June 22, 2007 The final leg (15)

After leaving the Weldon Spring area we start to approach civilization and the trail passes through a more urban setting. We first go under Interstate 64-40, then under the Page Ave. bridge, along Greens Bottom Rd., behind the Family Arena, through a sand quarry, under Interstate 70, past the casino, and finally and I do mean finally into St. Charles.......the end of the line. It was 8:30 P.M. and we had ridden 116.37 miles today. Our lovely wives Karen and Mary were waiting at the Trailhead Brewery restaurant waiting for us. We were in contact with them by phone and they knew approximately when we were going to arrive. We specified a restaurant with outdoor seating so as not to offend the other diners with our smell of the trail. Mike and I were totally exhausted. The last 20 miles were very, very difficult with many rest stops, and many applications of butt lube. We had thoughts of a nice cold beer at the end of the trail, but when we sat down to eat the fatigue was really setting in. We sipped iced tea and could only eat a couple of bites of food and hoped it would stay down. We then walked our bikes to the car, fought with the bike rack, loaded the bikes and headed for home and a good night sleep. We could now put a check mark next to "Ride the entire Katy Trail in two days" on our list of things to do before we get too old.

Post Note:
When they open more miles of the trail do we have to do the whole thing over again in order not to loose our check mark? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.........

June 22, 2007 Weldon Spring Mo. (14)

After leaving Matson we entered the Weldon Spring Wildlife Area. This was a relief because of the heavy woods and shade. The problem is that there is a lot of standing water because of the swampy nature of the area. If you stopped it wasn't for long because of the mosquitoes. But the shade was very nice. One interesting item to note is that ever since we crossed the Missouri River at Boonville we were traveling the same route as the "Lewis and Clark Expedition". The state park has done a great job in putting up informational signs at all of the expedition's campsites. When looking at how strong the current is in the river, I can't imagine pushing large boats up the Missouri River. The men of the Lewis and Clark Expedition had determination beyond belief.

June 22, 2007 Heading for St. Charles (13)

After watching the racer go by in a cloud of dust we put our heads down and went to work. We had ridden 70 miles and had 40 miles to go. It seems once we rode 80 miles for the day the last 35 miles were very difficult. Riding through the towns of Marthasville, Dutzow, and Augusta we were seeing wineries that had welcome signs, but we just kept riding and as always looking for a place to fill water bottles. When we got to Matson we had ridden 93 miles on the day. It was hot and our water bottles were getting low. We found a house with a "Cold Drinks" sign out front, but all they had were vending machines in the back yard. Fortunately we had the right change and bought water and Gatorade. We found ourselves stopping more and more to rest and to reapply chamois lube.

June 22, 2007 New speed record for the Katy Trail-no not us. (12)

Just as we were leaving the "Trelore Grill", and couple of guys pulled up in a pickup truck. They were the support crew for a guy trying to break the speed record for riding the entire Katy Trail. I understand that the record was 14 hours and 1 minute for the 225 miles. He left the trail head in Clinton at 5:00 A.M. that morning and he needed to get to St. Charles by 7:00 P.M. He was 10 miles behind us and was on a schedule to break the record by almost 1 hour. Up until that point we were feeling pretty "studly" about our ride of 225 miles in two days. We were in our second day at 3:00 P.M. and this guy was 10 miles behind, we didn't feel so studly anymore. We waited a little while and he didn't show, so we headed on down the trail. We got a few hundred yards down the trail and I looked back and saw a flurry of activity and the racer arrived. The support team gave him a full Camelback, water bottles, food, and he was off. We got out of his way as he roared by. I didn't remember his name, but I believe he was from Springfield Mo. and 45 years old.

