Motel Recommendations

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BigShae on 5/27/2014 7:47:10 AM:

I would like to bike ride the entire Katy Trail one-way. I have been debating the decision to reserve motel rooms in advance or just play it by ear. I would love to hear what others have done.

Billy from Mokane on 5/27/2014 10:18:33 AM:

If you chose "play it by ear" Put the chamber of commerce phone numbers of the bigger cities, Boonville, Jeff city, Hermann, St Charles in your phone, they will find you a room or give you good advice if rooms are scarce.

ArkyKenny on 5/27/2014 1:59:23 PM:

It depends on how adventurous you are. I like having my hammock and tarp with me, then deciding whether or not I use them. But I'm ok with "winging it": In fact, I think that improvising on the trail is part of the fun. The fact that I have ridden Katy a few times also makes it easier for me to improvise. Sometimes, it has worked out really well, and sometimes I didn't sleep so well and got up and around earlier than I would have if I stayed in a warm bed...and I'll leave it at that. Most of the time when I end up camping, I knock on a door, ask the occupant if I can "Rent" a couple of trees and place to hang my hammock for the night, give them $10, and everyone is happy.

Stealth camping on the Katy is not cool: Don't do it.

Improvising would not work if my wife was with me. You will have to balance convenience and comfort with adventure and flexibility.

If you don't have a smart phone, I'd print off the lodging and camping options, then do what your comfort level allows.

Jim from St Thomas on 5/27/2014 2:20:27 PM:

A lot depends on when you're riding. Lodging on sections of the Katy can fill up quickly if some special event (like Octoberfest in Hermann) is happening when you ride. Like Arky says though, if you don't mind camping as an option you can play it by ear.

BigShae on 5/27/2014 2:35:57 PM:

Thanks everyone!!!!

Trek on 5/27/2014 8:10:57 PM:

MU football games can fill up the motels, hotels, and B&B's from Columbia to Boonville too. We always opt for having a reservation and knowing where we're going to stop for the night. Why wonder and not know all day if or when you can stop for the night? That can be adventurous and stressful too when it's nearing dark and you've nowhere to go.

Anonymous on 5/27/2014 9:59:57 PM:

You can do as you like. Personally, I like to travel light and don't carry a tent or other sleeping arrangements so I ALWAYS have reservations. That way - I always know the goal for the day - don't have to worry about hurrying along to get to an overnight stop before "other folks" who might take a room before I get there. All I do is ride my bike...and when I get there, I get there. But that's just my preference.

Depending on where you want to overnight, some locations have VERY FEW options...and even in towns with more options...if there are ball games or festivals of any kind...the rooms are gone in a hurry.

Enjoy!

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