The Katy Trail, Kondike Park and Kates Coffee House

Beautiful Fall Day

This morning as Mindy and I were discussing the forecast for the remainder of the week, I realized that this might be one of the last nice days to view the magnificent changing of the leaves in our area. We had already made arrangements to have lunch with our friends, Dave and Sherry in Augusta, so I thought I'd take that opportunity to ride there via the Katy Trail. I started out a little earlier and rode to Augusta from the access to the Katy Trail at Research Park Greenway. This a relatively new addition to the Greenway that I have recently discovered. It is still a work in progress; even more blacktop trails, parking lots, signage, and interpretive areas have been added recently. I really appreciate the investment that is being made in order to make these beautiful out-of-the-way places more accessible to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. You can learn more about this Greenway HERE.

Even as I left my house, I got a preview of some of the incredible colors I would see along the way. This beautiful tree is across the street from our house and it was glowing as the morning sun shone on it.

On the Katy Trail

Since I had plenty of time this morning, I rode at a little more leisurely pace and planned to stop quite a bit to take pictures. This old railroad bridge crosses the Femme Osage Creek along the Katy Trail. It is located near Defiance, MO. There is a historical marker located very near this bridge.

The rich agricultural history of the area is clearly seen, as one passes through the Missouri River bottom on the Katy Trail. This beautiful site brings mixed emotions. Once this was a thriving farm operation and home to a family that made their livelihood farming this fertile land. Today, it appears that it is nearly abandoned. A few years ago, some folks opened a business here to cater to the trail traffic. I stopped here several times, hoping they would be able to make a go of their business. Apparently, there was not enough traffic from those who rode or walked the trail to keep it going.  Sadly, it closed after a short time. I can't help but wonder about the stories that these buildings could tell. Even empty and in disrepair, they are beautiful to see as one passes by. 

Lewis and Clark in Missouri
The Katy Trail closely follows the route of the Corp of Discovery in Missouri. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the Corp of Discovery departed from Wood River, Illinois on May 14, 1804. After making final provisions and arrangements in St. Charles, Missouri, they made their historic trek West. The expedition sighted the Pacific Ocean on November 7, 1805 and arrived on its shore two weeks later.

Signs such as this one give much information about Lewis and Clark's experiences in Missouri

There is much to learn about Lewis and Clark and the Corp of Discovery along the Katy Trail. If you plan to ride the entire trail, or study the Lewis and Clark Expedition, I would highly recommend that you secure a copy of Lewis and Clark in Missouri by Ann Rogers. You can purchase a copy on Amazon HERE. 

Klondike Park and Boat Ramp

At Katy Trail Mile Marker 64, you will find access to Klondike Park. It was once a silica sand quarry. The natural resources taken from this quarry were used to make glass products. The quarry reached the peak of its production in 1945 when a reported 233,000 tons of sand were exported to support the war effort. The quarry ceased its production in 1983. 

Now restored to its natural state, it has become a very popular destination for outdoor activities. Campers, hikers, cyclists and scout groups enjoy the park's natural beauty. It is the perfect getaway destination that is not far away. If you plan to camp on the weekend, you may want to consider a reservation. You can make a reservation online HERE.

Entrance to boat ramp off Highway 94

Labadie Power Plant across the Missouri River from Klondike Park

Beautiful lake in Klondike Park. No, it isn't snow. It is silica sand!

If you are willing to climb the bluff into Klondike Park, there is much to enjoy. Miles of hiking trails weave through the park. Trails lead to the highest parts of the park and offer some fantastic views of the surrounding area. There are different amenities for camping and picnicking. The link above will give you all the information you need to plan and enjoy your visit to Klondike Park. 

Kate's Coffee House

First, I want to give you the website of this charming place located in Augusta, Missouri. You will want to visit their website HERE.

You can like the on FaceBook HERE.

