Exciting updates for the 2026 Katy Trail Ride

We’re pleased to announce that, under new ownership, we are enhancing every aspect of your ride experience. In 2026, the ride will be offered twice:

• Ride 1: August 30 – September  4

• Ride 2: October 5 – 10

While the classic Katy Trail Ride remains a valued tradition, for 2026, the route will run in reverse of our historical direction. Riders will begin in Clinton and pedal eastward to St. Charles over five scenic days.

This change offers a major convenience: participants can now park at the endpoint in St. Charles on Day 0, eliminating the need for a long final-day shuttle.

A New Pre-Ride Adventure: Your journey will begin with a train ride on the Amtrak River Runner from suburban St. Louis (Kirkwood Station) to Sedalia on check-in day (Day 0). It’s a relaxing and scenic way to preview Missouri’s landscapes before your wheels hit the trail. All aboard!

Ride Overview

Join us for a week-long cycling tour across Missouri on the country’s longest continuous rail-trail. Over five days, you’ll cover approximately 225 miles of scenic countryside. Riders will arrive in St. Charles on Day 5 in the afternoon, with time to unwind before our farewell dinner celebration. Our goal is to make this a memorable adventure, filled with enjoyable events, local hospitality, and lasting friendships.

Our updated daily riding distances and redesigned itinerary were a hit on the 2025 ride, and we’re building on that success for 2026. With refreshed start and end points, you’ll enjoy overnight stays in charming Missouri towns and meals featuring local flavors.

New year, new direction, and plenty of new memories, check it out!

St Charles, MO 

Free long-term parking in St Charles
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Check in & Car Drop:

2:45 PM Shuttle to Train Station

3:30 PM - 7:00 PM Train ride to Sedalia

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Rider Meeting & Kickoff Pizza Party

Overnight in Sedalia

For the 2026 Katy Trail ride, the route is reversed. Check-in will take place in St Charles on Monday Oct 5, where you’ll safely park your car and we'll load your bike and luggage. At 2:45 PM we'll shuttle you to the Kirkwood Amtrak Station to catch a train to Sedalia, where you'll stay Monday and Tuesday nights. Throughout the week, you'll be pedaling back to St Charles.

On Tuesday morning, participants will be transported by shuttle to Clinton, which serves as the official starting point of the Katy Trail.  On the first stretch, Tuesday, the trail rolls 38 miles to Sedalia for a nice kickoff ride. 

On Wednesday, the group will cycle 50 miles, predominantly descending (hence the route direction change) through Boonville. The day concludes in the small town of Rocheport.  The Schoolhouse BnB is one of the best that Missouri has to offer and you’ll wake up to a home-cooked breakfast for champions.

Upon departing Rocheport, the bluffs along the Missouri River are simply amazing. Thursday’s segment covers the longest distance of the trip, spanning 53 miles en route to Mokane. At the end of the riding day, we'll shuttle to Hermann, the picture-book heart of Missouri’s wine country. The evening includes an overnight stay at the Hermann Crown Suites and another excellent group dinner to round out the day.

Concluding the day’s ride with a freshly prepared lunch in a caboose is certainly a distinct experience. Thursday's 47-mile ride is another great part of the trail, culminating at the KT Caboose eatery, managed by our old mate and local icon Jon, known for his signature avocado BLTs. The tour invites you to enjoy lunch on the house before shuttling to Washington for an engaging Thursday evening. This segment of the journey showcases Missouri's agricultural landscape and provides scenic views of the Missouri River. Overnight in Washington.

Traveling 39 miles east, the route passes through Defiance before making the final Missouri River crossing. The final pedal ends in St. Charles, featuring an evening of Italian cuisine and taking in an evening of professional circuit bicycle racing. The tour will officially conclude on Friday. On Saturday, please enjoy breakfast at your hotel; afterwards, you are welcome to depart at your convenience.