KATY Trail
Rendezvous 1: September 8-14, 2024 Rendezvous 2: September 15-21, 2024
KATY Trail
Rendezvous 1: Sept 8-14, 2024
Rendezvous 2: Sept 15-21, 2024
KATY Trail Bike Tour–Here’s what to expect…
The KATY Trail is one of the longest and continuous Rails to Trails in the USA. It’s packed with scenic views and historical markers along the way. Remnants of the old Missouri, Kansas and Texas (MKT) railroad still loom along the trail while cycling through charming small agriculture communities of the Show Me state. We cannot stress it enough that this is a fully dedicated bicycle trail unencumbered by traffic, at points, the trail crosses minor roads, but these are well marked and virtually risk free. It’s a ride and not a race. We encourage riders to take their time and to maintain a leisurely pace. We’ll be offering twice daily SAGS to keep you hydrated and fed as well.
Embarking on the KATY Trail Tour:
Nestled near the trail in historic St. Charles, our host hotel sets the stage for the KATY Trail adventure. Enjoy the added perk of lodging on Sunday, now seamlessly integrated into the registration fee. Please note that accommodation for Saturday night at the tour’s conclusion is not included.
Rider check-in and the meeting are scheduled for Sunday at around 2 pm, and worry not about parking—free long-term parking is readily available for our riders.
Day 1, Monday
Our ride starts early on Monday. We will assemble at the notorious Frontier Park and on the first day you’ll cycle 35 miles west to Dutzow. During the day, riders will pass Defiance, where Daniel Boone lived the last years of his full life and was known for rendering fair decisions on local disputes while sitting under the spreading branches of the massive Judgment Tree.
At the end of the ride in Dutzow riders will be shuttled to nearby Washington. This is the only day where you’ll be shuttled. All other days, riders cycle to the accommodations where your bags will await you pre-positioned in your rooms.
Day 2, Tuesday
It’s an easy 30-mile pedal to McKittrick, then another two miles into Hermann, where the tour will overnight Tuesday. Hermann, voted the “best small city for a weekend getaway” by AAA members, features many historic B&Bs and hotels (over 150 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places) plus an eclectic array of antique stores and specialty shops.
Day 3, Wednesday
Wednesday’s tour will take you about 47 miles from Hermann to Jefferson City, the charming capital of Missouri. Founded in 1839, this picturesque town offers a blend of wineries, parks, museums, and historical sites. While exploring Jefferson City, don’t miss the opportunity to admire the remarkable artwork gracing the state capital. The captivating pieces contribute to the city’s rich cultural tapestry, providing a unique and enriching experience for visitors.
Day 4, Thursday
On Thursday, the group pedals 53 miles down the trail to Boonville. Many say that the scenery around Rhineland is the gem of the ride, where the Missouri river is vast and fast. Boonville is yet another quaint river town packed with stylish old homes, unique shops and the historic Hotel Frederick. The “Fred” was built in 1905 and boasts an appropriate sense of history, highlighted by a cozy old school lobby and a 1920s style full bar. Recently ownership has fully refurbished this gem of a hotel, rooms are a blend of old and new that hearkens back to their former splendor. Dinner and breakfast will be in the hotel’s top-notch restaurant.
Day 5, Friday
From Boonville, Day 5, the trail meanders 36 miles through woods and small towns towards Sedalia. The group will spend the night in the historic town center at the Hotel Bothwell. It was opened in 1927 and is rumored to have a ghost or two keeping an eye on the elegant rooms. Sedalia was incorporated in 1860 and boomed along with the railroad. Earlier, Osage and Shawnee tribes also called the area home. Dinner and breakfast will be served in the hotel’s dining room.
Day 6, Saturday
The final stretch, Saturday, rolls 38 miles to Clinton to the conclusion of the ride. Highlights include the Bicentennial caboose, where sadly we’ll snap our tour’s final group photo. Once you finish the ride, we will provide a shower option, as well as a light lunch. Riders will then be shuttled back to St Charles and typically we arrive around 3pm.
Trip details are subject to change.
