Reply to Riding at night

I'm planning on a mid-September round trip over 12 days (want to take in some sights) and had questions about camping and night riding.
I know it says impromptu camping is not allowed, but any real harm pulling off the road and pitching a tent in the brush? Also, I'm sure it's pretty dark away from city lights, but what is the feasibility of night riding? I often get a burst of energy in the evening and it is nothing to crank out 10 - 20 miles on a nice cool evening. Any caution other than animals or running face-first into a spider web?
Is 12 days round trip too much for even a leisurely ride (50 miles a day minimum). I'm in pretty good shape and do 15 - 30 miles a day commuting/training as it is. Would rather tent camp than B&B just for the experience.

Isn't it hard to take in some sights riding at night? Seems a bit contradictory to me.

The harm in pulling off the road and pitching a tent in the brush is a matter of trespassing law. It is simply against the law to do so. Some folks don't take kindly to being taken advantage of on their own property.

I think the park has dawn to dusk open hours. Again, against park rules to take in the sights at night.

Thanks for the reply, but not interpreting "taking in the sights" literally to include all activities, there is plenty of time to ride at night and take in sights. Also, for camping to fall within "trespassing" as defined by law, the "real property" has to be fenced or otherwise enclosed in a manner designed to exclude intruders or to communicate in some way (sign, post, verbal...) that entering the land is trespassing. An open, unfenced area that does not intimate a prohibition to entering does not confer an offense of trespassing.
If the park is closed as dusk, then I guess my options are to find a campground, or other accommodations outside the park, per the park rules. That said, it is not accurate or responsible to cite legal parameters as a blanket statement unless the actual legal definition is included.
Likewise, there is a difference between taking things literally to construct a contradiction, rather than the general intent. I'll take in "some sights", and not the ones while riding at night. No contradiction there.

Mark,

1) Night riding is not permitted. You may get away with it, but Katy is a state park that is open during daylight hours only.
2) In regard to stealth camping, not only is it illegal and trespassing, it is wrong and a big breach of etiquette. Stealth camping may be the norm other places, but it is not the norm of the Katy. You might get away with it, and you might not. Either way, I highly recommend that you, or anyone else does not do it. Either way, don't screw it up and make things harder for the rest of us. There are plenty of legal places to camp. Find them, and use them. Alternatively, simply ask a landowner for permission to camp in their yard (and give them $10 too as a thank you).

Karma be with you....

Thank you, ArkyKenny, for clarifying the obvious. There are always people who feel the rules do not apply to them and mess things up for everyone else

I don't disagree with the park rules. Now that it has been clarified, I'll respect them.
I also never mentioned "stealth" camping. I merely mentioned "impromptu" camping. There is a distinction. Never having been on the trail, I am unfamiliar with the environment. If I should have happened upon an open, unidentified, unfenced, unposted area, I was inquiring about the propriety of making use of that land. If I had a mechanical breakdown and could not work on my bike until daybreak, I fail to see how seeking necessary shelter on such land would give rise to a crime or screwing things up for anyone else. I simply inquired and conveyed no intent to engage in anything illegal or infringe upon anyone else's property rights. Also, should I find myself 5 or 10 miles from my daily destination at dusk, who is to say I must be airlifted off the path because I'm between stops? There are exceptions to every rule.
I'll respect the park rules, and adhere to what I know the law to be, along with common sense and the "law of necessity", should it come into play.
Thanks for the insight.

Sounds like you know the law and are responsible enough to provide actual legal definition to support your claims as you suggest of others.

In our state there is first and second degree trespass. Second degree does not require posting against trespass as first degree does. In Missouri, a person commits trespass in the second degree if he or she enters unlawfully upon real property of another, with absolute liability. And of course you know that means that you can be charged as such without intent on your part.

There is a concerted effort for another lengthy rail trail to parallel the Katy. Of course there is opposition by land owners for several reasons, one of which is not exposing themselves to those who think trespassing is okay. Those land owners simply do not want you on their land, even though you think there is no real harm and you know how to recite the law to them. You have no right to act like the land is yours and Missouri law recognizes that.

