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Bicycling the Katy Trail: Rails to Trails Corridor Across Missouri

Program Number: 12693RJ
Start and End Dates:
4/13/2013 - 4/20/2013; 9/14/2013 - 9/21/2013; 10/5/2013 - 10/12/2013;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: St. Charles, Missouri
Price starting at: $1,059.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Bicycling Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 16; 7 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Bike along the Missouri River and through dense forest, prairies, rolling farmland and wetlands as you cover up to 188 miles of the 240-mile Katy Trail, America's longest “rails-to-trails” project. A protected state park, the Katy Trail follows 240 miles of the former Missouri- Kansas- Texas (MKT) Railroad Corridor from St. Charles to Clinton. Each day, choose from between two available biking routes to suit the pace and distance you wish to cover. Enjoy expert-led educational sessions on the fascinating history that surrounds this storied trail.




Highlights

• Bike along the scenic Katy Trail — often with the Missouri River on one side and bluffs on the other — along with a pacesetter, sweep rider and sag wagon.
• Learn about MKT Railroad history, the Missouri River, the journey of Lewis and Clark and America’s first wine-growing area, founded by German immigrants.
• Visit the first state capital in St. Charles and Missouri’s current capital building in Jefferson City.



Activity Particulars

Bicycling 26-48 miles per day. Generally flat terrain.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival St. Charles, transfer to Sedalia, 1 night; transfer to Booneville, 1 night; transfer to Jefferson City, 1 night; transfer to Hermann, 1 night; transfer to Augusta, 1 night; transfer to St. Charles, 1 night; departure.



Coordinated by St. Charles Community College.




Sedalia

For more than 100 years, the fortunes of this town were tied to the railroads. Its glamorous past can be seen in the well-preserved 19th-century architecture of the business district and the Katy Depot. Just 88 miles from Kansas City, Sedalia is also home to the Missouri State Fair and the Scott Joplin Festival.



St. Charles

More than 200 years ago, Lewis and Clark departed from the banks of this Missouri River town just west of St. Louis to begin their westward expedition. Missouri’s first state capital was a destination for traders, pioneers, explorers and Native Americans, a heritage preserved in the city’s historic districts.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotels, centrally located in cities on the Katy Trail.
Meals and Lodgings
   Quality Inn & Suites
  St. Charles, Missouri 1 night
   Hotel Bothwell
  Sedalia , Missouri 1 night
   Isle of Capri Casino Hotel
  Boonville, Missouri 1 night
   Capital Plaza Hotel
  Jefferson City, Missouri 1 night
   Harbor Haus Inn
  Hermann, Missouri 1 night
   Super 8
  Washington, MO 1 night
   Country Inn & Suites
  St. Charles, Missouri 1 night
 Quality Inn & Suites
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Our conveniently located St. Charles hotel is situated just minutes from the area's top sights and attractions. Discover St. Charles adventures while hiking and biking the Katy Trail, shopping on historic Main Street or scouting out the latest deals at one of the St. Louis Mills Outlet stores, wine tasting at a local winery or taking in a concert at one of our local venues, Family Arena or Verizon Wireless outdoor Amphitheater. The St. Charles Convention Center is only a few blocks away. Guests will appreciate easy access to bustling St. Louis, located a short 20 minute drive away.
  Contact info: 1425 South Fifth Street
St. Charles, MO 63301 USA
phone: 636-946-6936
  Room amenities: With 133 spacious guest rooms and 8 two-room suites, experience the perfect night's sleep at our friendly St. Charles hotel. Each room is outfitted with plush beds and bedding, coffee and tea makers, and complimentary high-speed wireless internet access.
  Facility amenities: Enjoy relaxing indoor heated swimming pool, state of the art business center and fitness center. The onsite laundry facilities help make you feel right at home. Wake up to complimentary hot breakfast served fresh daily. A delicious spread of Belgian waffles, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and pastries paired with a cup of fresh brewed coffee are sure to satisfy your appetite.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $92, plus tax Participants must make reservations for additional nights on their own. Be sure to mention rooms are in conjunction with St. Charles Community College Road Scholar group.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Hotel Bothwell
Type: Hotel
  Description: Hotel Bothwell has been a destination of choice for travelers to Sedalia for nearly 80 years. Since 1927, Hotel Bothwell has served as the center of social and business activity in Sedalia and continues to provide its guests with the utmost in accommodation. By combining original American revival architectural ambiance with luxurious, memorable experiences, guests are invited to relive the glitz and glam of the 1920’s by savoring a taste of Sedalia’s best.
  Contact info: 103 E. 4th Street
Sedalia, MO 65301 USA
phone: 660-826-5588
  Facility amenities: Amenities include The Ivory Grill Restaurant, Ivory Keys Lounge, The Ragtime Store showcasing items relative to Sedalia's ragtime history, a 24-hour business center, fitness center, and gift shop. The Hotel Bothwell also features a uniquely restored coffee shop offering complementary continental breakfast and 24 hour complementary coffee, free high-speed wireless internet access, and free USA Today.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Isle of Capri Casino Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Enjoy affordable prices and comfortable rooms at the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Boonville. Get a good night's sleep in one of our rooms only steps away from the casino action.
  Contact info: 100 Isle of Capri Blvd.
Boonville, MO 65233 USA
phone: 180-094-1475 x3
  Facility amenities: Our standard rooms offer a choice of one king bed or two queens. A good night’s sleep is certain with pillow-top mattresses. All of our rooms also feature a 32” flat screen television, complimentary wireless Internet access, in-room coffeemaker and an in-room safe for all your valuables
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Capital Plaza Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Contact info: 415 W. McCarty Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101 USA
phone: 573-635-1234
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Harbor Haus Inn
Type: Inn
  Description: In the heart of Hermann, Missouri. Unique and eclectic individual rooms decorated with many vintage items and antiques.
  Contact info: 2nd & Market St. (Hwy 19)
Hermann, MO 65041 USA
phone: 573-486-2222
web: harborhaus.net
  Room amenities: Free cable & HBO
  Facility amenities: .
  Smoking allowed: No

