Missouri
A Cycling Journey: The Katy Trail Across Missouri
Program No. 12693RJ
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A Cycling Journey: The Katy Trail Across Missouri
A Cycling Journey: The Katy Trail Across Missouri
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Participant Reviews
Based on 70 Reviews
SHOWING
Satisfying bicycle trip combining physical exertion and mental learning along a beautiful region of the wine country in Missouri. Making new friends on the trail and over a wine glass discussing the amazing knowledge and experience within the Road Scholar travelers.
— Review left October 30, 2025
Bike the Katy Trail and you won't regret it!
— Review left October 27, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed cycling using an e-bike. The Katy Trail is well maintained; the scenery was beautiful; the history signs along the trail were educational. The field trips to museums and wineries were positive additions to the experience.
— Review left October 11, 2025
This trip was great for me. If you like the outdoors, exercise and history, this trip’s for you. You can’t beat biking during the day and small town restaurants and entertainment at night. I’m a convert to the bike trip experience and will be checking out more of them in the future.
Thanks to the all The support staff: Debbie, Bob, John, Matt and Liz!
— Review left October 6, 2025
This was my first Road Scholar tour. It was a biking tour on the Katy trail. The difference on this bike tour is the amount of education exposure as well as the quality. Both are excellent! All participants are similar for a thirst of knowledge as well as physical activity. Several participants have done several tours with Road Scholar, one lady having done 29 previous Roa Scholar tours! This won’t be my last tour with Road Scholar.
— Review left October 5, 2025
An excellent experience that accommodated and facilitated different experience and fitness levels.great staff, well organized, a lot of fun and interesting presentations/site visits.
— Review left October 4, 2025
If you have the opportunity to have Deborah Macey be your group leader for the Katy Trail ride, make sure you sign up immediately. She makes your e-bike experience across Missouri the best. The trip was excellent.
— Review left July 9, 2025
This was a very good program that pretty much delivered what was advertised. The leader and crew were excellent - well-organized, personable, and helpful. Debbie was fantastic, especially her positive attitude (and providing the snacks). The ride was a little harder than expected. I did not use an e-bike. The first day was an incline and some hills. The other days were essentially flat but seemed to me to be a slight incline, maybe because of the dirt and gravel surface reduced traction compared to a hard surface. Certainly doable, but not easy (I'm a 65 year old males in good shape). Breakfasts were boring and uninspired. St. Charles is a very nice little town. The scenery is good, but not super great. Lots of greenery, some river views (often obscured by trees and bushes), and stone walls. We saw some wildlife - snakes, deer, rabbits, turtles, tons of birds. The trees did provide excellent coverage and shade, so we were very comfortable. Overall, a very worthwhile trip if you like biking and comradery.
— Review left June 16, 2025
Initially I was not sure if I would be able to comfortably complete the 50 mile days. The e-bike made it happen - I not only finished, I enjoyed every mile. I pedaled at my normal cadence and the eco-mode helped flatten the little hills and shrink the distance for me.
— Review left June 15, 2025
Very nice trip combining the mid west history and culture of small town America with a scenic bike ride.
— Review left June 14, 2025
I had a great time biking the Katy Trail and visiting the towns along the trip. The fitness level was spirited, as described, but there were accommodations available for anyone who wanted to adjust the activity level.
— Review left May 19, 2025
What a great tour! We have been trying to determine how to approach riding the Katy Trail and this program took so much of the guesswork out of the equation so we could just enjoy the actual riding experience with the bonus of learning so much along the way!
— Review left May 13, 2025
Do this adventure if you are primarily interested in cycling for a few hours every day and you want to experience a new venue for your cycling. Do this if you want to hang out with some new people who share your love with this activity and the outdoor and who want to learn more about Lewis & Clark and the beautiful countryside they encountered during their epic journey. Do this trip if you think California is the only state that makes decent wine.
— Review left May 12, 2025
Due to unexpected events, I was not able to train for this trip. I would definitely not recommend this omission. Still and Yet, I succeeded in completing the trip on a regular bike. This is due to the well timed snack breaks, the wonderful discussions in route that distracted me from the pain in my rear, and to the wonderful staff and their encouragement. Thank you from the bottom …… of my heart, Debbie, Joe, John and Bob.