Arky has good advice. We want the next rail trail to be constructed so you can cross the state line and enjoy it too. Please help the cause by playing by our rules or enjoy a nice trail in your state as you see fit.

Trespass 2 is an infraction (there is no tresspass 3) and do not constitute a criminal offense. They are a hair above a parking ticket. Technically, you could be charged with trespassing 2 for walking across someone's lawn. There are absurd applications to almost any law.

That said, not knowing the environment, I was positing a question. If I had come upon open land, not knowing if it were public or private, and nothing intimated private ownership, I was inquiring as to the propriety of using that land to camp. It seems the best rule-of-thumb, with respect to the laws of Missouri and opinions of this thread, is to assume all land privately owned and act accordingly. I never said, nor do I believe, I have a right to the use of another's property unless exigent circumstances warrant such.

Pretty easy to figure out. Camping in Missouri State Parks is allowed in designated areas only, of which there are no designated areas in the Katy Trail State Park. There are commercial campgrounds available, they are listed in the Trip Planner above, there are several Conservation Areas that allow camping, they are listed in the Trip Planner above, there are several communities that have authorized camping areas, they are listed in the Trip Planner above. With all the Trip Planning information available on this site I don't see why you can't ride the length of the trail and stay within the rules of the State Park and the laws of the State of Missouri...thousands of other riders do it every year.

Once upon a time, I got caught in a bad thunderstorm and "Impromptu camped" in a bathroom on the trail: That one would have been pretty easy to explain. Anything short of that, and you'd better have a pretty good story to tell.

Got it. I think I understand completely.
1. Don't ask for real world experience, use the Trip Planner above.
2. A question = criminal intent, so don't even think about doing something you simply wondered about.
3. Impromptu camping = stealth camping for the purposes of us beating up on you for even considering such a thing.
4. Everyone on this thread obeys every single law 100% of the time, so for the "infraction" of Second Degree Trespass on 50 square feet of a farmer's land that was in no way marked, you will receive the death penalty because laws are absolute.
5. No one has ever transgressed any law while biking the Katy trail, so don't you do it with your stealth camping and being on the trail after dusk.

A simple, "Camping is not allowed on the trail, but only at designated camp sites, or with the permission of a land owner"; "The trail closes at dusk, so no night riding, and get off the trail at dusk as soon as reasonably possible", oh and, "Your question seems reasonable for someone who said they have never been on the trail and just asked innocent questions".

I think I answered my own question.

Thanks for all the.... uh... input...

That's the reality of asking a question. You don't always get the answer you want.

Happy trails Marc.

Marc,

Your question seems reasonable for someone who has never been on the trail. Camping is not allowed on the trail: You must use designated camp sites. The trail closes at dusk, so no night riding. In case you are thinking about doing some impromptu riding late in the day, and in the event that you would consider some impromptu camping (not that you would consider stealth camping, because as we all know, that is not permitted), I would strongly recommend against that.

50 miles a day for me, and for most riders who regularly tour is on the low side of daily mileage: 70 or 80 is a good number for me. I've never been on the trail so long that I needed to do impromptu camping, or even neede to plan on the possibility of impromptu camping (that some might consider stealth camping).

Once, I got caught in a hail storm, that included extended lightning and torrential rain, so I impromptu camped in a bathroom in order to save my life: Doing so was an instance where I was willing to ask for forgiveness after the fact (as opposed to permission before the fact). I would not otherwise recommend such impromptu camping such as that again unless you had a very good reason to do so.

Love the spirited debate.
I appreciate the input and advice. I have a better understanding and will plan my trip accordingly.
I wanted to do a minimum of 50 miles to save time for some sightseeing and wine tasting. Not having experienced the trail surface, I was not sure of the target daily mileage. I'll be pulling a trailer and packed rear panniers. Maybe the ride back to St. Charles will be a little more aggressive mileage-wise.
Thanks again for the banter. ;)

This isn't hard.