 Super 8
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and the great Missouri River Valley Region. Has four historic districts on National Register.
  Contact info: 2081 Eckelkamp Ct.
Hwy 47 & Hwy 100
Washington, MO 63090 USA
phone: 636-390-0088
web: www.super8.com/wash03005
  Room amenities: Non smoking rooms available, cable TV, coffee maker, hair dryers, internet connection
  Facility amenities: Fitness Center, high speed internet, evening snacks
  Smoking allowed: Yes

 Country Inn & Suites
Type: Motel
  Description: Situated on Main Street in the heart of historic St. Charles, Missouri, the hotel provides convenient access to restaurants, boutiques, the Ameristar Casino, and the Missouri River. Enjoy warm country style décor, a pool, fitness center, business center, and high-speed internet.
  Contact info: 1190 South Main Street
St. Charles, MO 63301 USA
phone: 636-724-5555
web: www.countryinns.com/hotels/mostchar
  Room amenities: Spacious guest rooms, featuring cable TV, complimentary high-speed Internet access, a data port, hair dryer, large work space with desk, iron/ironing board, in-room coffee maker and many more convenient amenities.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Approximately $74 Call hotel for details.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check in to hotel at your leisure on Saturday. Meet in hotel lobby at 5:45pm to take shuttle to nearby Grappa Grill for dinner. You will be staying at Quality Inn & Suites that night.
  End of Program:
Ends immediately after breakfast. Check out is 11 am. You will be staying at Country Inn & Suites the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. If renting a bicycle, a sizing form is required and should be returned to St. Charles Community College, 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, HUM 103, Cottleville, MO 63376 no later than three weeks prior to start of program.
  Parking availability:
Safe, Secure car parking available at Country Inn & Suites in St. Charles. We will move cars from Quality Inn (first night stay) to Country Inn & Suites as we leave town on Sunday morning. We will eventually spend the final night at the this hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  St. Charles, Missouri
  Nearest city or town:  St Charles, Missouri
  Nearest highway: Highway 70
  Nearest airport:  St. Louis Lambert International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: St. Charles, Missouri
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

St Louis

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Go-Best Express
phone: 314-222-5300

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

One way $18pp; $34 roundtrip; 2 or more $15 pp; $29 roundtrip
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Less than 1 hour 
 

Distance:

 

Less than 20 miles
   

Transportation from the airport: Go-Best Express Airport Shuttle Transportation: Round-trip cost approximately $34. Counters are inside next to exit 12. Shared van service to downtown hotels. To make online reservations go to www.gobestexpress.com.