Train for the trip and you will have a great trip. The countryside is beautiful, and the feeling of adventure as you cross the land traveled by Lewis and Clark is powerful. I highly recommend this trip. Our leader Debbie is the one of the most capable leaders I have experienced in my 17 Road Scholar programs.
Thank you, Leslie
— Review left May 12, 2025
Met all my expectations and more.
Debbie was really prepared and organized and we had a few bonuses like the morning she arranged for a poolside yoga class.
Highly recommend this trip.
— Review left December 30, 2024
We opted to rent e-bikes after looking at the type of surface and the distance to be traveled. We did not regret our choice as we ran into heavy winds on our journey. The organization, trail snacks and lunches, scenery and our fellow riders all combined to make a very enjoyable eperience. Katy Trail is a treasure!
— Review left November 14, 2024
An enjoyable bike trip that is well organized and fun. Also many learning opportunities during the trip. I very much enjoyed this bike trip.
— Review left November 13, 2024
This is a great trip to see a beautiful part of the country, have some fun and make new friends! I highly recommend this trail if you enjoy cycling!
— Review left November 8, 2024
The Katy Trail is beautiful. This trip offers history and beautiful scenery. I had a wonderful time meeting people from across the country. The leader Debbie and the crew are professional and also made me feel at home. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left November 4, 2024
This is a beautiful continuous Rails-to-Trails path with minimal concerns for car traffic. Often it felt as though I was riding through a woods, with tree canopies over the trail. It follows the Missouri River much of the time so there are river views & beautiful limestone bluffs. I had an e-assist bike which made the mileage very manageable for me.
— Review left October 30, 2024
This was my first Road Scholar trip and it exceeded my expectations. They are a top-notch program with strong attention to details, overall experience, and individuals' specific needs.
— Review left October 28, 2024
Road Scholar's Katy Trails is a perfect blend of active vacationing (biking with ebikes for us) and educational opportunities (Churchill Museum; State Capital Tour, etc) and fun options (winery, breakfast at local diner; dinners out as a group, ect). Everything is planned, organized and handled for a trouble free vacation. Will be doing more Road Scholar Trips soon!
— Review left October 25, 2024
What can I say, this is the 3rd time with Road Scholar on the Katy Trail. The staff are incredibly helpful, informative, and just fun to be with. I will continue to "come back" as long as I'm able. You can't go wrong with this trip and staff. The Katy Trail ride is serene and exhilarating at the same time. "Just do it"!
— Review left October 19, 2024
This was a great trip. It was very well organized. Our leader was great. The trail is historical and beautiful.
— Review left October 11, 2024
This is a great "off the trodden path" daytime experience combined with modern comforts at end of day.
— Review left October 2, 2024
First time rider, The Katy Trails program was Awesome!!! I had a wonderful time, made new friends. Looking for my next program!!!
— Review left September 30, 2024
This was my first cycling trip and I was hoping I would be up to the task. I decided an e-bike would make it possible. The trip was expertly led by Deborah and a team of bike specialists. I know a lot was going on behind the scenes to make the trip a success. I enjoyed getting to know all the other cyclists and experiencing the natural and historic beauty of the Katy trail and historic towns along the way. It was an active group and riding was at a brisk pace, but the team offered lots of support and great food along the way. I hope to touch base with some of my fellow cyclists in the future. I will never forget this trip!
— Review left June 26, 2024
Awesome Group Leader, wonderful fellow travellers beautiful scenery
— Review left June 25, 2024
The museums that we went to and the capitol building were interesting and informative. I had not been to Missouri and enjoyed learning more about the state's history.
It is a tight schedule to see everything and ride in five days. Most people had selected e-bikes and it seems the schedule is geared towards them. This is not a leisurely ride where the regular bike riders have opportunity to "smell the roses," so unless you are an avid rider, you may be better off choosing an e-bike.
I chose the "comfort" bike and did not find it comfortable, but I also experienced three flat tires during the trip. I would recommend the sport bike which is a regular 21 speed hybrid bike.
— Review left June 24, 2024
The Katy trail experience was great! We had a interesting group that made evening meals and biking even a better experience. Love hearing other people's stories. The biking wasn't overly strenuous (for me), the sites were beautiful and learned some good history.
