What’s included on the tour?
- All accommodations
- Breakfast daily
- Daily luggage transfer to your next night’s inn
- Start most days of the week (there are some exceptions)
- Shuttles, (added fee for rarely needed extra shuttles)
- Route guides, maps, and recommendation
- Some routes can be modified
- Assistance in renting bicycles.
- Breakdown service
- 10% discount on your next Independent Tourist bike tour.
What will the accommodations be like?
Most lodging is in bed and breakfast or small inns, with a mix of hotels. We have selected your lodging because of their comfortable rooms and gracious hosts. Rooms usually have a private bath, and the inn may have a common room or broad porch where you can make yourself at home. Many hosts will have a supply of books or games to borrow to make your stay enjoyable. Since they are experts on the area they will happily give you recommendations for restaurants or things to see and do. Some host will shuttle their guest to dining too.
Most of the inns have complimentary WIFI service.
In some cases, at a cyclist request, we will reserve lodging not on our list.
How do I get ready for this cycling tour?
We have designed most tours to be moderate in length and difficulty. There is no need to sprint or set land speed records. Your cycling day is an integral part of the tour. Take your time and enjoy it.
We suggest that you ride a bicycle at home with some frequency before starting your cycling vacation. Generally, if you can ride 60% to 70% of the expected distance without a problem at home, you should be just fine on our tour. Walking and other general exercise is also suggested.
What will my cycling day be like? Will I be able to do it?
Your cycling day is an integral part of the tour. Getting to your evening destination is at least half the fun. Most tours average 35 miles per day (60 km,) and you should plan on 4 to 6 hours depending on how many stops you make. You may want a leisurely lunch or like to stop at antique shops or take pictures along the way. We can often make a custom tour with shorter or longer daily distances if you like.
If you are uncertain about your ability for these tours please contact us with your concerns. We will be happy to advise you.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal. On our website
“Reservation/Contact” tab select “Reservations” on the drop down menu and follow the directions to complete the form which will take you through to the end, the payment page. We use Stripe as our credit card processor. If you have any problems or questions please contact us at
(309) 264-4514 or (866) 269-9913.
Personal checks drawn on US banks will also be accepted. Payments by check must be received at least 45 days before the beginning of your tour.
I am not comfortable buying online. Can I still pay by credit card?
Yes, just call us with your credit card number (309) 264-4514 or toll free (866) 269-9913 (US or Canada). Please compete the reservation form on our website first and select the form that states you have a question before paying.
Can I send a personal check?
Yes, if it is drawn on a US bank in US currency. Checks cannot be used for payment of tours that begin in less than 45 days before the tour. Please indicate on your reservation form and/or call Bob Grace at 309-264-4514 for any questions before hand.
Since you move luggage should we bring bike bags, panniers or helmets?
We will move your luggage during the day, but we recommend bringing some sort of pannier or bags to hold your day’s gear such as camera and rain gear. Bike rentals generally include a helmet and lock. Also, you can usually rent panniers and handle bar bags from our preferred bike rental shops.
Can we share a room but have separate beds?
When staying at hotels, separate beds are usually no problem, though depending on availability, some hotels may have a king or queen room with a pullout sofa area. At most of our B&B’s, rollouts are used for separate bed requests and the number of rollouts per B&B is limited. In some cases, depending on the number of cyclist staying at the B&B, we may be able to provide a separate room at minimal or no added cost. We will work hard to accommodate your request with no additional cost and will keep you informed so there are no surprises.
Can you outfit us with rented bicycles?
We work with local bike stores and rental shops with good reputations and service and we will refer you at the time of your reservation. A deposit is usually required and you will pay the remainder directly when you pick up your bicycle. Rental cost is about $20 – $25 Canadian or US $ per day or $110 to $130 per week.
Keep in mind that no matter how well maintained and sized for you a rented bike will not be guaranteed to be the same as what you may be used to at home. If you have a particular fondness for your own bicycle you may want to seriously consider bringing it with you if that is practical.