 
Driving Directions
  Kansas City, Missouri Quality Inn, St. Charles From the West (on I-70 E) Depart ramp for I-70 East At exit 229, take ramp right and follow signs for Fifth St. Turn left onto S. 5th St. Hotel on left at 1425 South Fifth Street
  St. Louis, Missouri Quality Inn, St. Charles From the East (on I-70 W) Depart I-70 West At exit 229B, take ramp right and follow signs for Fifth St. Bear right onto S. 5th St. Move into far left lane to turn at first stoplight. Hotel on left at 1425 South Fifth Street
Equipment Requirements: Bike and helmet are required. Bikes can be rented for the week for $100. Bikes provided are Fuji Cross Town bicycles available in sizes 15 , 17 , 19 , 21 , and 23 inches . That should accommodate people from 4feet10inches in height to 6feet6inches . There are step overs and step throughs available, and we only use bicycles with a full suspension set (to include gel seat).A limited number of tandem and pedal assist bikes are available for $150/week.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check into hotel. Meet in lobby at 5:45 for shuttle to welcome dinner at nearby Grappa Grill.
(Saturday, April 13)
   
 Afternoon: Check in to hotel at your leisure. Attend welcome dinner at 6:00 pm and meet staff (meet at 5:45 in lobby to go to dinner). We will fit participants with their rental bikes, load gear and bicycles onto bus. We will not be cycling this first day.
 Dinner: We will meet in lobby at 5:45 to go to dinner at nearby Grappa Grill.
 Evening: After dinner we will gather we will visit at our leisure to get to know one another better.
   
Accommodations: Quality Inn & Suites
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Breakfast at hotel, followed by departure to Sedalia, the starting point for our biking trip. Stops at Les Bourgeois Vineyards for lunch, Bothwell Lodge Historic Site for tour, and on to Sedalia for check in to Hotel Bothwell and dinner catered by Ivory Grill.
(Sunday, April 14)

Note: Shuttle service to Sedalia -- approximately 5.5 hour trip to include time for multiple stops.
   
 Breakfast: Hot breakfast offered at hotel from 6:00am to 9:00am.
 Morning: We will load our luggage and remaining gear into the shuttle and start for Sedalia, the western most point of our journey and starting point for biking. Shuttle departs for Sedalia at 10am.
 Lunch: We will make a relaxing lunch stop on our journey to Sedalia at the Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport.
 Afternoon: We will continue on toward Sedalia stopping at the historic Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site to stretch our legs and tour the site. Upon arriving in Sedalia, we will check into the Hotel Bothwell, and relax for a couple of hours before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner will be catered in the Hotel Bothwell by the Ivory Grill. After dinner we will discuss the week's itinerary and learn about the logistics of the week.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Bothwell
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Cycle Katy Trail from Sedalia to Boonville. Explore historic Boonville or enjoy the Casino.
(Monday, April 15)

Note: Short itinerary: 25.7 miles Long itinerary: 35 miles
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast at your leisure between 6:00 - 8:00am.
 Morning: At 8:30, depart as a group for the Katy Trailhead. Cycle through downtown to the Historic Katy Depot where we will tour the facility and museum. We will review the suggested lunch locations, along with sag wagon check points throughout the day. Participants will be provided with a guide book and daily readings pertaining to the portion of the trail they will be riding that day. Riding will be at your pace but there will be a time set for when you have to be off the trail in order to get to the evening location and activities on time. Long itinerary will ride to Boonville. Short itinerary will ride to Pilot Grove and be shuttled to Boonville.
 Lunch: Lunch is on your own along the trail. Each rider will be provided suggested locations to eat lunch according to the options available that day.
 Afternoon: You will ride the remaining distance for the day with frequent stops along the trail for water breaks, and educational information relating to the trail and the small towns you pass through. Arrive in Boonville, where you can explore historic downtown Boonville, the river walk, casino, or simply relax before evening dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner at Isle of Capri Farmer's Pick Buffet, where an effort is made to use fresh, local ingredients in their delicious foods. At your leisure.
   
