Katy Trail Bike Trail: Ragtime Ride

Meet the shuttle van at St. Charles, MO near the eastern end of the Katy Trail MM 39.5) On day 6 this will be your tour end. Note: MM 26.9 to MM 39.5 is ridable, and nice, but not fully developed with services. Overnight parking is available for our cyclists. E-bike rental is 6 blocks away and located directly on the trail. To our friends driving from the west of Missouri, – save a drive to St Charles, you can optionally park at Sedalia and shuttle back from St Charles on the last morning. This historic lodging will provide a relaxing evening before your first days cycling.

The shuttle will provide door-to-door service for you and bikes directly to your Sedalia lodging (3 hours)

Lodging: Small Historic Hotel at Sedalia

Leave luggage with your host. We will transfer it for you to this evening’s destination, and each day on your tour. IF able, please take some light clothes along. Rare as it is, situations may arise of late afternoon luggage arrival. Note: B&B check-ins are usually 3:30/4:00pm. If arriving sooner, please call ahead. Our lodgings are very accommodating but many of our host do their fresh food shopping in the afternoons. Or take advantage of our no bags transfer discount.

Today is the longest section of your tour on the trail, 50 miles to Rocheport lodging. The distance can be shortened upon request to 36 miles with pickup and shuttle from Boonville (MM 191.8) to your lodging in the lovely village of Rocheport (MM 178.3). The only tunnel on the trail is just west of the Rocheport trailhead and the town has a winery, antique shops and a few restaurant choices. Upon reaching Boonville, MO, stop in at the Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum just before the Boonville Train Depot. The museum is free and well worth the short time to visit, and the depot is restored in a beautiful Santa Fe Mission design. You’ll know the cycling day is ending upon reaching the only tunnel on the trail, the Rocheport Tunnel. While in Rocheport, MO stroll along the Riverfront Walk or visit Les Bourgeois Winery for a bluff top view, with superb dining.

Lodging: B&B at Rocheport

Today starts with the most scenic of towering bluffs and the Missouri River almost touching on one another as you cycle between. At Hindman Junction (MM 169.9) add a few miles with some cycling on the MKT Trail connecting into Columbia, MO. Keep in mind, Coopers Landing at MM 163.5 is a great spot for a break. Arriving at the N Jefferson TH at MM 143.2, it’s approx. 2 miles to the nights lodging and the Jefferson City Katy Spur will direct you there, and the including crossing the Missouri River on a fully separate bike lane. With a couple of bridge over looks, you’ll encounter great views of Jefferson City, MO, that is the Capitol of Missouri. Once a bustling town with stage coach, riverboat and rail traffic, it is the first city in the country named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson. A good spot to add an extra night’s stay if so inclined.

Lodging: Hotel at Jefferson City (on site laundry service is available)

With a second ride over the bridge, the Katy Trail Bike Trail cycling adventure continues onto Hermann, MO. Most of this cycling day includes short sporadic bluffs with sections of forest on your left, and wide open river bottoms on the right, as the Missouri River meanders seldom to the trail. This section also includes rural landscapes and several small towns of historic note as early railroad towns. As we reach Portland the Missouri River is in sight as you cycle just past Bluffton and the Grand Bluffs Conservation Area. At McKittrick (MM 100.8) cross the Missouri River Bridge with its protected bike path into Hermann for your evening lodging. This bridge is bicycle safe and friendly. The winery town of Hermann has much to offer including antique shops and several wine tasting rooms and restaurants. Crossing the river into Hermann, your lodging is getting close. Hermann is our number one town for adding an extra day. If taking a day off the bike, visit wineries, brewery’s, shops and more as you take in this historic town. The option of finishing in Rhineland (lodging right on the trail) will cut this cycling day to 39 miles instead of 46. Our Rhineland B&B host will shuttle and drop you off in Hermann for a few hours (10-minute drive away)

Lodging: B&B at Hermann – Optional B&B on the trail in Rhineland (shortens daily milage by 6 miles)

From Hermann, back on the trail (1.5 miles), the McKittrick TH is basically the Katy Trail cycling start of the day. Traveling through many small rail towns, this section touches the Missouri River for approx. 4 miles earlier in the day. Mostly cycling with wide open views, the geological setting gives an understanding of the immensity of one of our great American Water Ways. Finishing the day in Augusta.

Lodging: B&B at Augusta

The last leg of this self-guided cycling tour brings us back to cycling amongst lower bluffs with an optional spot for high bluff views. Early in the cycling day, if inclined, climb a very short distance up to Klondike Park. The views are great, and with some added easy cycling around the park lake, (nice loop trail) you can add a few extra miles. When reaching Defiance (MM 59.1) please stop in the Katy Bike Shop, our shuttle crew’s headquarters. Grab some souvenirs and a bite to eat, and a possible quick tour of Daniel Boone Home National Historic Site (please inquire if interested) Cycling through Weldon Springs Conversation Area, we touch the river once more before finishing your self-guided cycling in the historic town of St Charles. Another popular town for a multi-day stay.

Lodging: Hotel at St Charles

Excellent B&B lodging, and great hotels, will leave you relaxed and ready to cycle each day. With an experienced support crew, there are no worries of break downs or weather related setbacks, we will assist with comfort and efficiency. Whether cycling with standard rail-trail bike, trikes, recumbent or fat tire E- bike, we shuttle all shapes and sizes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a great cycling vacation while Independent Tourist does all the work.