Today, we finish the Katy Trail, but first I need to get my car! Originally, I'd booked a shuttle back to Clinton, but when our long-term parking unexpectedly changed to Sedalia, I was able to call and change my destination to Sedalia with no problem. I even got a few bucks back, since I wasn't traveling as far.
Katy Trail shuttle
I'd booked the shuttle through Katy Bike Rental, 636-987-2600. The van departs at 8:00 a.m. from the white gazebo in the St. Charles Katy Trail long-term parking lot, conveniently located right behind our hotel. Jana took the shuttle to Sedalia, while Tom and the bikes stayed behind. The other folks on this morning's shuttle were heading west with their bikes to begin their rides in Clinton and would ride back to St. Charles, where they were leaving their cars.
Right where I left it!
While Jana did the 340-mile round trip to pick up the car in Sedalia and drive back to St. Charles, Tom biked 20 miles out and back to the Black Walnut trailhead, still three miles short of the end point in Machens. After reuniting at the hotel midafternoon, Tom then drove with his bike to Black Walnut, while Jana rode there to meet him on her bike.
St. Charles Katy Depot
Downstream from St. Charles
Far eastern Katy Trail
Three miles to the finish line
An hour later, we reunited once again at the Black Walnut trailhead, the last authorized place to park along the Katy Trail. We then rode the final three miles to Machens together to finish out the trail, triumphantly ringing the bell at the end!
Tom and Jana at the finish line!
Triumphant Tom
Thanks for the hospitality
We celebrated the end of our Katy Trail adventure with another dinner at Schlafly Bankside Brewpub. Many restaurants in St. Charles are closed on Mondays, so there wasn't a lot choice, but we were perfectly content to return to Schlafly's.
Lodging: Country Inn & Suites, St. Charles, MO, night 2.
Jana rehydrating and celebrating
Day 7 mileage: Jana 16, Tom 26
TOTAL MILEAGE: Approximately 247 miles. Whew!