We Would Love Your Suggestions!

I've been reading your comments and it sounds like so many of you are serious bikers! I just turned 50, my aunt is 63. We both just bought new bikes...the comfort type. Mine is a Specialized Crossroads 21 speed and hers, a Giant Suede Coasting Automatic 3 speed. We are so excited about biking a small part of the Katy Trail in October (1st time) for the sheer enjoyment, scenery, shopping, stopping for lunch and dinner, and to say, "We did it." Since we are new to all this...and not as "in shape" as most of you, what would your suggestions be for a quaint little town to stay in and start our ride from? We would like to cover maybe 10-15 miles out and then turn around and come back to our starting point. Any suggestions for good little restaurants and shopping along the way too would be most appreciated. We are so excited about our new sport and all this information on the website has boggled our minds! Thanks for helping!

Augusta, Hermann and Rocheport would all be nice places. Fun B&B's and plenty of good restaurants.

Weekends in October can be pretty hectic at times, especially when the leaves have turned and the weather is nice.

Rocheport is always a favorite...quaint town....Les Bourgeois winery and bistro up on the hill with good food, wine, and a fantastic view...and on the trail the tunnel, bluffs, river, petroglyphs, ammunitions bunker, etc. all within a few miles of town.

If you are around the Rocheport area the weekend of October 13, the 5th Annual Missouri Chestnut Roast is in New Franklin on that day. It’s an interesting side trip with several vendors and information booths. You can buy roasted chestnuts, chestnut seedlings, and even quality crafted wooden bowls that are hand turned from chestnut and other woods. http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/events/chestnut/flyer07.pdf for more information.

Herman is a pretty cool little town with several wineries and nice restaurants. Every weekend in October is Oktober Fest though. Expect B&B’s to be booked well in advance. Herman Hill Vineyard and Inn on Wein Street and their cottages overlooking the Missouri river offer superb accommodations with nearly every amenity provided and seemingly nothing overlooked. Simons on the Waterfront is a good place to eat while downtown. The same owner has River’s Edge Restaurant on Ferry Road in Morrison which is a short drive west of Hermann on highway J. The highway dead ends at the Gasconade River where you ferry across the river to the restaurant.

Plenty to see and do along the trail in October. Enjoy!

Thank you Trek Biker and Arkie for your input to our trip planning. We look forward to a fun couple of days! Your time and knowledge is much appreciated!