mdnr katy trail ride

I have done several moonlite rambles in saint louis. I pay my money receive a shirt so on and so on. Outside of the gate at this event are typically hundreds of cyclists who join in on the ride after it starts without paying.

You can't stop them from riding on the street with the rest of us who have supported the sponsoring group.

I would suspect the same could be said for the katy ride. If you don't participate in the food or sag support what stops some one from simply riding the trail for part or all of this ride. If you are self supported and camp it seems possible and it is a public trail. Has anyone seen this happening?

I'm not asking because I am planning this but it has crossed my mind. I would love to do this ride but my work situation does not allow me to know what my schedule is or if I can take off till a week or so before I do it ( self employed contractor) and the ride is sold out before I can commit.

I am not so cheap as to attempt this to save money because it sounds like it is very economical ride and it would be fun to join in on the shared dining, pancakes etc. But if one wants to join in on the comraderie of the event and your not harming or using the mdnr's resources, is there a harm in doing it?

It would be easy just to blend in on the ride.
But commit to at least a couple of days with the
group. The comraderie & pancakes are part of the
ride. Life is too short, take off work a couple
of days. Come & join the fun!!

It should be perfectly fine to ride along with DNR riders if you don't utilize DNR added resources such as SAG support, camping, and daily meals. Paid riders are given a # tag which is attached to their bike or back for the duration of the ride.

Amazingly I have not seen anyone just riding along with DNR group for the last few years. People probably are happy to see you on the trail regardless.

Almost Retired is right that you would miss the camaraderie. I would recommend you to register as day riders (riders who only ride and pay for certain days that they ride) then show up on Sunday evening in Clinton at the registration table, and ask to switch out the days you intend to ride. DNR officials and volunteers are nice folks, they won't say no to your reasonable request especially when you already paid. All Riders are required to check in with Registration table at the end of the ride each day.

There are provisions for just day riders where you pay for single days. But you need to notify DNR before. Actually I have done it both ways but if you are riding the trail without the official registration and number you should have some outside support and tell DNR so they are not mistaking you as an official rider.