Randal Oaks and his wife Marj opened this great little place in February of this year. Mindy and I learned of it only a couple of months ago. Since then, we have visited numerous times! I've attached a few pictures below that only hint at the beauty and charm of this delightful place. It is a coffee shop which is open for breakfast and lunch. Though their menu is not extensive, the unique items they offer are skillfully prepared and are simply delicious. We have made it our goal to sample every single item on the menu and we are making good progress. We have throughly enjoyed everything we have ordered either for breakfast or lunch. 

In addition to the pleasant surroundings and delicious food, we've come to appreciate and enjoy the company of the fine folks who operate Kate's Coffee. They are anxious to welcome you, explain their menu and help you enjoy your time with them. You will leave not feeling like a customer, but rather having enjoyed your time with some friends. I guarantee you will enjoy the food and folks at Kate's Coffee. Please do tell them that Bruce and Mindy sent you!

Front view of Kate's Coffee House

Beautiful and inviting entrance to this charming place.

On a nice day, there is plenty of room to enjoy your coffee or meal outside.

Easy access on the bike after you climb the hill from the Katy Trail. 

You'll enjoy the area surrounding the cafe.

Robin and Randall

Katy

If the pulled pork sandwich is on the menu ORDER IT!

Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Ham Croissant with Mushroom Brie Soup

Sausage Biscuit (with egg) and Breakfast Wrap

Pulled Pork on Pretzel Bun with Potato Salad

Be sure and ask Randall about this classic car! 

The sign in Kate's Coffee says it all. You will enjoy your time with the friends you meet here.

A parting shot as we left Augusta heading back to the trail.

This day's excursion on the bike was only 32 miles, but I feel like I covered more than miles. In many ways, the bike often reminds me of a time machine that takes you back through some of the most interesting history of our area. You will see and experience things via a bike that you would not even notice as you travel by car. As much as the wonderful things I see on the bike, I truly enjoy the places I visit and the friends I meet along the way.

Thanks for taking the time to view my blog. I enjoy sharing my travels with you. 

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24

Visit Hope Bible Church's Website HERE.

City Ride on a Beautiful Fall Day

Starting at the Missouri Botanical Garden

This morning, the weather was perfect for a bike ride. I loaded my Giant Halfway folding bike into my '69 VW Bug and drove to the Tower Grove area. I started at the Missouri Botanical Garden. It is a good, safe place to park and no one bothers the vehicles in this parking lot. 

Unfortunately, this beautiful area has been in the news in recents weeks, because of a shooting just down the block. For days following the shooting, there were numerous protests in various areas surrounding the Botanical Garden. Things seem to have settled down a bit and I had no problems this morning. 

You can learn more about the Botanical Garden HERE

The map below shows the 15 mile loop I made through the neighborhoods. Beautiful, interesting, historic riding. 

I did make a quick stop at the Tower Grove Farmer's Market to pick up some honey. Even though the Market is beginning to wind down because it is late in the season, it is still a great place to visit on Saturday morning. It will continue to be open until November 22, the last Saturday before Thanksgiving. If you have never visited this Market you really ought to check it out. You can learn more about it HERE.

Water Tower with Naked Truth Sculpture

Next stop, was the Compton Heights Water Tower Park. This beautiful little area has seen major renovations in recent years. Mindy and I love visiting this tower.  It is a historic structure and a landmark in St. Louis. We have climbed to the top a number of times and the view is magnificent! 

Also in the park, is a historic statue named Naked Truth. A closer view of the statue reveals that no imagination is necessary to see how it got its name. This statue has been recently restored and new landscaping beautifies the area.You can learn more about this park HERE. 

3536 Russell Blvd. 

Former Home of Berean Mission, Inc.

Just across Russell Blvd. from the Tower, is this beautiful old house. It once served as the world headquarters of Berean Mission, Inc. This Missions organization has been instrumental in sending scores of missionaries to the foreign field carrying the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. A number of years ago, this organization merged with another missions organization and is now known as CrossWorld. You can learn more about this international missions organization HERE.