1. Camp in designated campgrounds.

2. Ride between the time the sun goes up and the time the sun goes down.

How is that hard?

If you don't want to play by those rules, kindly play somewhere else. Not trying to be rude...but don't make this hard and PLEASE don't screw it up for everybody else...and for those working hard to build more trails. Thank you!

Marc, since we all know you are a newbie to the KT and don't really believe the laws apply to you, just in case when you are taking in the night sights both riding and camping and something happens that you may want to notify others, such as hitting a rut and crashing or running into objects, if the authorities or a private landowner happen to search for you and hopefully find you, please do not cite the law to them when they find and arrest you. We still like your tenacity.

Anon,
I said I got it, and even recited the same rules. No sense in beating a dead horse, especially since horses are not allowed on the trail except for a designated section.

I don't plan on screwing up anything for anyone, and fail to see how my screw up could affect anyone else.

So Marc McKoy, if in fact you happen upon some open unfenced unposted area and decide to camp, and then some miffed or worse property owner rides down in his four-wheeler 11 p.m. to take you to task for this, are you going to say some anonymous posters on a Katy trail message board said you could do it?

Marc, 12 days round-trip would be a very leisurely pace. However, it's human nature to get "bored" if you come back the same way you came, hence the excitement of the Rock Island Trail making a large loop. So, you might plan on 5-6 days out, and then 4 days back since you will want to ride faster on the return.

I agree with BikerBoy that 12 days would be quite leisurely...with more time for exploring than I would personally want. His suggestion of a shorter return trip seems reasonable to me.

A second thought...whether we like or it not...the behavior of other cyclists reflects on all of us...because in many peoples minds...we all get lumped together. I do think when we ride, we have some responsibility to positively represent the "cycling community"...especially if we want it to grow and become more the norm. For example...when cyclists blow through stop signs (and act like the regular rules of traffic don't apply to them), I think it makes it harder for us to go to legislative bodies and other places and argue that we want to be treated like "traffic". Just a thought.

Have a great time on the KATY.

To the positive, substantive replies, I tip my helmet and extend a hearty "thank you".

Some folks who "know" of my lawbreaking proclivities should take a breath and read "carefully" what I simply asked about, as in gathering information, not "casing the joint" for a 12 rampage of night riding and sleeping on someone else's alfalfa.

Character judgments such as, "...Marc, since we all know you ... really believe the laws apply to you..." are unfair. Some laws do, and some laws don't. Depends on what laws we're talking about. I never said I was contemplating breaking the law. I asked in general so I knew what the "law", or "rules of the trail" were.

Thanks for the input on the "12 day" itinerary. I will definitely reconsider my return trip/route. Good advice.

Off-topic, but in response to a comment... I agree with perception of cyclists through public engagement, but I to take liberties with the "Rules of the road" in that, not blowing through stop signs, to slow down when in the presence of traffic and adhere to customary yields to right-of-way and lane usage. It is lunacy to sit at an intersection on a bike, with no other traffic around, waiting for a light to change, or to come to a complete stop at a stop sign as opposed to rolling through after checking for other vehicles.

Cyclists have as much right to the road as anyone, but traffic control has been designed to work with motor vehicles. The overriding rule of the road is how you act when engaging with other traffic, and that is when the rules come into play, but no obligation to come to a complete stop every time or wait for a light to change that does not recognize you through the road sensors.

I slow down if cars approach from the side of an intersection and more often than not have indicated my intent to yield, only to be waved through by the other vehicle. The traffic laws are designed to regulate behavior between vehicles in traffic, and not

Blah, blah, blah. Laws don't apply to you.

Word games with Marc:

I am "Planning" on "Impromptu" camping (oxymoron?)

I might want to ride after dark....even though the park closes at dark....even though I know the park closes at dark.

Impromptu camping, is not stealth camping, is not trespassing. I wish someone would realize that planned impromptu camping is necessary camping, but so far I have not been able to make that leap.

