Katy Trail Bike Tours

We have planned our start dates so you will have most of the restaurants open during your ride. If our listed dates don't meet your schedule, then call our office 314-656-6229 or send an INQUIRY and we will build a tour for your specific dates.

No, the Katy Trail is considered one of the most approachable long-distance cycling routes in the U.S. The terrain is mostly flat, with only gentle elevation changes.

Yes. Many of our guests are first-time bike tourers. The consistent surface, gradual terrain, and flexible daily distances make it a great introduction to multi-day riding.

The Katy trail is all crushed limestone surface from end to end. Built on abandoned rail beds this surface is compact but if there are heavy rains, it can be soft.  We recommend 28MM width tires or wider.

Road bikes are not recommended because the thin tires do not do well in wet trail conditions. 

We start our tours in St. Charles, MO where we pick you up at 8am and shuttle you to your start city.  If you are driving from the West then you might want to start in Clinton, MO.  Park your car in Clinton and ride the trail.  Then spend the night in St. Charles the last day of your tour before being shuttled back to Clinton at 8:00am the following Day

In St. Charles you can park in the large city lot behind the Country Inn & Suites (1190 S. Main St.), where long-term parking is available.

In Clinton you can park at the Community Center 1004 E Sedalia Ave

Our self-guided tours are designed to make your ride as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Each tour includes your accommodations at carefully selected hotels, inns, and BnB's, a shuttle to your starting location, GPS navigation with voice directions, and a detailed digital daily itinerary with restaurant recommendations and key stops along the way.

You’ll also receive a Crossroads t-shirt and patch. 

Bike rentals, luggage transfers, and extra hotel nights can all be added to customize your experience.

The trails are open all year, however the water is turned on at trailheads April through October. We find the best time to ride is Mid-May to Mid-June and Mid-September through Mid-October. 

The Rock Island Spur is a 48-mile crushed limestone path from Pleasant Hill to Windsor.  You can add this to the Katy Trail to make a 290-mile tour.  

The Rock Island State Park is being developed and probably will be another 3-5 years before more of the trail is developed.  From the KC Royals Stadium to Pleasant Hill is not developed fully.  You have 12 miles riding on roads.  Our tour starts in Pleasant Hill which is the developed trail.  

Eventually, the Rock Island will run from the Stadium Complex to Beaufort which is 16 miles from Washington MO.  The hope that the Rock Island and Katy will connect at Windsor and again at Washington/Dutzow.  Stay tuned for more...

We’re here to help. If anything comes up during your tour, you can contact our team and we’ll assist you as quickly as possible. You will also have the contact of our shuttle partner. 

We ask that you are proficient at changing a tire and making minor adjustments to the bike. 

In any situation we will make sure that you make it to the next town or your accommodation safely. 

Luggage transfer is available as an optional add-on. If you’d prefer to ride without carrying your bags, we can arrange for your luggage to be moved between accommodations each day. 

Daily distances typically range from 30 to 50 miles, depending on your itinerary. The route is flexible, allowing you to ride at your own pace and enjoy the small towns along the way.

Cancellation and Change Policy - if Booking Protection or Trip Insurance isn't utilized

Deposits of 50% of tour and 100% of all “Extras” are due at the time of tour reservation.

Balances are due 60 days before the tour – your tour can be cancelled if balance is not paid on time

Changes: $40 Change Fee for each change after 7 days of purchase

Cancellations: If you give notice of cancellation before the tour:

91+ days - 100% refund less $250 per person or can change date for $150

90-60 days – 50% refund or can change date for $150

59-30 days – 25% refund or can change date for $250

29-0 days – No refund or transfers

Fees are not included in the refund.

Written notice by e-mail no later than the above deadlines to apply proper credit to your account. tours@crossroadsbiketours.com

We highly recommend Booking Protection or Trip Insurance. We have seen many reasons for people need to cancel due to accident, illness, family members having illness, jury or military duty, fire and pregnancy. All of these are covered with our Booking Protection, which is available to most people to purchase at checkout, or you can purchase your own trip insurance or check your homeowners’ or credit card policy for coverage.

Crossroads Bike Tours has a Booking Protection Option available at the checkout of your tour from a third-party provider XCover. Our customers can gain access to comprehensive coverage for a fee that varies from 6 to 7% of their booking total. This will entitle you to a refund if you are unable to attend the experience due to any of the reasons covered. Listed below are some of the covered reasons:

* Transportation disruption

* Accident or illness of ticket holder or member of immediate family (not pre-existing conditions)

* Jury or military duty

* Personal emergency (e.g. burglary or fire)

* Pregnancy

* Extreme weather causing a delay in reaching the destination

Booking Protection is not Travel Insurance and does not provide health insurance when traveling.

Customers will have the option to add this at checkout. If a customer uses a payment plan the booking protection fee will be collected at the time of the first payment. All claims will be handled directly through our provider “Cover Genius” and not Crossroads Bike Tours. Please read the entire eligibility requirements at check out of your tour purchase for complete details.

Not every customer is eligible for this insurance due to State Regulations. If you do not receive Booking Protection at checkout, it cannot be added after purchase. Trip Insurance can be purchased on your own through several different companies after purchase such as Allianz. If you are eligible for this coverage, you will find it on our booking site after the “contact details” are provided and before payment