The Katy Trail tour assembles in Clinton on Day 1, about an hour’s van shuttle southeast of Kansas City. There we’ll have time to check out the bikes and have the orientation talk and dinner.
We’ll ride to Sedalia, perennial site of the Missouri State Fair, on Day 2. It’s a peaceful route through farmland and pastures, before we reach the river. There is a small elevation change, but being a rail-trail, the pitch is so small you will barely notice.
We’re headed to Boonville on Day 3, beginning with a stop at the Sedalia Depot – renewed to its glory for the enjoyment of rail-trail riders. Once out of town, we follow Shaver Creek, and end at the Missouri River in the town of Boonville, named after Nathan Boone and Daniel Morgan Boone (sons of the famous Daniell Boone.) There were 2 major Civil War battles in the area, which you can learn about at the visitor center when we reach Boonville.
Day 4, we will be riding in the Missouri River valley, cycling along limestone bluffs and expansive vineyards, for the prettiest section of the route. Remember your head light to pass through the only tunnel of the trail. We end our day in the capital city of Jefferson City, after crossing the Missouri River on a beautiful cantilevered bicycle and pedestrian bridge. You can visit the state Capitol building with an advance reservation.
On Day 5 we pass small communities along a smooth and peaceful ride through the countryside. We are headed for Hermann and Missouri’s wine country. Once again, we must cross the Missouri river to reach overnight accommodations. We should arrive early enough to tour the Stone Hill Winery.
Day 6 it’s on to Augusta on the north side of the river. We travel through conservation areas, vineyards and other agricultural areas, and near historic and cultural sights. Our overnight is in beautiful B&B’s, in this small town with charm from a bygone era.
On Day 7 we ride deep into wine country, passing several options for a winery lunch. We enter into St. Charles at Frontier Park along the river, a nice ending to a great adventure. The tour ends in St. Charles, just outside of St. Louis. A shuttle to the International Airport is available. If needing to return to Kansas City, you must arrange a ride before the tour starts.