June 22, 2007 Treloar and Lunch (11)

After breakfast in Mokane we were off again on the trail. Went through the towns of Portland, Bluffton, and into Rhineland. We had ridden 20 miles since breakfast and stopped in Rhineland looking for water. We found a water available at the ball field. Filled our water bottles, rested awhile and met two couples from Wisconsin. We told them of our trip, and as usual they rolled their eyes and shook their head. On past McKittrik, Gore, Bernheimer (one house), and then Treloar. It was 2:15 P.M. and we had already ridden 70 miles on the day. Time for lunch. Found the "Treloar Grill", I think it was the only place to eat in town. Parked our bikes on the sidewalk and went inside. Sat at the bar and got a warm welcome from the barmaid. While we drank a cold Bud we decided on "Today's Special" for lunch. The special was a "Sloppy Joe" sandwich and potato salad. The first "special" went down so easy we both got another. The owner came over and shot the breeze with Mike and I, he was a real friendly guy and loved to talk. He told us all about the remodeling he was doing to the place and was pointing out his handy work. Then some other biker walked in and sat next to me. As usual we asked each other where we had ridden from and where we were going. He proceeded to tell me he was from California, and was riding around the world. He had a custom bike outside with a trailer and solar panels attached to the trailer to recharge the batteries in his laptop computer. He was really impressed with himself and his stuff. Mike thought the guy was a little weird and need help sorting out his medication. The locals in the bar, were more interested in talking about the yield of a butchered hog, than a laptop computer. We got our water bottles filled by the barmaid and headed out the door to resume our ride. Again we met very friendly people and the "Sloppy Joe's" were the worlds best.

June 22, 2007 Mokane Mo. Breakfast (10)

After riding 30 miles today we were getting ready to stop for breakfast. It was 9:00 A.M. and we came to the town of Mokane. First we went into the grocery store where the woman told us that breakfast was served at the Mokane Bar and Grill next door. They opened at 9:00 A.M. so we were right on time. I stuck my head in the door and asked if they served breakfast and the owner Kerry said come on in. Mike asked if they could stand a couple of bikers. Kerry said he could stand us if we could stand him, so it was a deal. There were a few regulars already there, but they could have been there from the night before for all I know. We ordered a couple of omelets and coffee. A barmaid arrived for work a few minutes after we got there and said to Kerry; "It looks like you had a pretty good night last night, by the number of cars that were left." I guess the locals got a snoot full and walked on home. Another old timer came in and was telling the barmaid about his accident with injuries after his ATV flipped on top of him when he tried to pull a tractor out or the mud. He went on the say that while he was at home recuperating his wife told him to get a life and join a bridge club. He looked to me like a bib overall guy and not a Bridge Club kind of guy. Then he says that in the club you start by jumping off low bridges, and when you get good enough then you move up the the higher bridges. We all took the bait hook line and sinker. Shortly after the food arrived. Mike and I both remarked that these were the best omelets we have ever eaten. We finished our meal, loaded our bikes and hit the trail. Once again friendly people and great food. A great combination.

June 22, 2007 N.Jefferson Mo. (9)

Traveling about 10 miles from Hartsburg we came to the town of North Jefferson Mo. This is a town across the Missouri River from Jefferson City the state capitol. We stopped to adjust Mike's bike seat and were passed by a Granny out for her morning two mile walk. She was one of only two people to pass us on the entire trip. But thanks to Mike, we got passed.

June 22, 2007 Day two of the Adventure (8)

Today is the real challenge. We have to ride 114 miles to St. Charles Mo. after a long day yesterday. The alarm went off at 5:00 A.M., I could not believe it. An early start was what we wanted, but the thought of getting back on the bike seat was unpleasant. In packing that morning it seem like everything else was more important than loading my bike for the days journey. Finally at 6:15 A.M. we mounted up and took to the trail.