Accommodations: Isle of Capri Casino Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Cycle the Katy Trail from Boonville to state capital, Jefferson City. Optional self-guided tour of Capital building. Dinner at Prison Brews Microbrewery.
(Tuesday, April 16)

Note: Short itinerary: 30 miles Long itinerary: 48 miles



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet offered at hotel beginning at 7:00 am. Depart for trail at 8:30 am.
 Morning: Cycle from hotel parking lot to the trailhead, optional stop at Visitor Center/Railroad Museum. Cycle 13.5 miles into Rocheport. Lunch is on your own -- suggestions will be provided. Guide book readings will provide participants with information about sites they will pass on trail. Riding will be at your pace but there will be a time set for when you have to be off the trail in order to get to the evening location and activities on time.
 Lunch: On your own -- suggestions will be provided.
 Afternoon: You will ride the remaining distance for the day with frequent stops along the trail for water breaks, and educational information relating to the trail and the small towns you pass through. Arrive in Jefferson City. Choose option of taking a self-guided tour of the State Capitol (across street from hotel), swim, or relax before dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner at Prison Brews Microbrewery.
   
Accommodations: Capital Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Cycle from Jeff City to historic Hermann. Explore the town upon arrival followed by a winery tour and dinner at Stone Hill Winery.
(Wednesday, April 17)

Note: Short itinerary: 26 miles Long itinerary: 44 miles
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy continental breakfast at hotel, served beginning at 6:30am. Long itinerary riders depart for trailhead at 8:30. Short itinerary riders meet outside hotel for shuttle to Mokane.
 Morning: Long itinerary riders will depart from a trailhead near the hotel. Short itinerary riders will be shuttled to Mokane to catch the trail there. We will review sag wagon check points throughout the day. Guide book readings will provide participants with information about sites they will pass on trail. Riding will be at your pace but there will be a time set for when you have to be off the trail in order to get to the evening location and activities on time.
 Lunch: A gourmet picnic basket will be provided to both groups at Sag Support stop.
 Afternoon: You will ride the remaining distance for the day with frequent stops along the trail for water breaks, and educational information relating to the trail and the small towns you pass through. Check in to the eclectic Harbor Haus Inn. Enjoy simple accommodations and welcoming innkeeper, Frank Van Kamp. You will have time to explore historic downtown Hermann, or relax before evening activities.
 Dinner: Dinner will be at the historic Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Mo. Dinner will be preceded by tour of the winery.
   
Accommodations: Harbor Haus Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Cycle the Katy Trail from Hermann, MO to Augusta. Stroll through town, visit small shops or the Mount Pleasant Winery or Augusta Microbrewery. Dinner on your own. Shuttle will be provided to selected restaurants.
(Thursday, April 18)

Note: Both groups will cycle 34 miles today.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet around 7:30 am. in main house. Riders will depart at 8:30.
 Morning: Depart for trailhead. Enjoy riding high on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River on this stretch of the trail.
 Lunch: Both groups will enjoy a picnic lunch at the Sag Support Stop.
 Afternoon: Begin arriving at the Augusta trailhead. Stroll though town, look in small shops, visit Mt. Pleasant Winery or Augusta Microbrewery. Shuttle will depart for hotel at 5pm.
 Dinner: Dinner will be on your own in Washington, Missouri. Suggestions will be provided, and a shuttle will be available to transport you to selected restaurants.
   
Accommodations: Super 8
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Cycle from Augusta to St. Charles where you can enjoy the neatly restored and vibrant downtown full of historic sites, fun shops, and great places to relax. Visit Lewis & Clark Boat House and enjoy dinner as a group at the popular Mother In Law House Restaurant.
(Friday, April 19)

Note: Both groups cycle 26 miles today.
   
 Breakfast: 5:30 - 8:00 am: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Shuttle to Augusta trailhead departs at 8:30 am. Hear Dr. Anita Mallincrodkt lecture on the German Settlers and establishment of historic Augusta.
 Lunch: Gourmet picnic lunch at Katy Bike Rental
 Afternoon: Begin arriving at Old Main Street in St. Charles. Tour Lewis and Clark Boat House. Browse through shops and visit historic sites on Main Street.
 Afternoon: Dinner will be at Mother in Law House in historic St. Charles.
   