I don't understand why people accuse me of twisting my statements and believe that I am trying to twist my statements after I twist my statements.

I understand the rules, I will abide by the rules, but I might not follow the rules because they are stupid and the rules don't convey the full intent of the rules. Furthermore, I will obey the rules, except for the rules I don't think apply. I will not obey, or apply.....or whatever, those rules.

My actions as a bicycle tourer/camper have no effect on others. Even though the primary concern that is voiced by landowners about bike trails is people trespassing. Other people have no right to tell me what to do, unless they are willing to tell me what I want to hear.

It is my opinion that Mark understands everything and all future comments only stroke his ego. Let's let this thread fade........

I believe this was a mob mentality on the forum. If we were in a group with Marc an he decided to ride at night what would you do, let him go, grab his bike or resort to violence or call the authorities?

It doesn't take long to figure people out that are like Marc. I wouldn't be in a group riding with Marc.

"Mob mentality.." ~ Correct. Everyone knows the law and are ready to admonish someone for a victimless act (riding at night or sleeping on someone else's dirt), when i never stated either as my intention in violating a law.

And for snarky Arky to imply "I am "Planning" on "Impromptu" camping (oxymoron?)" when I said no such thing. I used the word "planning" and "impromptu" in separate sentences and never said "planning on impromptu camping". Stitching together unrelated words to construct an intent is pretty sneaky.
As I said before, people love to throw the "law" at people and use pretense to act as self-appointed law enforcement. And to imply that a transgression by lil'-ol'-me will in some way trickle down to spoil everybody else's fun is just disingenuous.
If the State of Missouri has nothing better to do than patrol the trail in the dark looking for night peddlers, or farmers patroling acres of land at 11pm looking for someone catching 40 winks, then there are bigger problems than just minor infractions.
Maybe this is why I don't run with the herd. I make a judgment based on reason and liklihood of any harm to someone else. Every other law designed to prohibit an action where there is no harm to persons or property are for those ready to be regulated.
Will I "stealth" camp on someone's land, intentionally. Probably not, but circumstances can change. Will I ride down the trail after sunset? What difference does it make? Is it a rule? Yep. Will anyone be injured by it? Maybe me, but that's my business.
I mean, really. Are there any grownups here who think for themselves, or just folks who like to twist words and come up with scenarios to justify reciting the "law" to someone who just asked a question?

Mark,

I like your moxy & I'd ride with you, brother. Nothing wrong with pushing the envelope or challenging authority. Hell, that's how this country was founded.

Have fun out there.

My uncle used to say "If you don't want 'em to get your goat, don't let 'em know where it's tied." Marc, I found your goat.

1) I truly hope you have a great time on the Katy. Go back to IL and tell people about your experiences.
2) Please, be considerate and follow established protocols for camping on our beloved Katy.
3) There is a lot of stuff going on with the (hopefully soon to come) Rock Island Trail: Landowners are looking for reasons to block it. Trespassing cyclists is a big concern for them. Anything we cyclists can do to police ourselves can only help our cause. Any banter from me has been done with that thought in mind.
4) If you are indeed an experienced rider, I think 7-8 days is a better time frame for an entire trail out-and-back ride. Or....lollygag for 12 and have a great time.
5) Reading your recent response to my admittedly snarky comments only supports my arguments, and my concerns.

Arky,

No harm, no foul. I'm rebellious by nature and like to test boundaries. Doesn't set well with many people, but to each his own. Breaking rules is one thing, but my motto is "do no harm". I never lay a hand on another or their property.

I'm sure I'll have a good time and enjoy the trail and people I encounter.... and play by the rules. I know I'm a guest of the people of Missouri and will act as such. My questions were just to establish boundaries and guidelines for using the trail.