June 21, 2007 Hartsburg at long last. (7)

At 8:15 P.M. we finally pulled into Hartsburg Mo. On our way to Hartsburg from Rocheport we passed through some very small towns like McBaine, Easley, and Wilton. Some of these towns have only one or two houses. It was getting dusk and we were still riding on our way to Hartsburg. We were starting to see the raccoons coming out for the evening, the sun was going down, and we were still in the saddle. Just before we got to our final destination for the day we came upon "Boat-Henge". This was a sculpture (I think it was a sculpture) of fiberglass boat hulls buried vertically in the ground with about 8-10 feet exposed. Then there it was; the sign for Hartsburg at long last. I was fearful that someone had stollen the sign and we passed it by. I wanted to get a photo of Mike kissing the sign, but he was too pooped to pucker. When we rode into the Hartsburg Inn, Cath the owner met us and was shocked how far we rode that day. The totals came out to be 115 miles, average speed of 12.5 mph, 9 hrs. and 15 minutes of riding time, and 14 hrs. and 13 minutes of total time. We saw the sun rise and set while we were still on our bikes. The Hartsburg Inn is just a wonderful place to stay. The Inn is very roomy, clean, the beds and shower are the best. But best of all was the cold beers waiting for us at the Inn. Mike's brother in-law Don, who lives near by brought us a welcome present. We wished we would have arrived earlier in town so that we could visit the local restaurant and winery. Maybe next time.

June 21,2007 End of first day. (6)

After leaving Pilot Grove and crossing the Highway 70 bridge we arrived in Boonville with 72.8 miles under our belt (or should I say on our butt). In Boonville we rode by the old bridge and the Isle of Capri casino. We crossed the Missouri River on the new bridge that has a separate bike lane. After crossing the river the trail was a little confusing to follow on our way to New Franklin. This section of the trail was one of our least favorites. The day was getting hot, the trail was not as smooth as south of Boonville, and the scenery was not very interesting. We were hoping to have dinner in Hartsburg where we were spending the night. But our pace was slower than expected so we decided to eat dinner in Rocheport. The trail approaching Rocheport is very scenic with bluffs on one side and the Missouri River on the other. In this section we also go through the

MKT tunnel built in 1893 and is 243 feet long. Arriving in Rocheport at 5:00 P.M. we ate at the Trailside Cafe. This was one of the best cheese burgers that I have ever eaten. The Trailside Cafe also has bike sales, rental, and repair. So it was good place to stop. Rested, filled our water bottles, and continued on to Hartsburg. We had 26 miles to go before our day was done. On the way to Hartsburg we saw many Buzzards nesting in on the rock bluffs. I told Mike to try and look more lively because the Buzzards were starting to circle and lick their lips. We must have been looking near death.

June 21, 2007 Sedalia (5)

After a total of 38.5 miles we arrived in Sedalia at 10:15. Mike had been having trouble with the cleat on his shoe and we needed to find a bike shop for a repair. After asking the mailman (this one was a lady) where we could find a bike shop we headed for downtown Sedalia. At the bike shop we were able to get the part we needed and made the repair. Too bad it was so early in the day because there a very interesting Brew Pub a block from the bike shop. Oh well we had to get on the trail. At 11:30 we stopped to rest in Clifton City after going 50.86 miles. After going 62.0 miles we stopped in Pilot Grove at 1:10 for lunch at the "Lunch Box Deli". Mike and I both had the turkey sandwich and potato salad. Always ordered the potatoes for the carbs. Can't get enough carbs. In the Deli we met and had lunch with Darrin Brown. Darrin works for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and is the maintenance supervisor on the Katy Trail from Clinton to Boonville which is about 73 miles total. I recognized him from earlier in the day when we passed him driving a tractor and pulling a big roller to "dress" the trail. We weren't aware of how good a job he was doing until we left his section of trail. Finished lunch and hit the trail with 48 miles left to go for the day.

June 21, 2007 First Day on the Trail (4)

