Plan a Ride on the Katy Trail

Equipment Check
Make sure your bike is well-adjusted with a cozy seat. You'll want good breathable clothing, comfy shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and proper undergarments.

Have your bike checked over and bring along a patch kit, pump, and spare tubes. You'll also want a chain repair kit, a lubricant, and tire levers. A backpack to carry your bike gear is a must.

Getting to Sedalia
The easiest way to get to Sedalia is via the Missouri River Runner. Amtrak provides service to Sedalia from Washington, Missouri and Kirkwood, Missouri, both conveniently located near the St. Louis metro area. Reserve a spot for you and your bike early and check the bike accommodation rules.

Your Amtrak train is likely to arrive late and you'll probably eat dinner on board. If you need a place to stay before your ride, try the historic (and possibly haunted) Hotel Bothwell.

This is a long ride, 51 miles, so rest up the night before.

Trail Conditions
This part of the trail has gradual inclines over a mile and you'll descend over the same distance.

Stop and See

• Clifton, Missouri still has the old railroad lights.
• Tour the haunted rooms at Hotel Frederick after you eat lunch inside their own diner.
• Just before Rocheport is the old Katy Train Tunnel. You'll get to ride through it

Food
Boonville is a good stop for lunch. Eat lunch at Glenn's Cafe known for their cajun food and potato chips. Glenn's is only open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday.

Consider reserving a table at Abigail's in Rocheport. It'll be a great way to refuel after a long ride.

Overnight Lodging
Stay at the Schoolhouse B&B in Rocheport. They have special rooms for cyclists who want to hit the trail early and have a special clean up area for you. The room comes with a stocked fridge and access to a laundry area.

A little easier, today's trail is 35 miles.

Trail Conditions
The ride itself isn't bad but you have to cross over the Missouri river to get from North Jefferson to the lodging and food of Jefferson City. It's a very long ride at an incline at the end of your day so take it easy.

Stop and See

• Follow the Lewis & Clark trail and see some petroglyphs.
• Detour off the trail in Hartsburg to see the Burr Oak Tree
• Just before Easley is something called Boathenge. You'll know it when you see it.
• Once in Jefferson City be sure to walk around and look at the capitol and the other buildings

Food
Consider packing a lunch or stopping at Cooper's Landing just outside Columbia if you're riding the trail during their season. They have Thai food sometimes that even Mizzou fans come down for.

Cross over the Missouri River and get some food in Jefferson City. You can eat some BBQ at Lutz's Famous BBQ where you have to try the burnt ends.

Overnight Lodging
Stay at the Cliff Manor B&B Inn. It's a designated historical site, is conveniently located near the trail and offers Katy Trail packages.

We're picking up the pace a bit with a 45 mile ride.

Trail Conditions
You'll have to cross back over that bridge to get back to the trailhead. Eat a big breakfast at your B&B for energy!

Stop and See

• Standing Rock in Mokane has markings showing how high Missouri floodwaters have reached
• Hermann (just across from McKittrick> is wine country so enjoy a winery or some drinks.

Food
Stop at the corner in Rhineland at Trailside Bar & Grill. There are daily specials but I hear the burgers are amazing.

You can pre-arrange a gourmet meal at your hotel or try one of the many restaurants in town.

Overnight Lodging
Stay at Alpenhorn Gasthaus, a Swiss-German B&B with shuttle service to the trailhead in McKittrick. You can get a Katy Trail backpack for 2 to go for lunch the next day.

Calming back down to a 35 mile ride today.

Trail Conditions
The hardest part of your ride will be the 16 miles from McKittrick to Treload. After that it'll be smooth sailing.

Stop and See

• Enjoy the little towns between your starting and ending cities
• Augusta is still in wine country and you'll have plenty of time to visit some wineries.

Food
When you get to Dutzow, dig into that Katy Trail backpack you got from your B&B. You get two healthy sandwiches, plenty of fruit and veggies to munch on, some trail mix, and bottled water.

A great dinner spot is the Augusta Brewing Company. They have a nice variety of microbrew beers and a seasonal dinner menu.

Overnight Lodging
The Lindenhof B&B has an outdoor patio with a fireplace and a hot tub to relax in. Cookies and beverages are always available, and this is a perfect place to relax before one final day.

Your fastest ride will be 27 miles.

Trail Conditions
This will be the easiest ride of your trip. Keep on going till you see Frontier Park to hit 200 miles.

Stop and See

• The Weldon Springs Conservation Area is a beautiful way to see nature
• Spend the rest of your day exploring historic St. Charles and the riverfront

Food
You'll only need to eat lunch so stop in Historic St. Charles at Lewis & Clark's. I'm fond of the sandwiches like the french dip while my husband loves the burrito. We both drink a season beer here too.