That aside, if I meet you on the trail we can stop at a winery to discuss political philosophy, law, and sociology. ;)

Marc, you don't need a trailer and rear panniers if you are stealthing just a sleeping bag. If you are doing 12 days for 480 miles you have plenty of time to go off trail on roads, pull in a hotel or B&B or private campground. Why the night time vampire trip?

Here is a ride journal with stealth camping.

LOL

http://adventeurs.com/the-katy-trail/


You should never trespass on someones land unless it is an emergency and stealth camping is not an emergency.

Anonoh,

No reason in particular, it's just that I often get restless or a burst of energy in the evening after it's cooled down a bit and I'll go out and ride 10 - 15 miles to help me relax and sleep better. That, and I just like riding at night. I commute by bike and will often be on the roads at 10 or 11 o'clock in the evening. I thought it would be a good way to pick up some extra mileage if I hung around town too long in the day and had the energy to ride later in the evening.

Scott,

Thanks for that link!

Excerpt: "Just past Weldon Springs, after being unsuccessful for miles at finding a camping site, we finally found a hill leading up beside the trail. Without hesitation we pushed our bikes to the top and began to set our tents up. This was really a great camping spot, however the temperatures continued to drop."

See, now who can say that is "illegal" and who did it hurt? That's what I'm talking about. Did those guys break the law or ruin anything for anybody? THAT's the kind of situation I'm describing. Not pitching a tent outside some farmer's daughter's window.

How does one establish whether that is private or public land? If the sun sets on a cold night with no campground in sight I think this would be justified.

Marc:

Perhaps a short history lesson will help. When the original MKT railroad was created, use of land for the right of way was donated to the railroad (use granted by means of easements......NOT land given to the railroad) by the then adjacent property owners. Use was granted so long as it remained an operating railroad. When the Katy stopped running, legally, use of the land reverted back to the original property owners, their heirs or assigns (meaning whoever owned the land the railroad ROW came now). When it was suggested the land be retained and made into a rails to trails park, there was an uproar from the property owners that ultimately led to a lawsuit in which the DNR won, but a cost. One of their primary objections from landowners was that bikers, hikers and yes, campers, would not stay on the trail, but would deviate from it onto private property. Keep in mind, for the most part, the MKT runs through some otherwise, rural and remote countryside, which for the most part is owned and populated by some pretty independent, self reliant people. Some of those folks who were the primary objectors ain't dead yet, so still carry a grudge. When you read about some unfriendly local in places like Mokane, most likely someone has bumped into one of those locals with a grudge. Best way to avoid trouble is to be polite, behave and not give anyone any reason to be upset.

Anyone, and I repeat, ANYONE who would leave the trail to use private property as if it were in the public domain runs the risk of poisoning the well for everyone else. With nearly 237 miles of trail, that means nearly 474 miles of private property abuts the trail, of which every square inch is owned by someone and most of it in private hands.

So best plan for users is to stick to the rules, enjoy the trail as it is setup, camp in designated camping areas (and only designated camping areas) and all will be fine.

For the most part, users have stuck to the

Guess that last part got cutoff.

Anyway.....was saying.....

Over time, there have been very few problems, so most of the landowner objections have melted away over. Most landowners have now come to not only accept the trail (and it's users) but will now meet and greet users with enthusiasm. Best way to maintain the goodwill is to follow the rules and all will be fine.

So if someone to find themselves in a bind - out on the trail at nightfall and no campground for miles, whether due to poor planning, broken bike, or whatever... Wouldn't it make more sense to just pitch your tent at a trailhead? Usually you only need to go 5 miles to hit the next one. Sure there are probably park rules against camping, but a park ranger would probably be more understanding of finding your tent on state property, than a private landowner on their own private property. And you have a restroom there too.

Again, I know there are rules, but this sounds like a better "last resort" than using private land. Thoughts?

LK, TK:

Good insight, rationale, and patience. Could not agree with you more. Thanks for the calm, well-reasoned explanation.... and no judgment.

Well, I was going to stay out of this because others have made the points I wanted to make, but I can't help it.

