RESERVATIONS ?

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FilmFeller from Colleg Park, Maryland on 8/10/2006 11:03:36 AM:

I'm hoping to do my first Katy ride in late September. As I'm unfamiliar with the trail, and not quite sure of how much ground I'll cover in a day, I plan to do it as an "in & out" ride, starting in St. Charles. It sounds kinda wimpy, but rather than camp along the way, I plan to stay in motels... and, I really pefer an actual motel to a bed and breakfast. Does anyone know if reservations are neccesary? Because, since I don't know how fast I'll move along the trail, I really don't know where I'll wind up at the end of each day. I want to take my time and enjoy the sites without feeling that I HAVE to make it to a particular milemarker at the end of the day.

Can anybody help?

gboker@umd.edu

kpark from KC area on 8/10/2006 12:23:08 PM:

We are biking the entire trail - Clinton to St. Charles - also at the end of September. I found that most places are booked on the weekends at that time of year, so I planned 40-50 mile days, and reserved. You may find yourself struggling to find a place to stay otherwise.

frank from festus on 8/10/2006 12:37:29 PM:

depending on how far u bike each day, you may have a hard time finding a hotel in certain areas. there is a hostel in one of the small towns, it's very reasonable also, but forgot which town it was in. maybe someone else can shed some light on that part. have fun and stay safe.

Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 8/10/2006 1:00:17 PM:

The hostel is in Tebbetts.

FilmFeller from Colleg Park, Maryland on 8/11/2006 8:15:41 AM:

I guess I'll do a little more planning. Just winging it may not be a good idea. Thank you all for your help!

Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 8/11/2006 9:25:53 AM:

The ability to effectively wing it is directly proportional to the heat here in Missouri. Most prefer and therefore cause the need for reservations when the weather is cooler. There are many places to stay along the trail. I hope you do find some and have good trip.

dbschaefer from Augusta on 8/11/2006 10:34:15 AM:

I live in Augusta Missouri which is 28 miles from St. Charles. I also own a B&B, the Lindenhof B&B. Just to let you know, there aren't any hotels/motels except in the larger towns, like Hermann, Jeff City, Sedalia, Clinton. I suggest you purchase a Katy Trail Guidebook to take with you and I would strongly urge you to get reservations ahead of time, especially for weekends. September is a very busy month and I have had to turn cyclists away when they come to the door looking for rooms. There just aren't that many accommodations in the area. Also, B&B owners aren't always at their inns 24/7, as we do things like shopping, going to the doctor etc...so you may knock on a door that won't have anyone home. With the right planning, you will have time to stop along the way and still reach your scheduled destination without pushing it, if you don't try for high miles. Some people do the trail in 3 days, some in 6 or 7. Figure out your daily mileage limit and go from there. I hope this helps. Also, very curious as to why you prefer motel over B&B?

Mom who rides with her daughters from Lee's Summit on 8/27/2006 10:24:40 AM:

I have also found that it is best to plan ahead.
The Ramada in Jeff City will actually come and get you at the trail head/and trasport you over the river (which especially in rush hour you don't want to do) for free. They also give you a great rate. Daughters and I have stayed there 3 different times.
We found that we can do about 45 easy with stops/breaks/playing around. It does depend on the weather here though.
Hope it helps.

Anonymous on 9/15/2006 8:04:24 AM:

I agree, I much prefer a motel to a Bed and Breakfast, also. There's MUCH, MUCH more privacy, especially when coming and going. I also like to "do my own thing" for meals. They are also MUCH more economical. I can't justify paying $100-$150 for just a place to catch a night's sleep before hitting the trail again the next day. On a 4-5 day bike trip, you could pay upwards of $400-$600 just to sleep at night! RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kpark from independence mo on 9/15/2006 4:29:13 PM:

I am with you on the $$ for staying at Bed and Breakfasts. We are doing a 5 day ride, and with careful planning are keeping our "sleeping" costs at a minimum by staying in 1)Motel in Sedalia ($60) 2)The very reasonably priced Katy B&B in Rocheport ($60 night) 3) The Katy trail shelter/hostel in Tebbetts ($5), and a pricier B&B at $110. If you put some planning time in, you can probably do pretty well. Also, some of the campgrounds will rent you a tent, and a sleeping bag, which might accomodate you also.

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