Take advantage of Early Bird pricing and register ASAP!
Pricing is based on receipt of registration and deposit. Mail-in registration/payment must be postmarked by the stated early bird date. Online payment must be received before date the date stated.
At this boutique bed and breakfast, rooms only have one bed. If more than one person to the room, you will be sharing the same bed.
Price Increase:
In response to the effects of increased prices associated with general industry trends in the hotel and hospitality industry post Covid, we have found it necessary to increase prices. Additionally, the 2024 tour now includes your first night’s stay at a hotel and a light dinner, all covered in the tour price. The issue was consistently raised by previous customers, and with new ownership, we are dedicated to enhancing the convenience and comprehensiveness of our tour packaging. Thanks for your understanding and consideration of our tour.
Take advantage of Early Bird pricing and register ASAP!
Pricing is based on receipt of registration and deposit. Mail-in registration/payment must be postmarked by the stated early bird date. Online payment must be received on or before the early bird expiration date.
Note: Double/Triple/Quad rate is only available to those sharing a single room with two beds.
Starting in 2024, Bubba’s PAMPERED Pedalers will offer a limited number of bicycles available for rent. Our inventory primarily consists of hybrid bikes, with a small selection of gravel bikes, sorry but no EBikes at this time. If we have enough advance notice, we can typically find a bike that fits your needs. Our goal is to offer customers well-maintained bikes that are not new, but are priced affordably. If you’d like to rent a bike from us, please reach out to discuss our inventory and determine if we have a suitable option for you. Keep in mind that if you decide the bike doesn’t work for you when you arrive for the ride, you won’t be able to switch it out.
You can’t come through St. Louis without catching some local music. We are delighted to offer the option for an exceptional music experience on the Sunday evening prior to the first day of your ride. T.J. Muller is a true treasure in St. Louis. The city’s historic jazz, ragtime, and blues scene is his main focus. These musicians are well-regarded for their charismatic approach to early jazz, unmatched performances, and remarkable expertise in the stories and historical background of the music.
The 1st Rendezvous will have a performance in St. Charles with musicians from the Gaslight Squares, including T.J. and his Juilliard School training on the amazing duck-call.
Those who are attending the 2nd Rendezvous will have the opportunity to join us on a trip to the city, where we will see the Arcadia Dance Orchestra. This 11-Piece Jazz Orchestra specializes in performing music from the 1920s and their live performance is truly mesmerizing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the dates for KATY Trail 2024?
Due to widespread demand we are offering the tour twice. There is no difference in the package\plans of either ride.
Rendezvous 1: Sept 8-14, 2024
Rendezvous 2: Sept 15-21, 2024
I will be flying in. What is the closest airport?
St Louis International Airport is the closest airport.
I will be driving. What can I do with my vehicle while on tour?
The host hotel offers free long-term parking.
What type of bike should I bring?
The tour will be riding on crushed stone. For comfort it’s recommended that tires should be puncture resistant and a minimum of 32mm in width.
Who is the recommended outfitter for bicycle rentals?
Riders must make their own arrangements for bike rental. Reference Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers if you book from the preferred local outfitter. This shop is a 20 minutes walk from the host hotel.
Bike Stop Cafe, 701 S Riverside Dr, St Charles, MO 63301 \ Tony (314) 973-4422 or Jodi (314)-620-1491
Starting in 2024, Bubba’s PAMPERED Pedalers will offer a limited number of bicycles available for rent. Our inventory primarily consists of hybrid bikes, with a small selection of gravel bikes, sorry but no EBikes at this time. If we have enough advance notice, we can typically find a bike that fits your needs. Our goal is to offer customers well-maintained bikes that are not new, but are priced affordably. If you’d like to rent a bike from us, please reach out to discuss our inventory and determine if we have a suitable option for you. Keep in mind that if you decide the bike doesn’t work for you when you arrive for the ride, you won’t be able to switch it out.
What are the logistical arrangements on the final riding day?
At a local community center in Clinton, you have the option to shower (don’t forget your toiletries), and the tour will give you disposable towels and an additional string bag to pack your clothes for the shuttle trip back to St. Charles.