Marc, you stated above, "If the State of Missouri has nothing better to do than patrol the trail in the dark looking for night peddlers, or farmers patroling acres of land at 11pm looking for someone catching 40 winks, then there are bigger problems than just minor infractions." Uh, DUHHH!!!! Do you not ever read the national stories about Missouri? I'm not from here originally, but have lived here 38 years. People here are nuts. (Sorry if that offends anyone, but really, you know it's true.)

To many people in Missouri their most treasured rights are their private property rights and their rights to bear arms. Do you really want to deal with someone like that, simply because you like to push the envelope, or whatever? The people who are opposing the Rock Island Trail would love to find a spandex wearing bicyclist camped on a farmer's field, trespassing. Heck, he'd probably bring his teenagers along to record the video on their I-phones and upload it to You-Tube and the local TV station.

When in Rome do as the Romans do, and us Romans are honoring the private property rights of people who own property along the trail.

Don't get me wrong, we want you to come to Missouri, bike the Katy Trail, enjoy the sights in the towns [you should book a tour of the Old Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) in Jefferson City. It is open to tourists. I think it would do you some good to see what happens to people who don't follow the rules.] But don't push the envelope here. We treasure the Katy Trail, and we want the Rock Island Trail to become reality. For that to happen we cannot have instances of people breaking the law, and giving those opposed to the Rock Island Trail ammunition to stop the trail. So come here, but behave!

I just talked to the vet. He said the horse was dead and we should all stop beating it.

Cathy,

I too have lived in Missouri and I catch your drift. Point taken.

To follow up on the camping thing, planning this trip, I'm seeing more B&Bs than campgrounds. I might mix it up a bit and stay at B&Bs, but what might one expect to be the average price? If I mosey and take 5 - 6 days one way, and the average cost around $100/night (past experience elsewhere), that's an expensive trip. Add a 4 day trip home and ka-ching!
Before I start calling B&B's for prices, what is your personal experience? I figured $10 for a tent site then ride into town for breakfast would be the cheaper route.

Jim is right, we should let this thread die.

Marc, you asked a good question, so I am going to start a new thread and answer based on what I know. Then it won't be so time consuming for people to scroll through all this other stuff.

Caught this thread late. Planning on a 40 anniversary Trans Am trail ride next May-July an have no intention of stealth camping. It's a little bit longer than the KT. Come on man do what is right an quit whining and being so high maintenance.

Pseudio, the dude was not whining and had not posted anything considered whiney for some time. Some of the other folks on his case were just as whiney. Horse is dead. No horse CPR. Quit piling up on the dude. He moved on. Do same.

My wife and I rode the KATY in the dark once when I had two flats on the same ride that had already started a little late. It was a necessity I never want to repeat.

Geez, lighten up people. The man asked some questions which is what I thought this forum was for. He asked for advice and a simple don't ride at night and a don't do any impromptu camping would suffice. After reading some of your responses not sure I would want to come to Missouri! Get over yourselves!

Marc, the B@Bs are kinda high. Most are quite nice though. But if you are going on the cheap I would for sure camp and we both know that when you roll into town after some chatting a person can always find a place to put up a tent. I would for sure stay at the Best Western in Sedalia. Its a pretty neat old hotel. Nice pool and hot tub. Best of luck on your trip!!

It has been years since I slept in a tent, so I've been doing some stealth camping in my back yard to get a grip on the comfort and quality of sleep. After 3 nights, I don't feel like I could ride 10 feet. I need to find a good sleeping mat or something, but I don't want to be loaded down with comfort gear and can't afford the whole trip in B&Bs.

Who would have thought getting qualith shut-eye is tougher than grinding some 50+ miles?

Gabe, Sedalia is one of my planned stops so I might pamper myself and do a Best Western. I can see I'll need some actual bed time to recoup. Hopefully I'll toughen up.

ThermaRest sleep matts work well. They are self inflating and roll up pretty small. Other companies (REI) may have their own brand of sleep matts that may be worth checking out.