Can I use my skinny tire road bike on the trails?
We recommend more of a hybrid bike tire, but our road bike customers tell us they are happy with the hard packed surface of the trails. Usually a size 28C diameter road tire, or larger is best.
Can you help if we have a flat or mechanical problems?
Some basic bike mechanical knowledge can make your tour easier. A small tool kit and flat repair items (including a spare tube and small tire pump) are essential on any bike trip. Flat tires are the number one mechanical problem. If you don’t know to fix them we recommend:
- Ask the mechanic at your favorite bike shop to demonstrate. They are usually happy to show you.
- Look for a YouTube video on the web. Search for “bicycle flat tire repair”. You will find many 5 to 10 minute videos to choose from.
If you encounter bad weather or a mechanical breakdown that you can’t fix, we will arrange for help or a pickup. The availability of help and timing will depend on where you are along the route, so we cannot guarantee an immediate response. This service is included in the tour but at times (rarely) there may be an extra cost.
We will also supply you with phone numbers and addresses of bike shops along your route as well as for your next lodging. They may be the best resources for mechanical problems.
Finally, you should carry a cell phone on your tour so you can contact us for help (309) 264-4514 or (866) 269-9913
Can I bring my own bicycle? How do I bring it on a plane?
Yes, you can bring your own or rent. Many people prefer the fit and feel of the bicycle they regularly ride. Plus, you will know for sure if it has all the right features.
Domestic US or Canadian flights and flights between the two countries will charge per bicycle each way. Some other international flights may count your bike as an extra bag or they may have extra charges for bikes. Check with your airline and with your favorite bike shop about flying or shipping. Some customers have their bike shop package and ship to a bike shop near our bike tour where it is unpacked.
Are children welcome on the tours?
Generally children over age 12 are welcomed at the inns. Our only requirement is that all of our cyclists, children included, be capable of riding the daily distance of the tour selected. If you are renting bikes, be sure to reserve well in advance. Most cycle shops keep fewer small bikes on hand.
Can I start my tour any day of the week?
You can start MOST days of the week. Check the Tour Prices for highly recommended start days.
Our dates can be flexible to fit your schedule. Usually you can start on 4 or 5 days during the week (pending availability). Our recommended start days of the week for each separate tour, are the best for logistics of dining options at each town, and lodging availability during the weekends.
What is included in the Katy Trail tours?
Your pre-paid price includes all:
lodging accommodations, breakfast , maps, route guides, and luggage transfers and unscheduled pickup due to severe weather, mechanical or other problem. See our website and your individual tour for specifics.
My tour starts at Augusta or Rocheport, Missouri. How do I get there?
Augusta is 31 miles west of St. Charles on State Highway 94. Rocheport is 3 miles from I-70 exit #115 — about 117 miles west of St. Charles. Long term parking is available at either location. If you fly into the St Louis airport, we can arrange a shuttle at a minimal cost to Augusta. It is recommended to drive to Rocheport. Please call for any shuttle arrangements questions. Most all arrangements can be accommodated.
My Katy Trail tour starts at St. Charles, Missouri. How can I get there?
St. Charles is on the western edge of the St. Louis metropolitan area and is easily accessible from I-70 and other major roads. It is a 15-20 minute drive west from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Shuttles and taxis are available to St. Charles from the airport. Long term parking is available at our shuttle pickup spot in St. Charles. If you are flying to St. Louis and catching the shuttle to your starting point we may be able to arrange an airport pickup that will take you directly to bike rental and outfitting before going west to your starting point. The additional cost will be about the same as an airport taxi, $30 – $40 each way.
How does the tour work?
Our Katy cyclists all ride eastbound. Our standard tours (#10, #11, and #12) usually start at the eastern end of the trail at St. Charles. We will transport you west to your cycling start point. After an overnight there, you will begin the cycling tour riding east and eventually return to St. Charles where you started.