This location played a very important role in my life early in my spiritual experience. It was here that I spent many hours with Rev. Joseph McCaskey, Rev. Doug Howe and other staff members learning of the work of missions around the world. These gentlemen, and others, helped me grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and helped me kindle a passion for the lost around the world. I will be eternally grateful for the things I learned in this place. 

The name Berean comes from Acts 17:11 - These [the Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Lafayette Square

Next, I headed East to Lafayette Park. This beautiful old park is actually older than Forest Park. It is St. Louis' oldest public park, established in 1836. It is not as large or well visited as Forest Park, but the community works hard at maintaining this beautiful, historic landmark. I made a quick loop of the park and stopped just long enough to take a picture of the lovely building situated on the Southeast corner of the park. This historic park is worth your time if you are in the area. Soulard Farmer's Market is about a mile east of this park. Learn more about Lafayette Park HERE. 

My youngest grandson, Raleigh, guarding my bike! 

On the way back to the car, I was very surprised to hear a little guy say: There's Papa! Coming down the sidewalk with his Dad, was my grandson Raleigh. He is not normally up and around early on Saturday morning, but they were just returning from the Tower Grove Farmer's Market. I visited with them for awhile before they headed home. It was the highlight of my morning!

Faust Park

The Butterfly House

View of the Butterfly House across the lake. 

Last week, Mindy and I visited the Butterfly House in Faust Park. She had been there before, but it was the first time for me. It is a fascinating place filled with thousands of butterflies of various species. You can spend a quiet, peaceful time there watching these beautiful butterflies fly through the conservatory. If you sit still, they will land on you! You can easily enjoy a close-up view of these delicate little creatures.

Since the park looked so interesting, I stopped here on the way home to see if there were any bike trails. There are not, however, I did unfold the bike and while cruising around the park, made a discovery. I did not realize that on the premises of Faust Park, is the home of the second governor of Missouri, Frederick Bates. Tucked back in the wooded area of the park, is this beautiful old home, farm buildings and cemetery. I took the bike through the gate and meandered down the old road to explore this quaint little area. It really is like stepping back in time. With the leaves changing into their splendid colors, a number of artists were out with easels, canvases, and brushes trying to capture the beauty of this area. I did it the easy way and snapped a couple of pictures! You can see them below. 

Thornhill Home and Historic Village

Plaque at the entrance of Thornhill.

Thornhill Home with beautiful fall leaves. 

Thornhill Home - Oldest Governor's  home still standing in Missouri.

Sometimes the path less pedaled is more beautiful.

Gravesite of Frederick Bates

A closer view.

Quiet, peaceful cemetery.

Very well preserved and maintained farm buildings.

A quiet, peaceful setting on a beautiful fall day. 

I did not cover a lot of miles today, but it felt like I took a ride back in time and discovered an interesting piece of history. You never really know where your bike will take you! 

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

 Before the mountains were brought forth,

or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,

even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Psalm 90:1-2

Bike riding for 182 CONSECUTIVE days = SIX MONTHS!

Bike riding for 182 CONSECUTIVE days = SIX MONTHS!

Most of my riding is done early in the morning before work. 

I do have some beautiful areas to ride near home and work. You can catch a glimpse of that HERE.

On April 1st, I started riding each day with 30 Days of Biking. This is an international organization that encourages you to commit to ride your bike each day for thirty days (the month of April).  I rode each day in the month of April and just kept going. Thirty days, sixty days, ninety days . . . . you get the idea. After I hit one hundred days, I set a personal goal to ride each day for six months! Although I have been riding for over ten years, this is the most ambitious goal I have ever set for myself. I've ridden lots of miles -- numerous centuries and some months I have logged over a thousand miles. However, this goal required a sustained commitment of riding each day for at least 182 days, maintaining an average of over 20 miles per day.