Will be arriving back into St Charles late afternoon Saturday. Do not book outgoing flights before 9 PM on that day to ensure ample travel time.
What surface type will I be riding on?
The KATY Trail is a very well maintained crushed limestone trail void of vehicle traffic. Even though not required, bike fenders will keep you and your bike cleaner.
Where is the starting point \ host hotel?
Comfort Suites St Charles-St Louis, 1400 S 5th St, St Charles, MO 63301 (636) 949-0694, patel0876@gmail.com
Please note that historically this package did not include the first night accommodation, for 2024 and in this package your Sunday night accommodation (plus a light dinner) IS included.
If I fly how do I get to the host hotel?
Prices for ride hailing apps tend to fluctuate. You can pre-book a ride day(s)in advance of your arrival.
I’m a vegetarian. Is that a problem?
Not a problem. That said, vegetarian is the only other dietary option available.
Are non-riders welcome?
We welcome everyone. Non-riders will need to complete the same registration forms and pay the same fee as a rider. A non-rider will be part of every aspect of the tour except the riding if they so choose.
What if, for some reason, I cannot finish the biking day?
No problem. If you feel you cannot finish the day’s ride, our staff will assist you and your bike to get you to the ending location. No questions asked.
Alternatively, each evening before the next day’s ride we offered shortened mileage variants where we will move you forward and this way everyone ends at the same point.
Bubba's Pampered Pedalers
1916 Pike Place
Ste 12 #1470
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 250-3395
pamperedpedalers@gmail.com
What are past riders saying about the KATY Trail Bike Tour?
B.N.:
As I sat enjoying lunch at the ending location, I pondered, ‘what is the ONE thing I would change on this tour?’ To my surprise, I couldn’t come up with even one. Yes, it was just that perfect.
Jeff and Jan:
The KATY Trail tour was amazing! The scenery was beautiful, and the small number of riders allowed everyone to get to know each other and cheer each other on to the end of the trail. The historic hotels and B&Bs were charming and the small towns along the trail offered lots of things to see and do. The only negative was that 5 pound weight gain because the dinners were five star quality every night and as one of my fellow riders declared the SAG stops were ran by awesome staff!
S.M.:
The KATY Trail experience with Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers was incredible for me because I could never have done such a trip on my own. I do not have any local biking friends who would have considered such a feat. Your level of organization was “head and shoulders” above what I was expecting. Thank you so much for making it possible for me to say that I have biked across the KATY Trail!
G.S.:
I was fortunate to participate in the inaugural KATY Trail Tour with Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers, and I can confidently say that “pampered” perfectly describes how I felt the entire week! Each day kicked off with a hearty breakfast before we embarked on our journey to discover the day’s surprises. We encountered picturesque bluffs, the majestic Missouri River, charming old railroad bridges, and quaint small towns and farms along the way. SAG stops during the ride were strategically placed and always well-stocked. (After indulging in my peanut butter and honey pita at one SAG stop, my riding partner jokingly claimed it made me ride faster!)
After a satisfying day of cycling the KATY Trail, I eagerly anticipated a comfortable bed. To my delight, the accommodations exceeded my expectations. From the luxurious Ameristar Hotel in St Charles, MO, to the charming bed-and-breakfasts in Hermann, the exceptional historical Hotel Frederick in Boonville, and onward to the impressive Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, the lodgings just kept improving. The evening dinners provided a laid-back atmosphere, allowing ample time to connect with fellow riders. Speaking of dinners, they were nothing short of amazing! Fortunately, my riding partner and I made different selections and graciously shared our meals. Throughout the ride, I had the pleasure of meeting wonderful individuals whom I now consider friends. Without a doubt, I’m already planning to ride the KATY Trail again with Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers!
L.T.:
Joining the KATY Trail Bicycle Tour with Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers was a game-changer! The scenic beauty, well-planned routes, and charming accommodations exceeded my expectations. From historic St. Charles to picturesque Clinton, every moment was a delight. The camaraderie among riders and the thoughtful organization made it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend!