5th Day-Ride to Clinton

On the last day we rode the 40 miles to Clinton. 

Along the way was the highest point on the trail.

We finally made it to the end of our almost 240 mile trip. My bike computer actually showed 271 miles because of the additional riding I did while exploring some of the towns along the way.

4th Day-Ride to Sedalia

The ride to Sedalia was 25 miles. 

Old railroad signal at Clifton.

Historic Katy Depot at Sedalia.

Rob and Liz by the "Rag Tag Train", a metal train sculpture by Springfield, Missouri artist Christine Shilling.  The sculpture is at one corner of the Depot.

3rd Day-Ride to Pilot Grove

Today's 50 mile ride was on one of my favorite sections of the Katy.  There are many things to see and interesting towns along the way.

Rob, Liz, and I standing in front of the big burr oak tree that is located between McBaine and Huntsdale.

At Huntsdale is Katfish Katy's. I have passed it a few times but have never stopped. Today Rob and I decided we would investigate it. However, it was closed.

While in Boonville we ate at the Riverside Diner.  It was good and the waitress was very patient with us.

Rocheport is one of my favorite places to visit and the starting point of the BikeMO ride, August 25th.  Below is a picture on the west side of the Rocheport tunnel.

Below is a video of me riding to the Rocheport tunnel from the East.  I will try to edit the last part when I have time.

2nd Day-Ride to Hartsburg

This morning we left Herman for the 56 mile ride to Hartsburg but not before being treated to breakfast by the Pancake Man.

Veiw from the trail in Rhineland, I think

Picture of me and Black Betty next to the Missouri River.

1st. Day-Ride to Hermann

Today we rode 64 miles to Hermann from St. Charles. One member of our group had his derailer break.

I was surprised when I had someone start drafting off of me. We had a strong headwind on parts of the ride. Hermann is a great town to visit especially during Octoberfest. 

The Missouri River from the bridge entering Hermann.

Me leaving Herman the next day.

Liz, Rob, and I on the bridge leaving Hermann.

I stayed in the City Park.Tomorrow we head to Hartsburg for a distance of about 56 miles.

St. Charles

Left Clinton this morning.120 people were shuttled to St. Charles including those that were picked up in Columbia. 3 charter buses hauled people and 2 rental trucks hauled gear. I had no idea on what to expect. I had envisioned a 15 passenger van hauling myself, my 3 companions, and perhaps 2 or 3 people that I didn't know.





After checking in, in St. Charles,

we (a few Drury acquaintances and I) rode from the St. Charles trailhead to Machens and back. Machens is the actual end of the trail. The ride was 25 miles. Tomorrow the actual ride begins.

                                        Me at the very end of the Katy, in Machens.

Blogging about the Katy

Ok, so I admit that I am new to blogging. I think in order to blog about a week long event, it is important to have access to the blog during that time. I did not. So, I am going in after the fact and will hopefully create and informative blog about my week of doing the 2012 DNR Katy Trail Ride. Enjoy!
The one thing I noticed about the riders doing the ride were that they all had their own personal reasons for doing the ride. I met parents riding the trail with their children in order to have a closer relationship with them. For some, it was a personal challenge or goal; to ride the approximate 237 miles of the Katy from one end to the other. For others it was to reconnect with old friends from rides past. Whatever the reasons, I have never met a kinder, welcoming, and respectful bunch of folk.
For me, the reason to ride the Katy was the challenge.  Prior to this ride, I had ridden small sections of the Katy and I wanted to do the whole thing.  I was willing to do an unsupported ride but my wife was leary of me doing the ride alone.  So, I signed up with approximately 300 other people to do the fully supported DNR ride.  Little did I know that 3 other people I knew would be riding as well.

The adventure begins!

Woke up to thunder and lightning. It has rained a little but I am optimistic that it won't affect the ride that begins tomorrow. I stayed up until 11 packing. I hope I have everything I need. Now, to head to Clinton to catch the shuttle. BTW, my literature says that you can veiw daily photos at http://www.katytrailstatepark.com/. HAPPY TRAILS!!

Ok. So, today I'm packing to get ready to head to Clinton tomorrow. I have no idea what all to take. So, I am referencing the list sent to me by the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) and hoping for the best.
I log my cycling miles. Why? It's only for my benefit. Just like the posts on this blog before I deleted all of them to start anew. They were from when I started cycling again, over a year ago. It was interesting to see how I have got to this point though. Anyway, my week runs from Sun.-Sat. For the week starting tomorrow I project that I will be cycling approximately 320 miles. Normal for me is about half that. So, that's exciting! Saturday will be the culmination of my week with the 64 mile Tour de Cure ride for Diabetes. If you would like to help with my fundraising for the American Diabetes Association, please click here!