Katy Trail Home  The Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail Rock Island Trail Home
Katy Trail Home Clinton Windsor Calhoun Green Ridge Sedalia Clifton City Boonville New Franklin Rocheport McBaine Hartsburg N Jefferson Tebbetts Mokane Portland Bluffton Rhineland McKittrick Treloar Marthasville Matson Defiance Weldon Spring St Charles Machens Easley Pilot Grove Hermann Huntsdale Columbia Jefferson City Dutzow Washington Augusta KT sticker Rock Island Spur Map Katy Trail Katy Trail Merchandise
switch to Rock Island map

Boonville to Sedalia
Go to Forum
David on 8/27/2013 6:13:12 PM:
I have been planning a Columbia to Sedalia ride for Saturday August 31st. This has been the plan for several weeks now but with the extreme heat I'm having second thoughts. Can anyone tell me how shaded the trail is from Boonville to Sedalia? I would be on this part of the trail during the afternoon when it would likely be at its hottest. Thanks in advance for any feedback.
 
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 8/27/2013 8:00:22 PM:
Columbia to Rocheport is fairly shaded. Rocheport to New Franklin is more exposed to the sun and with the farm fields all around, is quite hot and humid. Once you hit Boonville, you have hills to Pilot Grove, but it is covered by the canopy. Most of the rest of the way to Sedalia is covered. But you should always wear sunscreen and have lots of water. That's going to be a fairly long ride on a hot day. Hopefully you will get some cloud cover.
 
ArkyKenny on 8/27/2013 8:36:52 PM:
BikerBoy is correct. All I would add to that is this: 1) It's uphill from Booneville to the othe side of Pilot Grove, but it is deceptively low grade--and EVERY time I ride it, I try to keep the pace I would on flat ground......and tend to overdo it. Back off your pace a little. 2) Water is scarce around Clifton City. Fill up in Pilot Grove and carry plenty.
 
Hank on 8/27/2013 9:14:56 PM:
I am reasonably bike fit (about 1,500 miles this season) but find that riding during the heat of the day really takes it toll. I might average 14-16 mph on the Katy in the morning but find myself slowing to 12 mph or even less in the heat of the day. I also require more frequent rest breaks, and it seems no matter how much I hydrate I still need more.

Like you, I was planning a long ride for this weekend but am now having second thoughts. I will likely ride some but the 75-some miler I was eyeing is probably out the window. Too bad. If you can put a lot of miles behind you in the morning it might work but for me, I would likely be riding 35-some miles in the 2 to 5 p.m. time frame and right now that doesn't seem like fun. Too bad.
 
Don from Ellisville, MO on 8/28/2013 3:14:05 PM:
Heat? Ha! Way back in 2012 (if any of you were around back then), we had a summer that would make this weekend's temperatures look downright chilly! :) It's all in how you are acclimated, but please take precautions and ride as early as possible.
 
David on 8/28/2013 3:39:43 PM:
Thanks for everyones input! I've decided to push the ride back a week or 2. This is my first ride on the Katy and the longest ride I've ever done so it doesn't seem wise to attempt it on a day when temps are supposed to be near 100. I am very much looking forward to the ride and hopefully can enjoy it better with more moderate temps in another week or 2.
 
Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 8/28/2013 7:01:35 PM:
Sounds like a good idea David! I think you will enjoy the ride, it's the part of the trail that I enjoy most, others do as well. Services and water are a bit sparse in some areas on that section but as long as you are prepared, it will be a fun ride.
 
bikerchick on 8/29/2013 5:27:25 AM:
Agree hydrating is very important. Will be staying at the Frederick in Booneville and riding towards Sedalia. At my age I dont attempt super high mileage. Going for a good ride and enjoying the Katy. See you there
 
Pseudio on 8/30/2013 11:53:56 AM:
David, you are wise in waiting. I did a similar ride last year over the Labor Day weekend when it was in the high 90's and humid, Rocheport to Jeff City and back to Columbia and the MKT section back was a challenge in the heat with all the people out during the holiday. The key is to start hydrated and stay hydrated the entire ride.
 
Paul K from Florissant,MO on 8/30/2013 1:26:17 PM:
As long as you hydrate consistently during your ride and fill up at every possible place along the trail, you should be fine. My friend and I rode from Machens to Clinton and back (468 Miles) the first week of July last year. The temperature never went below 102 deg the entire 9 days of our trip. We stayed at hotels/B&B's along the way and turned the thermostat way down as if we were rooming with penguins.
 
FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!
More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us
 
By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2026 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.