I have become a fan of hammocks. I have an ENO double nest (about $40) and an ENO rain fly (about $70). I sleep somewhat diagonally on a Thermarest type mat in the hammock (to keep the hammock spread, and for insulation) with a light quilt or sleeping bag. WAAAY better rest for me.

Be sure to look overhead for dead branches before you hang your hammock. I have been lucky enough to not get caught in big storms with that setup. When I do, I may miss my tent.

Kenny,
How can you tell if your hammock will work at a given campsite? Do they all have hammock mounts or trees spaced adequately apart? I sleep like a baby in a hammock, but not sure if I'll need to call ahead to the different campgrounds I have plotted out to see if they can accommodate a hammock.

Marc,
I have rode the trail at night (in October) and slept right on the trail. I was just counting on no one coming by after midnight and being gone by sun up. I've done this twice. No patrol officer seen but I took a big chance, I guess. Stealth camping is really tough when there is a lot of foliage. Previous posters are right. Some locals are crazy and you would be well advised not to trespass. There are free places to camp legally. You just need to look into it. Tebbets, Hartsburg and Augusta come to mind. There are others. Just use the "trip planner" on the website.

I have about 15 feet of 1" webbing tied to each end of my hammock. That pretty much lets me span any gap, with minimum bulk and weight added to the setup. I don't know about camping in barren areas, but (so far) I have been able to find a place to hang it. My favorite place to hang is a covered shelter.

Extra webbing is good. It matters what type of hammock too. I run with a Hennessy I run with the Explorer Deluxe. They make something called a slap strap. It works great for hammocks. Wraps around the tree made out of webbing and does not hurt it. I will probably carry my bottom quilt. It may get nippy...

Also if you dont know much about hammocks if you get cold easy you need insulation. A sleeping bag in a hammock is not good. You need at least a sleeping pad.

I know you can hang a hammock at Roundhouse and at the Hart Creek Conservation Area before Hartsburg.

I was planning on staying at Dougs but with him closed I will probably stay at steamboat junction. Dont know if they have any trees. Have to give them a call or make a bivy out of my hammock.

Well, that is a lot to think about. I'm pretty much a "tenderfoot" when it comes to camping, so jumping straight into hammock camping might be pushing it for me. Should not be too cold in Sept., but will look into free camping spots. I've never camped in a hammock and know zilch about proper placement/mounting, unless I can dry-run here at home successfully before I go.
Where do you keep your gear if you're not in a tent? Right at the campsite, under the hammock? I like the idea of comfort and low weight, but unsure about getting it right my first time.

When backpacking I keep my gear strapped to a tree in my pack.

Tent camping is easier especially if changing clothes in the rain. I have an ultra light tarp I make small shelter out of if need be.

Where do I keep my gear? Where do you keep your gear? For the most part, I keep my gear in my panniers: More often than not, the panniers never come off/are still hanging on my bike. The bike is probably leaning against one of the trees my hammock is having on, doing double duty as a clothesline. Keeping things close means less likelihood of losing stuff, and easy/faster packing up.

Tenderfoot is an understatement. I would take someone to keep you out of trouble and protect you from yourself.

Riding at night on the Katy Trail is fun, against the rules, and dangerous (broken hand and beat-up wife after a tandem crash in a wash out. I`ve also been hit in the face by a bat and collided with an opposum and am foolish enough to admit it on a web comment forum). As to camping, I found several conservation areas and parks that allow camping along or near the trail by turning on the "parks and recreation areas" layer in Goggle earth and looking along the trail route. Lamine River Con. Area, Davisdale, Hart Creek, Jefferson Landing, Hermann, Augusta all have camping as well as others and those on the amenities list.

'Tenderfoot is an understatement." ~ Anonymous
If you come here just to insult people you might want to go post on another forum.

Jim, St Thomas: I guess your vet was wrong -- this horse just won't die! ;-)

I don't think you can even call it a horse anymore. Its mostly just a skeleton with a few scraps of hide on it.