May 18 - May 25, 2024
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DATES & PRICES
| Bike Not Included | Bike Included |
|---|---|
DATES & PRICES
| Bike Not Included | Bike Included |
|---|---|
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the breakfast room to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. At that time, check with the Group Leader for instructions and times for rental bike fittings and loading of personal bikes. During each day of cycling, we will ride from one location to another where we will spend the night.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. The Katy Trail consists of numerous sections. This program is designed for everyone to have an experience suited to their abilities. If you feel a particular section might be too demanding, you can load your bike on the trailer and ride in the shuttle bus to the next section. Sweeps will be available to help with any cycling or bicycle repair issues. In addition to the daily schedule, we will review suggested lunch locations and sag wagon check points. Everyone will receive a Katy Trail Guide Book with designated daily readings for self-directed learning on the trail. Cycling will be at individual pace, but there will be a designated time when everyone must be off the trail in order to get to the evening location and activities on time. The only time we will be led is when necessary to direct us by road to the trail or if there are detours. There will be a sweep at the end of the group to ensure that everyone has arrived safely. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a shuttle bus; driving about 170 miles throughout the day, approximately 5.5 hours driving time with rest stops.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Checking out of the hotel, we will load our luggage and gear onto the shuttle bus, setting out at 8:30 a.m. for Sedalia, the westernmost point of our journey and starting point for biking. En route, we will stop in Fulton, Missouri, to explore the National Churchill Museum on the campus of Westminster College. It was here in 1946 that Winston Churchill gave his famous “Iron Curtain” speech defining the Cold War. Years later when the college was deciding on an appropriate anniversary memorial, they imported a 17th-century, Christopher Wren designed church from London. Though badly damaged during the World War II blitz of London, it was transported stone by stone to the college campus and rebuilt according to Wren’s original specifications. The Churchill Museum is situated beneath the church and includes sections from the demolished Berlin Wall. A docent will discuss the church and the Berlin Wall. We will then have time to explore the museum independently.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: We’ll continue our drive to Sedalia and check in to the hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner: We will drive to a local restaurant.
Evening: At the restaurant, we’ll meet other program staff and discuss the schedule for tomorrow. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Prepare for check-out and cycling in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a shuttle bus; driving about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour riding time. Cycling about 35 miles throughout the day; generally well-maintained trail, small gravel chat, some washouts or down debris could occur if there has been a heavy rain; 3% incline. There will be two opportunities to get on or off the trail and ride in the shuttle bus instead of biking.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: As a group, we will hop aboard a shuttle bus and drive to the Katy Trailhead, beginning at the historic Katy Depot where we will hear from a Depot expert about Sedalia’s railroad history and heritage. We will also have some time to explore the museum independently. We will then review the day’s itinerary, suggested lunch locations, and sag wagon check points. Cycling will be at everyone’s personal pace for self-directed learning but there will be a designated time when we must be off the trail in order to get to the evening location and activities on time.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: We will bike the remaining distance for the day with stops along the trail for water and snack breaks. In addition to information in the Katy Trail Guide Book to enhance our self-directed learning, there are historical storyboards, markers, and points along the trail and in small towns we will pass through. Arriving in Boonville, we will check in to the hotel. You might like to explore the historic downtown, the river walk, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, or simply relax before dinner.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and cycling in the morning.
Activity note: Cycling about 51 miles from Boonville to Jefferson City; generally well-maintained, relatively flat trail, small gravel chat, some washouts or down debris could occur if there has been a heavy rain. There will be four opportunities to get on or off the trail and ride in the shuttle bus instead of biking.
Breakfast: At a local diner.
Morning: We will meet in the hotel lobby at 8:30 a.m. to discuss the day’s itinerary. A sweep will lead us from the hotel parking lot to the trailhead, where we will bike to Rocheport and then on to McBaine for lunch. Refer to your guidebook and relevant markers to enhance self-directed learning. Riding will be at individual pace but there will be a time set when we must be off the trail in order to get to evening location and activities on time.
Lunch: At the McBaine trailhead.
Afternoon: We will bike the remaining distance for the day with stops along the trail for water breaks and self-directed learning before. Arriving at our destination, we will check in to our hotel. The state capitol building is within walking distance from the hotel. We will have a field trip to the capitol in the morning but anyone who would like to walk over this afternoon is welcome to do so.
Dinner: At a popular restaurant.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and cycling in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a shuttle bus; city driving; on/off a trolley. Cycling about 48 miles throughout the day; generally well-maintained trail, small gravel chat; some washouts or down debris could occur if there has been a heavy rain. There will be five opportunities to get on or off the trail and ride in the shuttle bus instead of biking.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will ride the shuttle bus to the state capitol building for a docent-led presentation. The magnificent building, dedicated in 1924, features carvings, statuary, murals, and stained glass by leading artists of the day representing significant aspects of Missouri history and culture. We’ll then take the shuttle bus to the trailhead.
Lunch: At the Rhineland Ballpark Pavilion.
Afternoon: We will bike the remaining distance for the day with stops along the way for water and self-directed education along the trail. Arriving in Hermann, we will check in to our accommodations. You might like to explore historic downtown Hermann, or just freshen up and relax. Late afternoon, we’ll regroup at the hotel for docent-led field trip by trolley around Hermann to learn about the history of the town’s German heritage and wine production. The trolley will return to the hotel after our field trip.
Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like. There are a number of restaurant choices and the Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and cycling in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a shuttle bus; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Cycling about 35 miles throughout the day; generally well-maintained trail, small gravel chat; some washouts or down debris could occur if there has been a heavy rain. There are two opportunities to get on or off the trail and be transported in the shuttle.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will cycle out across the bridge or shuttle by bus to the trailhead and enjoy riding parallel to the Missouri River with beautiful bluffs on the north side of the trail.
Lunch: In Marthasville Park, just north of the trailhead.
Afternoon: We will bike the remaining distance for the day with stops along the trail for water and self-directed learning along the trail. Those who arrive early at the Augusta Trailhead will have some “down time” to enjoy a cold drink at a local establishment or just have a relaxing break. There will be two shuttle bus transfers to the hotel. After checking in to the hotel we will have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner: We will take the shuttle bus to a restaurant in the downtown Washington riverfront area.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and cycling in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a shuttle bus; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Cycling about 26 miles; generally well-maintained trail, small gravel chat; some washouts or down debris could occur if there has been a heavy rain. There will be two opportunities to get on or off the trail and be transported in the shuttle.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will ride the shuttle bus to the Augusta trail head and begin cycling for the last 26 miles of the program back to St. Charles. We will bike the remaining distance for the day with stops along the trail for water and self-directed learning along the trail. Upon arrival, we will return rental bikes to the parking lot behind the hotel.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in St. Charles. There are numerous restaurants along the historic old Main Street.
Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. You might like to stroll along the historic streets of St. Charles, stopping off at the Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum. Located on the riverfront location of the expedition’s departure point, it features indoor and outdoor exhibits relating to the Missouri River ecosystem and the expedition, including hand-crafted replicas of the expedition’s boats. Or, visit the site of Missouri’s first state capitol, or take a narrated trolley ride. The Group Leader can help with any additional information about ways to see and learn more about the historic area.
Dinner: We will regroup at a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity note: Hotel check out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!