Mike T from Kearney, Nebraska on 3/21/2009 8:33:33 PM:
My wife and I rode from Clinton to St. Charles this last week (March 14th - 19th). We think we were the first to ride the whole trail this season? We had the week off for spring break and took a chance on the weather - it was beautiful. 70's most days.
Meyers Hilltop(McKittrick) was wonderful. The buttermilk oatmeal pancakes were great. Free transport into Herman and Maggie and Eldon were outstanding hosts. The Lindenhof in Augusta was also excellent. The rasberry french toast was out of this world. The amtrack ride back to Sedalia worked out really well. This was our first long term ride and we loved it!
The only negative was in Jeff City - the motel listing at Holts summit is not anywhere near the trail and they do not have a shuttle - I would not stay there again. They promised a shuttle and then when we go to the trailhead they said they didn't have one.
Also, if you stay in Rocheport, Abigail's is a great place to eat - we had the best meal of the entire trip there. Sounds like all we did was eat - sorry. We visited winery's in Herman and the wine we shipped home is already here.
I would encourage anyone to take a ride on the KATY, it was a great trip!!
Mike T