The alarm went off at 5:00 A.M. Both Mike and I were already awake waiting for the alarm. Took showers dressed in our riding clothes, lubed up with our Chamois Butt'r, loaded our bikes and out the door we went headed for the trail head. The motel was about one mile from the official starting point of the Katy Trail. As we were riding to the starting line the sun was just coming up over the fields in Clinton; what a beautiful sight. Our riding computers were zeroed out and off we went at 6:02 A.M. It was a beautiful cool and clear morning with just a little fog in some of the low areas. The trail was in perfect condition, hard packed and smooth. Our plan was to get in a few miles and then look for a place to eat breakfast. We rode through the towns of Lewis (population 3) and Calhoun. After 17.0 miles we arrived in Windsor and started looking for a place to eat breakfast. We spoke with a woman we saw gassing up her car, and asked her to suggest a good place for breakfast. She pointed down the road and said go two blocks to "Nita's Place". We took her suggestion and were glad we did. Nita had just bought the place about a month ago, so she was the owner, waitress, and cook. Met some of Nita's regulars and they included us in their conversation. When they found out we were from St. Louis, they wanted to know what's wrong with the Cardinals. We didn't have an answer. Just then another old timer walked in took one look at Mike in his riding gear, and immediately turned and walked back out the door. I thought he didn't like bike riders, but Nita assured us that was not the case. It was just Mr. Miller and he forgot his hearing aids at home. About 20 minutes later he was back, sat down with the other locals and joined in the gab session. When Mike asked to use the rest room, he found out it was in the other building out back. I'm surprised he had to ask. Left Nita's at 8:15 A.M. and back on the trail.

June 20, 2007 (3)

The train traveled on the south side of the Missouri River and there were many places where the river could be seen. We stopped in Jefferson City to let off and take on passengers. We had some delays with a freight train in front of us and had to slow down a few times and once or twice we stopped all together. We followed a freight train onto a siding so that a east bound train could pass us. Then we backed up onto the main track and were able to pass the freight train and pick up some speed again. We ended up being about 55 minutes late getting into Sedalia. We had arranged transportation from Sedalia to Clinton with B&L Shuttle service. Bob from B&L called us a couple of times during our train ride to check on our progress. When we got to Sedalia, Bob was waiting there with his van and a bike rack on the back. It was 9:00 P.M. we loaded the bikes on the van and headed for Clinton. We drove for one hour at about 60 mph. All of the time we were thinking that we had to ride our bikes back this same distance in the morning. We accused Bob or driving in circles just to scare us with the distance. He assured us this was the most direct route. Bob was great! Very friendly, but had only average jokes. So Mike and I thought it was our duty to give him new material. So we told him some of our witty stories. We were sure Bob was impressed by our wit and grateful for the new material. Arrived at the Best Western motel in Clinton at 10:15 P.M. Got to our room and started getting our bikes and gear ready for the next morning. Laid out riding clothes, filled water bottles, took a shower and hit the sack.

June 20, 2007 Starting the Adventure (2)

The plan was to take the train and a shuttle to the trailhead in Clinton Mo. and ride to the end of the trail in St. Charles Mo. and meet our wives for dinner. We left the Kirkwood Mo. Amtrak station at 4:59 P.M.; the train was coming from St. Louis and was right on time. We loaded our bikes and gear on the train and were given a kiss good by by Karen and Mary our lovely and understanding wives. The train headed west and went through Washington, Herman, Jefferson City and finally on to Sedalia Mo. This is the first time I have ridden on a train since I was a Cub Scout. I was very impressed! The train was very clean, roomy, quiet, the personnel were very helpful and friendly, and it had a snack bar with cold beer. The scenery was great; we were seeing a side of the country that you don't see from the interstate highway. On thing we noticed was that the train whistle was blowing almost all of the time. We asked the conductor about this and he said that they blow it at all of the crossings for safety reasons. He told us that he didn't want to hit a person at a crossing because it would mean a loss of at least four hours. I guess not to mention cleaning up the train.

June 20, 2007 Background (1)

Mike and I (Paul) decided to ride the entire Katy Trail in Missouri on our bikes. The trail is one of the Rails to Trails projects with a total length of 225 miles. We took the agressive approach and decided to ride the whole thing in two days. In order to maximize our daylight hours June 21st, and 22nd seemed like the logical choice. We had almost 15 hours of daylight each day and as you will see we needed them all. The trail surface is crushed limestone, so there is much more rolling resistance than a paved road. This added resistance means that there is virturally no coasting and you must continue to pedal all of the time. It was sort of like a 225 mile spinning class.