— Review left June 16, 2024
Another good RoadScholar.org bike tour...this time on the Katy Trail. This is my second trip w/RS.org. Nice people; knowledgeable leaders; good value. A fun experience. I have another one booked for the Fall! MPortman, Austin, TX
— Review left June 4, 2024
Great way to complete an iconic ride. About half our group opted for e-bikes but I found the route very doable on a traditional bike. There are no hills on a rail trail!
— Review left November 8, 2023
This was my 13th Road Scholar trip and it was one of the best. The organization was superb even given all the moving parts - 21 bikes and people, 2 vehicles, obtaining food in small towns and new hotels each night.. The Katy trail is beautiful with the fall foliage, well maintained and appreciated by the people who live along it. The multiple levels of history - Lewis and Clarks adventures, the Rail Road history and the Churchil Museum were delightful additions to a beautiful bike ride.
— Review left October 31, 2023
This is a great trip. It is so well organized. The cycling is delightful and you’ll learn so much about the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as the railroad expansion and the history of the area.
— Review left October 29, 2023
If you like to cycle and just have a wonderful time it will be hard to do better than this program
— Review left October 29, 2023
A wonderful cycling experience shared with an inspiring group of individuals
— Review left October 29, 2023
This was an amazing trip! I made some new friends, learned so much rich local history and explored a whole new world. The staff were top notch and it was incredible how well run the whole trip was even down to the smallest details. I can't wait to book my next trip!
— Review left October 18, 2023
The ride on the Katy Trail was a great experience. The leader and her crew were an added bonus. The group of people was also an added bonus. You couldn't ask for a more cohesive group of people. If you want to do the Katy Trail, do it with Road Scholar.
— Review left October 18, 2023
Lots of good cycling along the Missouri River. Very scenic with the bluffs on our left and the river on our right.
— Review left October 14, 2023
The Katy Trail was a great bicycle ride. The planning and execution were exceptional. My fellow riders added greatly to the experience. I highly recommend this trip to all bicyclists who are capable of riding all or most of this ride.
— Review left October 11, 2023
The weeklong trip on the Katy Trail was a fabulous experience. The biking, scenery, camaraderie, and Debby's leadership and her crew made it a memorable adventure. I can't wait to do another one!
— Review left October 11, 2023
If you love to bike this is a must trip!
— Review left September 17, 2023
Wow !
So this is my second Katy Trail ride (with Road Scholar), and it was even better than the first. A huge shout out to the staff : Debbie, Bob, Greg, Joey, and Liz, for all the help they did to make this a memorable trip. The trail was in excellent condition, the meals, the accommodations, the pampering ; I felt truly spoiled.
And enjoyed every minute of it.
Thank you, Road Scholar !
ben
— Review left June 11, 2023
There was such a feeling of gratifying accomplishment in meeting the challenge of a long distance ride (although my butt would disagree with me!). The program was exceedingly well organized with lots of sag assistance along the way, and always with options to shuttle. Lots of food and comfortable accommodations. Everyone loved our program director, with her warmth, cheerfulness, and attention to detail. I'm glad I got to see and experience a bit of this state, its history, and its people!
— Review left May 21, 2023
This was my first time with Road Scholar and my experiences were above and beyond my expectations! The support was wonderful and the security for my bike was better than I had hoped for. I enjoyed meeting the participants and would definitely recommend this tour for any bike enthusiasts.
— Review left November 7, 2022
My second time on this program and it could not have been better, even with one day rainout
— Review left October 31, 2022
Easy cycling with an incredible support team all along the way. A variety of small (but very interesting!) museum visits and presentations. You come home with a good sense of life along the Missouri River!
— Review left October 25, 2022
I've been wanting to bike the Katy trail for 15 years. Road Scholar made it affordable and fun. The ride was beautiful and the support was amazing. The groups was friendly and I really look forward to my next Raod Scholar adventure.
— Review left June 10, 2022
I loved the Katy Trail ride. It was well planned and then programs were very informative. Never road so far on a bike and gained weight. Meals were awesome
— Review left June 3, 2022
It was a great ride, challenging but fun. I’d wanted to bike the Katy Trail for years. Glad I finally did it!
— Review left May 29, 2022
I loved this trip. Program coordinators were well prepared, making the trip seamless. Educational and historical sites along the way were interesting. We stayed at interesting places in historical towns, and enjoyed food at local restaurants. And we got a lot of riding in along, with options for doing other things than riding, if we chose. All the support staff - drivers, bike rentals, sag, etc., were welcoming, helpful, and just good people.
