New rider to Katy-need info

I am attempting to ride the Katy from Clinton to St. Charles and I'm not sure how long I should plan. Would 40/50 miles a day be reasonable? I'm a 57 year old women in pretty good shape but I just started riding. I ride in Colorado so I tackle some pretty good hills. I understand you need to make overnight res. in advance and I want to make sure I can make it to my destination. Any advise on hotels? Also is the first part of June a pretty good time to rike? I know there has been lots of rain out there.

If you are in pretty good shape, 40/50 sounds reasonable. The trail is a very flat, former rairoad bed, no hills. The only problem I can see is June can be very hot and humid in MO. You will need to be very careful, and drink plenty of fluids in order not to get dehydrated. Go to the Plan a Ride portion of this site for hotels.

The Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia is a nice old historic (renovated) hotel, as well as the Hotel Frederick in Boonville. The Frederick is right across the street from the Katy and has a nice cafe inside as well. There are several B & B's in Hermann that are nice and cater to the biking crowd. It you want to pamper yourself, check out Hermann Hill Inn and Cottages in Hermann.

I agree with the above. Explore this website and you will get most if not all the info you need. I have stayed at both the Hotel Bothwell and Hotel Frederick/Glenn's Cafe and they are both primo.

There are some hills on the west end of the trail. The stretch between Clifton City to Pilot
Grove is a steady climb that I've experienced. Refer to the "elevation chart" under FAQ to get
an idea.

Our fav places to stay-
Sedalia-The Bothwell. Short ride off trail, full of history. Restaurant onsite, check for closed days. Can keep bike in room.
Boonville-We've stayed at the Comfort Inn, short ride off trail. Can keep bike in room. No close eateries (only Arby's and Wendys)but shuttle will take you to Casino OR shuttle to casino and walk few blocks to main street yo find restaurants. Holiday Inn Ex is next to Comfort Inn. Go off the trail at aprox mm 194.
Hartsburg-Stayed multiple times at the Globe B&B. Historic, charming. Jeanette's a great hostess. Very basic (no TV's in rooms, shared baths and basic breakfast), price is reasonable, very clean, comfortable. Again, check restaurant closed days (there's always the Hitching Post bar a few blocks away,they do a pretty good job with microwave/toaster oven food if you're hungry.
Jefferson City-Love Cliff Manor B&B. Will pick you up at JC trailhead for fee. Capital square 1/3-1/2 mile walk from B&B with restaurant options (Arris' Greek Pizza very good).
Rhineland-Doll House B&B directly on trail, very nice with Trailside Bar&Grill across road. Also Loutre Lane B&B, short distance off the trail (hilly) but very nice and will take you back down to the Trailside to eat.
Augusta-Best place we've stayed is Red Brick Inn B&B. Pricy but worth it!
Lots of other places along the way that also get rave reviews depending on where your daily mileage puts you. This message board is a great wealth of info. If the town you're staying in is large enough, don't forget about Pizza delivery if you're really tired.
I second the comment re carrying extra water. On eastern end towards St. Charles, not all trailheads have water avail (may have to search in town for a store etc). Western end pretty much has water every 10-12 miles EXCEPT there no water at the Clifton City trailhead...so it's a 20+ mile section between Sedalia and Pilot Grove without water.
Have fun!