7-Day Missouri Katy Trail Bike Tour - Explore Scenic Landscapes

Please ensure you've made preparations for breakfast prior to meeting. Bring your luggage and be ride-ready. After brief introductions, we will pile our luggage and bikes into the trailer and hop in the van. We will shuttle to the Clinton trailhead, at the far west end of the Katy Trail, where we will hold an Orientation Meeting, get fitted on our bikes, and begin our ride. After passing through the small towns of Calhoun, Windsor and Green Ridge, we will end the day in Sedalia. Once known as the “Sodom and Gomorrah of the nineteenth century,” Sedalia has a rich history from the railroad (make sure to see the Katy Sedalia Depot) and Civil War eras. We will stay the night at a hotel that catered to many famous guests, including Harry Truman, Bette Davis and Clint Eastwood. Welcome dinner is together.
Accommodation: Hotel Bothwell, Sedalia
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 38.6 miles (62.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,000 feet (305 meters) ascent, 869 feet (265 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier 

We will begin the morning crossing the mighty Missouri River. For the remainder of the trip, we will parallel the north edge of the river, following the route of Lewis & Clark. Before reaching Rocheport, we will pass through a scenic tunnel. In town, enjoy lunch at the unique Meriwether Cafe or the Rocheport General Store before continuing on your way. In the latter part of the ride, we will divert off the Katy Trail and head towards Columbia, home of the University of Missouri, where we will spend the night. Tonight’s dinner will be in Columbia.
Accommodation: The Broadway Columbia DoubleTree Hotel, Columbia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 32.4 miles (52.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 805 feet (245 meters) ascent, 680 feet (207 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

We will begin the morning by backtracking to The Katy Trail. After rejoining the trail, we will ride along the tree-lined path, through the Eagle Bluff Conservation Area. Keep your ears and eyes open for birds unique to this part of the Midwest. Near the end of the ride, we will cross a bridge over the Missouri River to get to Jefferson City. The capitol of Missouri, the city has a lot to offer. After visiting the Governor’s Mansion or the State Capitol, treat yourself to an ice cream from Central Dairy — said to be one of the best ice cream parlors in the Midwest. Or take a two-hour history or ghost tour through the Missouri State Penitentiary, once known as “the bloodiest 47 acres in America.” Tonight, you will be on your own to enjoy the fine dining options in Jefferson City.
Accommodation: Courtyard Jefferson City, Jefferson City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 39 miles (62.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 949 feet (289 meters) ascent, 1,170 feet (357 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier 

Our final day of riding will get more urban as the miles progress. Our destination is St. Charles. Settled by French-speaking Canadians in its early days, St. Charles was deemed to be “the last civilized stop” by Lewis & Clark on their expedition. Enjoy this final destination on your journey along The Katy Trail. Consider having lunch at the popular Trailhead Brewing Company before visiting the Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum or the Foundry Art Centre. We will end our ride at a riverside park in St. Charles. Or opt to ride an additional 10 miles beyond downtown to the true end of the Katy Trail at Machens. After lunch, we will shuttle back to our starting point, where we will say our goodbyes.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 43.2 miles (69.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 740 feet (226 meters) ascent, 795 feet (242 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier