August 30, 2020
Heading up and east on the Katy
Pedaling uphill through farmland in western Missouri
The troops loaded the U-Haul with their bikes and luggage with an early wake-up call. With the SAG van and U-Haul loaded, we headed over to First Watch, a very short walk, for a tour breakfast. We were on I-70 west heed to Clinton before 9:00 a.m.
It was lunch when we pulled into Clinton. Knowing that lunch options would be limited on the tour route, we opted for a fast-food lunch in Clinton. The next order of business was to unload the van and U-Haul. Bicycles were outfitted for the day of cycling. The SAG van was setup. I am the driver for the first segment to Windsor
My drive to Windsor was quick and uneventful. I arrived in Windsor with plenty of time to share. I iced the drink cooler and explored the trailhead. I set my bike up for touring and headed west to meet the group as they pedaled into Windsor. I join them for their three-mile ride into Windsor.
A quick break and SAG exchange had us heading east to Sedalia, a 20-mile ride. The scenery today was a mix of shade and open farmland. It was very reminiscent of a ride on Ohio rail-trails. At times, it very much resembled the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath trail.
It was a day of elevation gain. I could feel it in my pedaling. There were some downhill benefits. Being a rail trail, the grade is less than 2%. It was very rural for the days ride passing through one small community.
Sedalia is my home for the night. It is quite a nice trail town. I cycled past the Missouri State Fairgrounds on as I arrived. It is quite an impressive fairground, nicely manicured. The Sedalia Depot is an impressive building and artifact oof the railroad glory days. The town has done a nice job of restoring it and making the grounds bicycle tourist friendly with railroad inspire art.
The cycle to Hotel Bothwell in the center of the Sedalia downtown was an easy cycle of maybe 6 blocks. The hotel is a beautiful hotel that echoes the days gone by. My room was obviously renovated. It had many modern amenities including a charging station, Keurig, and a soft bed with fluffy high-quality linens.
Dinner tonight was a one-block walk to Fitters 5th Street Pub. It is a family friendly typical sports bar. The menu was varied from salads, wraps and sandwiches to dinners and an expensive craft beer on tap list. The night ended with a stroll through the quiet Sunday night downtown. Tomorrow I am headed to Boonville with a forecast of rain. It looks to be our wet day on the bike.
Today’s Route
Follow the tour
No telegraphs need as we trace Lewis and Clark’s journey into the unexplored. You can just check us out on social media: Cycle Blaze and Instagram with hashtags @tombilcze #showmeMO #katytrail.
Today's Trivia
Clinton, Missouri was known as “The Baby Chick Capital of the World” because of the chicken hatchery industry that was established there as a result of the railroad access.
Today's ride: 38 miles (61 km)
Total: 38 miles (61 km)
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