By the grace of God, with His enabling, today I have reached that goal! I have logged over 4,200 miles in the past 6 months while averaging 23 miles a day. Rain or shine, I hopped on the bike in the morning before work and enjoyed the early morning hours of cycling. Personally, I have put more miles on my bikes than I have on our cars. For the most part, the weather cooperated. I do make a point not to ride in lightning. :-)

The chart below shows my miles for the past twelve months. I have rounded off the last six month totals at the bottom of the chart.

APR=720  MAY=618  JUL=736  JUL=833  AUG=708 SEP=600

One of the questions I am asked most is, What kind of bike do you ride?  My answer usually depends on which one I can get to in the garage! I own a few bikes. I've pictured a few of them that I have ridden over the last six months. I've also noted the total number of miles I have on each of these bikes.

Dahon Speed P8 total miles 1,225

I purchased this great little bike earlier this year for $100. The Trek Store took it in on trade and really didn't want to keep it in their inventory, so they gave me a great deal on it. It is a perfect all-around commuting bike. I ride it everywhere. I especially like riding it in the city. I like that it folds up and goes right into the back of my 1969 VW Bug.

Trek District Single Speed total miles 1,153
You can see I have detailed this bike with wood and leather

This is a Trek District single speed road bike. I also purchased this bike earlier this year. It has a flip-flop rear hub that easily converts the freewheeling single speed into a fixed-gear bike. I've done quite a bit of customizing on this beautiful bike. 

Sun EZ3 Trike total miles 154

I have sold this recumbent trike several times and bought it back. It is cumbersome and slow. I use it occasionally on slick pavements. My favorite use for this trike is riding with my grandson. We've logged some happy miles on this trike. When he was much younger, he liked riding in the seat on the front of the bike. You can see that HERE.

Giant Halfway Folding Bike total miles 3,580

This is the first folding bike I've ever owned. It is also the first bike I've owned with a mono-fork. This enables it to fold into a tighter package. It is a seven speed bike. When I bought it, I never thought I would ride it as much as I have. It is the perfect sightseeing bike. It is lightweight, maneuverable and easy to get around on. Because it quickly adjusts to almost any size person, it is a good bike to lend to a friend.

Trek R200 Recumbent total miles 25,732

This is the first and only recumbent Trek ever made. It is unique in that it has two derailleurs.  One on the rear tire and one in the middle under the seat. The two combined gives you a total of 40 gears. It is a little difficult to get used to initially, but as you can see, I have put a lot of miles on this recumbent in the years I have had it.

1964 Schwinn Varsity total miles 137

My son Matthew helped me get this Schwinn classic. It is a steel frame bike that rides very smoothly. This one is in excellent condition. Note that it does have both front and rear lights that work off the generator on the rear wheel. This classic bike was made 50 years ago. The same year that Hope Bible Church began!  For that reason, I call it the Anniversary Bike.
You can see a 1964 Schwinn advertisement for this bicycle HERE. The bike sold for $66.95 in 1964.

Trek Transport total miles 618 miles 

With the increased popularity of bike commuting, there have been a number of cargo bikes that have come onto market. This is Trek's first cargo bike. It has a large load capacity and is geared to move heavy loads. Trek makes the custom canvas bags to fit the bikes unique hauling racks. The bags can be easily removed to haul bulkier loads that will not fit in the bags. I call this my Truck and have done a lot of shopping and commuting on it. Great bike! You can see a review of this bike HERE.

Trek 1.5 total miles 9,623

This Trek 1.5 is the first real road bike I've owned. It was a radical shift from my recumbent road bike. I was not sure I would like the transition, but I do. This is a lightweight machine that I ride almost anywhere (on road) and although I haven't had it long, I've put a lot of miles on it.

That is probably more than you really wanted to know about some of my bikes. I do have a few more, but these are the ones that I have ridden the last 182 days to cover the 4,200 miles in my six month goal. Maybe my wife will be impressed enough with this accomplishment that she will encourage me to celebrate by buying a new bike. That probably isn't going to happen!