Katy Trail in Missouri

[Maureen Valley]

I would very much like to bike a portion of the Katy Trail in Missouri...perhaps next fall when the leaves are turning. It's the longest Rail to Trail roadway in the country....over 200 miles long.

Has anyone out there done part of this trail or all of it? I am wondering where to pick it up to maximize a 3 or 4 day bike trip staying at lodgings along the way.

Here is the link:
www.bikekatytrail.com

Thanks for any and all input!! Please share your experiences.
Maureen

[Thorn]

Oooh...the Katy trail has been on our list for a while. We drove through the area on another vacation and thought an inn-to-inn on the Katy would be fun. Make sure you include one or two wineries along the way (?Hermann?). That area of Missouri makes a wine with a grape native to North America (the Norton or Cynthiana) that creates a really different wine.

Anway, whenever I plot a trip, I look to see where the "pros" go (sometimes I use a tour company; sometimes we go self-catered). There is a company that does the Katy trail--you might want to check out their site (http://www.timbertours.com/HL_KT.html). We've travelled with them once. It is a laid back company where it is the cycling that isimportant. They won't win awards for 5-star accomodations, but they provide 5-start support when you're on the road.

Looking forward to the post trip report!

[Maureen Valley]

Thorn:

This is the kind of info I'm looking for!!! Thanks a bunch for the link. I also found an Elder Hostel that does two tours of the Katy Trail...one 5 days long and the other 6 days. The cost is under $1,000....always a plus.

Now...to check out your link.

Thanks again!
Maureen

[bike4ever]

I received information this week regarding bed and breakfast inns along biking trails. Here's some info for the Katy Trail:

http://www.bbbiking.com/trailtest.as...Submit1=Search

[Maureen Valley]

Bike Mom.....thanks much. This is invaluable.

I'm getting excited about this trip.

Maureen

[AllezGirl]

I went to school in Columbia and have riden much of the section between Rocheport and Jefferson City. October is a great month to hit the trail, especially with the trees in full color. Make sure to stop by the Cycle Depot in Hartsburg, and you can refuel with homestyle cooking at the cafe next door. Sipping some wine at the Les Bourgeois winery in Rocheport that sits on a bluff overlooking the River makes for a nice afternoon. And, If you like wine &/or beer, the German village of Hermann is full of wineries and brewerys. I believe the only way to experience a more authentic Oktoberfest is to travel to Germany!

This post is making me homesick!

[Maureen Valley]

Ladies....I do thank you for your input. I've earmarked May, 2007 as my trip month and will concentrate on continuing on building miles....building endurance and gaining confidence.

Best to all:
Maureen

[spokewench]

I don't know anything about the trail, but this is such a coincidence. The couple I went backpacking in the Grand Canyon this weekend are planning a trip next Spring with John's mother (78 years old) to do the Katy trail.

I had never heard about the trail before and now here it is on TE. I hear it is pretty flat and sounds like it would be a fun thing to do!