Jerry Whittle from O'Fallon Illinois on 6/25/2024 12:21:08 PM:
I've done the Katy 11 times about equally split on the direction. I prefer west to east. As Mark mentioned, the prevailing wind is usually that way and there's a little more downhill.
There is another reason. Often stores and restaurants in the smaller towns are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays especially during the non-summer months. So if you start in Clinton on Monday; leave from Sedalia on Tuesday; and leave from Boonville on Wednesday, you avoid that issue.
I highly recommend both good sunglasses and a blinking taillight when going west to east. The sun will be in your face, and the face of anyone riding behind you, especially if you get on the trail early.