Reply to Weather next week.

I'm flying into St Louis Sat afternoon. Will be shuttled to Rocheport Sunday and will begin riding Monday. Will put in about. 40 miles a day. The recent heat in Mo has me somewhat concerned - especially since I won't be able to check into
B & Bs until 3 or 4 . Is riding down near the river cooler than temps reported on in towns. If I bring a mat with me, will there be places I can rest under the shade and read as I wait for check in times?

No question...it will be hot and dusty. (I rode Clinton-St. Charles last weekend and it was warm.) That said...I think you will also fine many, many sections of the trail that are completely covered by trees that will provide a great deal of shade. Some of the pictures on this website show riders going through a "tunnel" of trees. Though that doesn't describe all of the trail, it does depict much of it. You'll be fine. As you note, you don't have to rush along the trail because of your check-in times...so take it easy and take advantage of any little small town cafe, etc. you can find to rest and cool.

I found the stretch from North Jefferson to Tebbets to be the longest, hottest "exposed" stretch of trail...and also the one with the least availability of water. There was a pop machine on the porch of the hostel in Tebbets...that was all I found there. Glad it had water in it and that I had the 1.25 in change.

You'll have a great trip despite the heat. Enjoy!

Riding during the heat of day will be a challenge, no doubt. The temps will be a bit cooler on the trail but regardless it will be hot, no getting around it. However as long as you are reasonably bike-fit your schedule seems pretty manageable. Just take it easy, drink LOTS of water and linger longer in the towns, at lunch etc. Yes, if you bring a mat you will easily find shaded spots to rest. One tip: At approximate mile marker 148 is "Lewis and Clark Beach" on the Missouri River. There's a marker, picnic bench etc. Here you can access the river and actually swim in it a bit. It would make a great break on a hot day.

What is your itinerary, meaning what towns are you stopping at? I'd be happy to give a few tips at each. ENJOY, it is beautiful. I wouldn't sweat the heat (sorry) too much, you'll be fine.

It looks like Monday's temp is to top out around 98, and yes, as said it will be warm but you will be fine! We rode in similar temperatures many times (including the eastern section to August last weekend) and managed just fine. In fact, the only time we really got "hot-hot" was when we rode the rather steep hills to the wineries! =) Hydration is the key! Enjoy your ride and the Katy, it is beautiful!!!

Sheribdiver;
If you decide to stop at mile marker 100.8 McKittrick Mo. Joey's bird houses has early check in. From Tebbets and beyond there is some relief and stretches of canopy down the trail.
She has access to the newly renovated store and cafe; food and frozen water no problem. If you are touring there are winerys nereby in Hermann and she shuttles her guests. Sorry about this freak hot weather but then Cal has the Mojavi and we have Mo-Java

Good biking !

First, Hank you offered good comments except about swimming in this Missouri River. Don't swim in the river! There are currents you don't see coming and it is very dangerous. A young lady waded in the river at Jeff City and was swept off by a current. It took weeks to find her body. On a brighter note, Hank is right on about drink plenty. Bring water and every time you can refill, do so. On the Katy Trail map a few towns show there is water, but there are no faucets at the trailhead. And do carry plenty of change so you can buy bottled water of all there is is soda machine. There are benches along the trail, usually (not always) in a shaded spot. Start as early as you cam in the morning and you will benefit more from the shade of the trees. For example it is 8:35 am now, it is in the 80s, and will get up to 106 today. If you biked from 7 to 11 today you would only be biking for an hour or so with the sun directly above. Prior to that the sun in climbing in the sky and shielded more by the trees. I think the temps are not suppose to be as high next week. Hopefully people who are biking this week during our record highs, will see your question and get on here to offer suggestions. Just be smart, pace yourself, drink plenty, be responsible about carrying your own water, enjoy the trail, the scenery, the river(from the bank only!) and you will do fine.

I go by the saying "Drink when you are not thristy, and eat when you are not hungry" when it comes to hot weather biking. Make sure you eat something before you start. I try to feel a little "Sloshy" with fluids before I start, because I know I will get dehydrated. I try to drink at least a bottle of water every hour. I also drink Gatorade every 3rd or 4th bottle (I keep the powdered stuff with me, and snack on trail mix to keep my salts and sugars up (if you start cramping, you're low). Consider use of a CamelBak, and put ice in it, not just fluids, and fill that up at some of the C-Stores along the way. I'm also a believer in long sleeve shirts in the heat (people who live in the desert wear clothes), so think about wearing a long sleeve shirt made out of linen, or wicking material.

Sheribdiver, glad to have you in our neck of the woods! Best advice I can give is to start early. You can start riding as early as 5 a.m. this time of year, and be done with your 40 miles before it gets up to 90 degrees. There are plenty of good benches along the way. I guess the good news is that you will not have ANY rain on your trip -- unfortunate for us. Have a great time.

Thanks for the good suggestions. I'm set with a camelback and powdered Gatorade. Ready to start early and enjoy the trip.

40 miles you won't sweat at all if, as all have said, you get started early. If you are from CA coastal you may need more liquids not accustom to the desert side. This weather you could also use a camelback iced bladder pack to drink out of too. Siestas are good too. I'm also on the trail next week and may catch up with you starting from Clinton on Monday. I'm going a lit further than 40 a day.

If you can start early that's ideal, but if it was me I would not worry too much. Sleep in, eat a good breakfast, and do your thing. It will be hot but again if you are in decent shape you will be fine.

I really feel the best time to ride now is late in the day / early evening. We rode yesterday from 6 to 7:30 and it was beautiful.

Cathy is correct, the Missouri River is nothing to be messed with. At the same time I have swam it numerous times and if you are careful it is no worries and can be great. There are places with the river down like it is now that you can wade 100 yards or more in knee deep water. I never actually swam Lewis and Clark beach and would urge caution. But it may in fact be awesome.

Hank, I will definitely stop at the L&C beach for a short dip or wade heading east on Tues. next week. I will tie a rope to the tree too for safety. Thanks.

The wife and I just got back from a mid-day ride, 10:30 to about 12:15. Yes it was hot but really, no problem. Don't sweat the heat Sheribdiver, you'll be fine!

Let me know how L & C beach goes POC. I should have dipped a toe in it while we were there but we were behind schedule and had to mosey.

Did my first riding on the trail today. It was pretty warm, but I was cooler moving than when I was standing. Had some small concerns about snakes -- saw my first one, a tiny little thing -- so I will now cross that worry off my list.

Welcome to Missouri Sheribdiver. Keep those trip updates coming!