By Marise Boehs
It’s called Big BAM (Bike Across Missouri) on the Katy Trail, starting in Clinton, MO, on the west end of the trail and riding to St. Charles on the east end. Six days, 225 miles across Missouri.
This was my 4th time to ride the Katy, but never had I not gotten on the SAG wagon nearly every day. My goal this year was to ride all the miles every day. I had trained and prepared. I had reached my weight goal. I wasready for the test.
Sunday morning, June 2, with my bike loaded on my car, bags packed with healthy snacks, hydration powder, and electrolytes, I left Norman headed to Clinton.
DAY 1 – CLINTON TO SEDALIA – 35.5 miles
I, and 175 other riders, left Clinton early in the morning. This first stretch is either tree lined or open prairie with wheat and corn fields. A very quiet and peaceful ride. The way the day breaks up is like this: first water stop was 16.5 miles; lunch stop was 25 miles and then roughly 10 more to finish the day by early afternoon.
DAY 2 – SEDALIA TO BOONVILLE – 37 miles
I was excited to get going on this leg of the ride because the trail picks up bluffs and the Missouri River as we approach Booneville. I spent the night at a nice casino hotel along the river and ate really good food. All the food is good at the end of a 4 hour ride!!
DAY 3 – BOONVILLE TO N. JEFFERSON – 48.5 miles
This was the day I’d been dreading. The longest day. But also my favorite stretch of trail. Leaving Boonville the river runs on the right, and on the left, gorgeous bluffs. AND the famous Rocheport Tunnel. I rode the miles!!
DAY 4 – N. JEFFERSON TO HERMANN – 44.6 miles
Another long day, but I was feeling fairly confident that I could make it, having done more the day before. I did it! Rode all the miles that day as well. Spent the night in the historical Crown Hotel, ate hot wings and ice cream, and watched OU beat Texas to win the WCWS! It was a good day.
DAY 5 – HERMANN TO AUGUSTA – 36.6 miles
This section of the trail is absolutely gorgeous. River on the right, bluffs on the left, and a beautiful tree canopy that goes on for miles. The miles seemed to just roll away. When I arrived at the Augusta trailhead, I called my B&B reservation and the owner picked me up. I was in for a special treat this last night on the trail! The Enchanted Owl – if you have a chance, do yourself a
favor and stay with them.
DAY 6 – AUGUSTA TO ST. CHARLES – 27 miles
Another day of river on the right, bluffs on the left for most of the way. I took my time and enjoyed the last miles. I will daydream about the next time I can be there.
