Katy Trail Last Day- Oct 23

It was a cool 40 degrees when we started at 9 but we had to get an early start for our 65 mile day to our final destination, St. Charles, MO.  It’s almost 11 when we arrive at the Marthasville depot to stretch and reconnect before moving on.  

Lots of sun, blue skies and almost no wind today. That’s Bill following John who’s following Angela on one of the many open stretches we had today along the Katy. 

Shortly after noon we arrive at the Dutsow Deli and Restaurant. After 30 miles we were all ready for a little break and some grub which we got in abundance!  Steve is wondering if it’s time for another one of  his anti-depression pills.  I will continue to keep him in my prayers. 

 🙏

Near Augusta we find these beautifully adorned silos, both outside and in.  It’s amazing the effort some people put into something like abandoned silos to add beauty and awe to the Katy Trail. 

Just a few steps up the bluff I find Mr. Amos becoming a little too emotional, probably because of his love of giant butterflies.  It’s a good thing Ang was there to comfort him.  

And there’s always time to stop for a beer at Good News Brewery right along the Katy.  I get the impression this isn’t the first time Bill or John have been here.  

We bid adieu to John as he jumps on the trail along the I-64 bike path that will take him across the Missouri River and to his home in Ballwin.  Steve and Buck have also turned off the Katy for shortcuts home.  Bill, Ang, Shelley, Mike and I have about 15 more miles to go. 

And now, there was only 4 of us (not counting Bill who took this picture) next to some other adventurous explorers like us, Lewis and Clark and their faithful dog, Scooby Doo.  We were tired and weary of our bikes, and we were done!  But we were not weary of our friends who road with us, supported us and made us laugh and all the interesting folks we met along the way.  It was a great trip, a memory for life.  Thanks to you all!!

Katy Trail 2025-Day 4, Oct 22, Wed

Back across the mighty Missouri River before 10am on our way to Hermann. 

Our best weather day yet, sunny, blue skies and a mild tail wind, and the trailsurface was pretty darn good most of the day. Angela, John and Bill agree also!

After an old school lunch at the Portland, Holzhausers Bar, home of the best cheeseburger in Callaway County (And yes, we had cheeseburgers!) we burned a steady and brisk pace into Hermann, MO.  That is John, leading the way back across the Missouri.  

Mondays, Tuesday’s, and apparently Wednesdays are bad days to eat out in rural America.  After an Odyssey type of adventure we finally found ourselves at pretty much the only place in town, El Ranchito, to eat.  Doesn’t look to inviting does it, but we had a good time and a few margaritas too.  

Another day of Katy riding in the books.  Tomorrow, after we digest our dinner tonight, we finish our ride in St. Charles, our longest day yet.  But we’re ready!

Katy Trail 2025-Day 3, Oct 21

A 10am start into a bright, sunny morning.  It was below 50 degrees cool with a stiff wind from the west.  

Angela and I mostly brought up the rear today, and I’m usually behind her.  I must have been feeling frisky at this point.  We had a nice breakfast break in Rocheport shortly after this.  

We all gather for a photo op at the infamous Boathenge just before taking a short break at Cooper’s Landing. 

Around lunchtime we were passing just south of Columbia, home of the University of Missouri.  No lunch today, we’re over halfway to Jefferson City. 

John Garrett and Bill Amos joined us in Jeff City and will be riding back to St. Charles with us!  After “end of ride” beverages at Red Wheel Bike Shop we checked into the Doubletree and then gorges ourselves on Arris Pizza, just down the street from our hotel.  

Katy Trail 2025-Day 2, Oct 20

Off like a herd of turtles at 9:20 as we start our journey to Boonville.  That’s Buck on the right, Steve’s long time friend, who joined us in Sedalia for the rest of the ride.  Another clear but windy day. 

We had lots more varied terrain today, like this cut-a-way though the rocks, and more hills but none too steep. That’s Shelley motoring up the grade behind Angela up front.  

We had a nice breakfast at the Bothwell this morning and they even gave us fruit bags to take with us.  Angela force feeds me the good stuff to get through the day at a short morning stop near Clifton City.  

It was a scary day at times today with unsavory and dodgy characters like Shelley, no I meant to say that skeleton over there!!   Shelley’s friendly with everyone, regardless of their life status.  

Arriving in Boonville at 1:30 for the night, once again way too much time to drink beer before dinner! Oh my…

But it was a great day of riding and even got a little warm in the afternoon.  

We gathered at the nearby Isle of Capri Casino for drinks and appetizers then mosied our way up Main Street to Maggie’s, a very local bar for more hydration and food.  Angela was focused on feeding the koi in the moat around the casino.  

Katy Trail 2025-Day 1, Oct 19

Shelley, Steve, Angela, Mike and I starting off ar 9am on a chilly but sunny morning from the Westbridge Inn in Clinton, MO.  We rode steadily through clear skies, a brisk wind (mostly a crosswind, yea that) about 40 miles to Sedalia. Our first day of 5 on the Katy Trial. 

A classic Katy view through the tunnel of trees on a path of crushed granite covered in leaves (and sticks, snakes, turtles (two today) and giant walnuts). Got to be careful as you glide along the trail.  

Meet Sebastian and his riding buddy, Juanita, as he and several friends ride west on the Katy.  Apparently his lucky day, he found “Juanita” along the trail and she seems to fit handily on his handle bars.  I hope picking up women against their will doesn’t become a bad habit for Sebastian. 

Shelley and Mike in Windsor, close to our halfway point for the day. 

Casey’s are our go-to for rest and refreshment.  Mike just wanted to warm up in the sun!

Angela celebrates the highpoint of our day, and the trail, the Katy Highpoint, 955’ above sea level. 

Mike tinkles the keys at the end of our cycling day in the Cradle of Ragtime, and Scott Joplin, Sedalia, MO. We check-in at the historical Hotel Bothwell around 2pm then head to Fitters, just across the town square, for beer hydration therapy and food.