Accommodations: Country Inn & Suites
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Enjoy breakfast at your leisure in hotel breakfast area. Check out of hotel by 11am. Have a safe trip home!
(Saturday, April 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel at your leisure. Check out by 11:00. Have a safe trip home!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Missouri Off the Beaten Path, 9th: A Guide to Unique Places (Off the Beaten Path Series)


Author: Patti DeLano


Description: Travel the "ShowMe" state and you discover the back roads, unusual byways, and unique attractions in the state. Six maps and nineteen black-and-white illustrations help you to your destinations.



A History of Augusta, MO. And Its Area (1) 1850s-1860s As Reported in the St. Charles Demokrat


Author: Anita M. Mallinckrodt


Description: This book offers a unique visit with Missouri's German immigrants in the 1800s. The dynamic of their lives is recaptured here through the week-by-week newspaper reporting that chronicled their public problems and progress, as well as personal joys and tragedies. The reader meets the immigrants after their funerals and births, at political rallies and wartime battlefields, in jury room and jail cell, on steamboats and railroads, as grape growers and saloon keepers.



Exploring Missouri Wine Country


Author: Brett Dufur


Description: This guidebook to Missouri wine country profiles wineries, their histories, area highlights, wine tasting tips and descriptions of Missouri varieties, home-wine making recipes, a dictionary of wine terms and more. Also lists nearby bed & breakfasts, services and state parks.



Missouri Wine Country::St. Charles to Hermann (Images of America)


Author: Don and Dianna Graveman


Description: Before prohibition, Missouri was the second largest wine-producing state in the union, and for a short time during the Civil War, it was number one. Today the state's lush green area overlooking the Missouri River is officially recognized as America's first wine district. Parts of this district have produced wine since the 1830s, when German immigrants from the Rhine River Valley settled in Missouri. The historic towns of Augusta and Defiance, home of pioneer Daniel Boone, are part of this district. Other towns along the river include Dutzow, the first permanent German settlement in Missouri; Washington, which holds the state record for the most buildings on the National Register of Historic Places; and Hermann, recognized by its settlers as a German utopia.



St. Charles (Then and Now)


Author: Vicki Berger Erwin and Jessica Dreyer


Description: Since the settling of St. Charles as Les Petites Cotes (the little hills) by Louis Blanchette in 1769, the riverfront area has been important to the commercial and social growth of the city. Today it is a vibrant example of historic preservation. Yet, in the 1960s, the area was endangered as the once-lovely buildings deteriorated. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated citizens prompted by the restoration of the first state capitol property, the area underwent a revitalization and rebirth. The Main Street Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in June 1970.



The Lewis and Clark Journals


Author: Gary Moulton


Description: Following orders from President Thomas Jefferson, Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out from their wintering camp in Illinois in 1804 to search for a river passage to the Pacific Ocean. In this riveting account, editor Gary E. Moulton blends the narrative highlights of the Lewis and Clark journals so that the voices of the enlisted men and of Native peoples are heard alongside the words of the captains. All their triumphs and terrors are here—the thrill of seeing the vast herds of bison on the plains; the tensions and admiration in the first meetings with Indian peoples; Lewis's rapture at the stunning beauty of the Great Falls; the fear the captains felt when a devastating illness befell their Shoshone interpreter, Sacagawea; the ordeal of crossing the Continental Divide; the kidnapping and rescuing of Lewis’s dog, Seaman; miserable days of cold and hunger; and Clark's joy at seeing the Pacific. The cultural differences between the corps and Native Americans make for living drama that at times provokes laughter but more often is poignant and, at least once, tragic.



Undaunted Courage


Author: Stephen Ambrose


Description: In this sweeping adventure story, Stephen E. Ambrose, presents the definitive account of one of the most momentous journeys in American history. Ambrose follows the Lewis and Clark Expedition from Thomas Jefferson's hope of finding a waterway to the Pacific, through the heart-stopping moments of the actual trip, to Lewis's lonely demise on the Natchez Trace. Along the way, Ambrose shows us the American West as Lewis saw it -- wild, awesome, and pristinely beautiful. Undaunted Courage is a stunningly told action tale that will delight readers for generations.





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