— Review left November 9, 2021
My second trip on the Katy Trail was as good as the first. It's long, easy cycling. Bad weather just makes it an adventure!
— Review left October 31, 2021
Discover Missouri with Road Scholar's Katy Trail bike trip. Beautiful and well maintained trail; Well organized, diverse group of biking skills - everyone felt successful and enjoyed the week.
— Review left October 11, 2021
Very enjoyable trip aimed primarily at folks who are casual bikers. We are more serious and were not able to ride with others in the group but we set our own pace and the group leaders graciously accommodated us. The learning activities were very interesting and worthwhile. Overall it will get your heart rate going and challenge most casual riders. But well worth it.
— Review left October 9, 2021
Really enjoyed the Katy Trail in Missouri with Road Scholar!
— Review left October 9, 2021
I have an automatic log on, however I keep getting a message saying that your website was redesigned and I have to reset my password, although I've already done so.
— Review left October 5, 2021
This was a great trip and Pam is an excellent organizer and leader.
— Review left September 30, 2021
The Katy Trail bike trip is wonderful and the program is exceptionally well organized
— Review left September 27, 2021
A well organized and challenging program in a beautiful area of our country. Wonderful field trips to historic sites.
— Review left September 26, 2021
This was a wonderful trip with beautiful scenery and quaint towns. The support was excellent and organized. Prepare your sits bones before riding this distance!
— Review left October 21, 2019
Wonderful program; challenging if you want, or relaxing if you want. The leaders worked together to enable everyone to participate at their individual comfort level. I gained a new perspective on the history and people of Missouri.
— Review left October 6, 2019
We enjoyed interacting with the great group of participants from across the U.S. We will remain in touch with many of them.
— Review left June 9, 2019
This is a great trip. We are not avid bikers, but were able to keep up with our group because we were well supported by Pam and her team. The trail was fun and the countryside beautiful. I had a wonderful experience.
— Review left June 2, 2019
Katy is a great trail, and this trip has a wonderful staff running it—lead by the super organized and friendly leader, Pam. The surface is mostly flat and I was surprised by the predominance of woodsy, shaded terrain where you ride along the river and beautiful stone bluffs.
— Review left June 2, 2019
I have just returned from a wild and wonderful Road Scholar bicycle trip on the Katy Trail in Missouri. My parents were both born in the state, and I wanted to experience it up close. I definitely succeeded. With the very volatile weather in the midwest this spring, our group had to forage around trees that blocked the trail and cycle through water so deep that on the downstroke my entire foot was submerged. We were one day ahead of the tornado that did extensive damage in Jefferson City, and were awakened by tornado warnings in Hermann. We saw snakes, armadillos, and turtles. I personally rescued a large turtle and was rewarded by getting doused with an impressive projectile urination. The guides were excellent, making game-time adjustments in our routes and keeping us all safe. As is typical on RS trips, the best part was the wonderful group of people I got to share the adventure with.
— Review left May 30, 2019
Very much enjoyed this trip. Pam, Darlene, and staff were all very helpful and very organized, pleasant, and flexible. I appreciated that they arranged for me to avoid the parts of the trip that were on roads rather than on the trail, since I prefer not to ride with cars. They provided a lot of information about what activities we could expect each day. The trip was challenging and fun for me.
— Review left May 28, 2019
I visited the Katy with an experienced team during tornado season and had a great time avoided the weather and learned something. What more could one ask for on vacation?
— Review left May 26, 2019
Super program and well organized event. We plan to participate in more Road Scholar programs in the future.
— Review left May 26, 2019
We rode the Katy trail in late May 2019. The Road Scholar program made it extremely easy and fun. Staff was friendly and helpful. Everything was well-organized. There were weather issues which require improvisation; the staff handled it very well. I heartily recommend the ride, but do get padded shorts!
— Review left May 25, 2019
A wonderful journey, one of the best I have been on. Coolish late October weather. Extremely well planned and executed by Program Director Pam and her crew. The staff - all six of them - were always available and located just where they said that they would be.
The Katy trail is the best crushed rock rail trail I have ridden. Glad we stopped at the Churchill museum. Way above what I had expected.
I will definitely explore other Road Scholar bike journeys next year.
Russ
— Review left February 17, 2019