Cyclists starting in Rocheport (tours #13 and #14) will have a shuttle back to their car at Rocheport at the end of the tour.
Extended overnight parking is available in St. Charles, Augusta and Rocheport. You will be able to return directly to your car at the end of the tour (some alternatives end with a shuttle back to your car). If you rent bikes through our recommended bike shop, the rental shop will pick them up. No need to return bike rentals
Are there hills on the trail?
The Katy is generally level for its 225 mile length. A few sections west of Boonville have slight gradual inclines. There are often hills when you go away from the trail or into some of the river towns along the way, but these are largely optional.
What is the Katy Trail surface like? What kind of bike is recommended?
The trail is made of a fine crushed limestone. It packs into a fairly hard surface. Depending on weather, the hard surface can develop soft spots, washed out, or rough areas. We recommend a mountain bike or hybrid with medium to wide tires, but our skinny tire road bike friends generally say they have no problems.
How is the weather along the trail? Is there a better time to tour?
Our standard tour season is from April 1 to October 31. Spring and fall are beautiful and the temperatures are more comfortable. The summer months can be very hot, but early morning cycling will help beat the heat.
| Month | FahrenheitHi/Low | CelsiusHi/Low |
|---|---|---|
| April | 66/43 | 19/6 |
| May | 75/53 | 24/12 |
| June | 84/62 | 29/17 |
| July | 89/66 | 32/19 |
| August | 87/64 | 31/18 |
| September | 79/55 | 26/13 |
| October | 68/44 | 20/7 |
Will you provide or help rent a bicycle for the tour?
We can direct you in to a preferred bike rental shop. Rental costs are additional and can include a handlebar bag, helmet and additional pannier or trunk rack bag if you wish. If you own some of these, you may wish to bring them along with you. This is especially true for a helmet which may fit you better than the rented one. Some people along a favorite bike seat to be added to the rental bike. Bike rental is generally about $30 per day.
I have cycled across many river bridges. Is the bridge across the Missouri River at Jefferson City user friendly?
The bridge is now very BIKE SAFE and FRIENDLY. In 2011 the northbound bridge span was expanded with the addition of a safe bike lane completely separated from vehicle traffic. Cycling across the river now takes minutes unless you stop at a viewing spot to take pictures.
How is the cell phone service along the trail?
There is service along the trail with a few exception. The signals are occasionally and briefly blocked by high cliffs. We recommend that you carry a cell phone on the trail.
Day 3 of the End-to-End tour has 50 miles to cycle. Can this be shortened?
Yes, day 3 (50 miles) can be reduced to 37 miles. We can provide a shuttle service at the beginning or end of the day. We require at least a one day notice and there may be small additional charge. This will allow you to finish your day earlier and spend extra time at your evening destination. Our first recommendation is to chose the morning sag to reduce the cycling day by 13 miles.
What is included in the PEI tours?
Your pre-paid price includes all accommodations, breakfast, maps, route guides, and luggage transfers.
Where is Prince Edward Island?
It is in the gulf of the St. Lawrence River just 13 km (8 miles) or 22 km by ferry (14 miles) from the New Brunswick or Nova Scotia coasts. It is about 100 miles from Halifax, Nova Scotia; (970 km (600 miles) from Montreal or Boston; and about 1290 km (800) miles from New York City.
How do I get there?
There is at least one daily non-stop each from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Detroit to Charlottetown, PEI.
Regular non-stop fllights to Halifax are available from Boston, Newark, Toronto, Montreal, Detroit and Ottawa. Air Canada serves European travelers with a direct flight to Halifax from London. It makes one stop in St. John’s Newfoundland.
If you are driving. PEI is only 10-minutes from New Brunswick by crossing the 13 km (8-mile) Confederation Bridge. It is about a 3 1/2-hour drive from Halifax airport. During the summer a 22 km (14-mile) ferry crossing is maintained from Nova Scotia to Wood Islands, PEI.
What is the weather on PEI?
Summers are mild with average midsummer highs around 21 C (70 F).