening to the snatches of conversation between the people, and reading their community bulletin board, we get a good sense of life in the bustling, down to earth town. We don't expect them to take any particular notice of us, and I must say, it seems a bit self centered to do so. They serve a small farming community, and well, so it appears. I highly recommend this ride, and this stop. But I'll add this caveat. In the tiny town of Orland on the Maine coast, there is a popular local restaurant called Duffy's. Mr. Duffy has posted the following sign prominently outside his door: "We here at Duffy's are a family oriented restaurant. We aren't fussy, and we certainly aren't fancy. If you are, Bucksport is 11 miles west, and Ellsworth is 13 miles east." This might be the Mokane store. As for me, I fully intend to keep going back.

I grew up in Mexico, MO not too far from Mokane. I remember going to/through Mokane to fish on the Missouri River as a kid. I'm doing an end-to-end KATY ride next week. I look forward to passing through Mokane and comparing it to my childhood memories.

My experience at the Mokane Market was less than memorable. No breakfast type food available. The local fellows had no interest in chatting, not even to be polite. I ate my deli sandwich and moved on. I thanked one of the employees on the way out the door and she did not even acknowledge me. I especially found charming the peeling paint from the ceiling above the food prep area and the dude who made my sandwich without using plastic gloves. I guess the health department does not get to Mokane very often.

We have been planning this trip for 2 years and it is finally time. We will be starting in Prarie Lick and riding to the western end of the trail and then all the way back to the eastern end, camping each night. Looks like the weather might be really nice. If you're going to be on the trail that week, have a great trip and we might see you there!

Jason, I couldn't believe the similarities when I read your post! My wife and I have been planning an end to end ride of the Katy for about a year now, and we will be on the trail the same days as you.(Oct. 1st-6th) As time went on, our trip has been changed several times. We now plan to ride across most of the state starting near Merwin (on the west side of MO) and riding to Clinton the first day. The second day on, we'll be riding the trail. We will be the goofy couple on recumbents with big smiles on our faces! Hope to see you headin' east!

A buddy of mine and I will be starting at Clinton on Thursday, 05 Oct and riding to St. Charles in 3 days. We'll keep our eyes open for you. We're staying with family in Columbia on Thursday night and at the Rendleman Home B&B on Friday night. See you out there. We're 2 40ish men on MTBs.



Ken

Sounds good! I'll keep my eyes open! I have a feeling that the trail is going to be pretty crowded next week. Should be fun though. I ride a Fuji and my brother rides a Novara. We will be the ones with WAY too much stuff on our bikes. Have fun!

Hey Jason and J&K-I'm leaving Tuesday Oct. 2 from Sedalia and on to St. Charles. I've been planning this ride for months. I'm totally pumped up and can hardly wait. See ya on the trail !



Paulie

I offer a few comments to those of you who are planning a trip (thru-bikers)along the KATY. One thing to be aware of is the haphazzard hours of operation of some of the businesses along the trail, especially during the week. Tip: be self sufficient. Do not count on any businesses being open. If they are...that is a bonus for you and you should take advantage. Otherwise you are on your own. Take your guidebook and call ahead. Cooper's Landing...skip it. He caters to river rats and hoosiers and merely tolerates bicyclists because they usually have money to spend. Ride on by. Dotty's in Hartsburg is great. She invited us in for breakfast even though she did not officially open for another 90 minutes. The KATY Shelter in Tebbetts is reliable and adequate...the key is on the telephone pole outside. Be sure to go to Jim's Bar across the street...great hospitiality. Steamboat Junction at Bluffton is a good camping option. Rhineland has a great cafe/bar/grill...don't miss it. Eat there instead of going into Hermann. McKittrick to Treloar is a long stretch without services...be prepared with snacks and water. Camp at Klondike Park! (Between Augusta and Matson with access off the trail.) A great spot. Do not ride up the big hill into the park...take the trail from the boat ramp...it is a little out of the way but easier to manage with a loaded bike. The hill is very steep, no kidding. The people at the Dutzow Deli were very friendly and the food was top notch. Trailheads on the eastern half of the trail do not have water available, plan accordingly. Generally speaking the trail is better maintained on the western half (Sedalia to N. Jefferson). Be careful when the trail intersects with a drive way or gravel road...some very rough crossings here and there. Local attitudes about the trail and trail users seem to be about the same as the last time I rode through these towns...some like it, some do not.