Ottawa (Depot)

Rode from Ottawa to Garnett with a hybrid bike with 700*32 tires, it was very soft so soft that by the time I got to Ritcmond I was beat up just like riding uphill the whole way, I was hard headed and head it to Garnett it was little better but still sinking a lot. I made it back to Richmond completely done :) could not finish to Ottawa. I guess I am a little out shape but it was fun, and well a...

9/8/2011 As a warm-up to the Prairie Spirit, I rode to Osawatomie and back to Ottawa Thursday. Perfect weather; nice ride.

Saw the usual greenery, deer, squirrels, fox, butterflies, late-flowers, birds, crows, and hawks. One hawk flew down in front of me twice with a small catch in its beak. It seemed proud, like it wanted somebody to see its prize. Also encountered one hiker and o...

I am planning on being there for the 7:00 am ride to Ottawa and back. I am using it as a tune-up for a Katy ride the next weekend. Hope to see some others there. Anyone interested?

More information here....

For bicylists looking for a nearby alternate trail for a change of pace without having to go far to do so, the Ottawa-Osawatomie Flint Hills eastern section might fit the bill. Its pathway crosses the Prairie Spirit at 1st Street. Rode it and back Friday 6/3 by entering/leaving it at Ottawa’s east 7th Street gate. From there up to 1st Street it is overgrown with ballast rock, a good place for blow...

I stopped by here on Friday, October 15th at about 4 in the afternoon and George's was closed.

Several people saw me there and let me know that George was in the hospital, something that coverjim had informed me of earlier in the day. Some expected the business to reopen soon. Many people have told me about what a nice person George is and how nice it was to have his business i...

Before heading back to Kansas City, I stopped at the Zarco 66 near I-35 & Hwy 68. The gas station was incredibly clean. It also offered a variety of fresh and packaged food. Of course, after riding 50 miles I felt the need to eat junk food. But it also offered fresh fruit and other healthy options.

For anyone who needs decent coffee, the store also has an express version o...

I have started my rides on the trail many time from the Old Depot Museum. Not just for the free parking and water fountain.

The old depot is one of two classic train stations along the trail. There are nice benches to sit in to get your self ready and some nice shade under the eves in the morning.

That said, it is worth your time to set aside an hour to go through the...

Since this is so close to the start of the trail at the Old Depot, I have been here several times. It is usually good for a bag of trail mix or other snacks for along the way.

Bathrooms before you start are not a bad idea either....

Since I rode this Friday, I thought that I would save everyone the time looking for it. Until the FHNT is fully developed in town, it may be hard to find.

About halfway in between the Depot Museum and the Ottawa trailhead is 7th Street. Turn East on this street crossing Main Street and continue one for approximately one mile. The road will become gravel and about two blocks after th...

Is there any place to camp in or near Ottawa? Primitive (just a tent site) is all I'm looking for.

I was thinking perhaps Forest Park had some campsites, or maybe the park next to the trailhead, but I checked the city web site, and didn't find any info......

Sorry if it seems I harp on this topic, but you might have noticed that it is hot out.

Has anyone else gotten the water fountain at the Ottawa trailhead to work? I have tried several times over the last couple of weeks and nothing. No water, no sound of air moving through the pipe, nada. Just seeing if it's my incompetence.

Timon...

There is a public meeting in Ottawa this Saturday the 24th on trails and walkability at the Ottawa City Hall. It lasts from 10am to noon and is sponsored by the Ottawa Downtown Association. Let them know your thoughts.

Timon
...