About this trip
Big BAM (Bike Across Missouri) on the Katy is a fully supported ride. You will explore Missouri in a way like never before. The ride takes you through pastoral farmland, meadows full of wildflowers, and majestic forests, and explores charming small towns.
- You can ride alongside the Missouri River for long stretches, see the same Native American pictographs Lewis and Clark saw, and discover the charming old river towns along the way.
- You can rent a bike and e-bikes are welcome.
- Enjoy music and complimentary drinks every night.
- Ride for one day, three days, or the whole six days.
- Worry-free and hassle-free with our camping or hotel packages, luggage transfers, and more. If you choose the camping option, we’ve arranged daily shower services for you.
- Amazing SAG (support and gear) support. Outside magazine named Big BAM one of the best-supported rides.
- You can ride solo or with your group. Register four, get one free.
What’s included
- All Camping & Trail FeesBig BAM partners with local communities to provide camping options in areas not typically available to cyclists.
- Swag BagAll riders receive an event swag bag with Event T-Shirt, ride trip-sheets and more.
- Shower TrailerOur Camping Charter "Porkbelly Ventures" brings along their 11-stall shower trailer with sinks. Clean towels are provided daily.
- Baggage TransfersEach rider is allocated 2-40lb bags to be transported from campground to campground. Typically this is a duffle bag with camping gear and a suitcase for personal gear.
- Charging StationCharging station provided for all riders for your Cell Phones, CPAP Machines, eBikes etc...
- Hot Coffee / TeaComplimentary Coffee and Hot Water greets you each morning to help kick-start your day. If there are no local breakfast options, Big BAM will provide a continental breakfast.
- Mechanical SupportBig BAM has a mechanic in camp to help-out with simple adjustments and fixes. There is a fee for bigger fixes
- SAG SupportFull SAG Support for you and your bike allowing you to shorten or even skip a day's ride
- Water StopsAn "Official Water-stop" each day with snacks and a small souvenir item. Typically staffed by sponsoring local community groups
- Lunch StopsThe KATY has some "Food Deserts" but we ensure that there are lunch options whether it be a local eatery opening special for the day, a community fundraiser or a food truck. (meals not included)
- After-Ride "Hang-out"Live Music and a free drink (non-alcohol options as well) each night at a local pub, sponsor hotel or restaurant.
- Masseuse in CampWe make sure a Masseuse is available in camp each day (extra fee applies)
What’s not included
- MealsWe do provide a continental breakfast where no local options exist, but all meals are on your own in the spirit of getting riders to support the local businesses who make this trail happen
Available Packages
Crossroads Bike Tours is our "Official Hotel" charter with 2 options (Economy and Premium)
Details online at: KATY Trail | Fully-Supported | Crossroads Bike Tours
Both Hotel options include:
- Shuttle across the state for you and your bike
- 6 nights Lodging
- Breakfast included
- Luggage shuttle from your hotel
- Event Swag Bag including access to the evening Music and free drinks
- SAG & Emergency Ride Service
And More!
Ages 16 and under
June 6th - June 7th. Come out for the "Send-off" party at Good News Brewing, listen to Live Music, Camp in the Ballfields then ride with us on Saturday June 7th from Augusta to St. Charles.
Available Add-Ons
The Pre-ride shuttle meets at the Lewis & Clark Boathouse Parking Lot in St. Charles and will begin loading bikes at 11am. We use Box Trucks to transport the bikes standing up with packing blankets between them. Transport is via Mid-American Motor Coach. Luggage goes under the bus. Transport leaves St Charles at 12:30 and arrives in Clinton about 4:30pm. Parking Passes and an entry token to tour the Lewis & Clark Boathouse is included in your ride admission.
The Post-ride shuttle meets at the Lewis & Clark Boathouse Parking Lot in St. Charles and will begin loading bikes at Noon. We use Box Trucks to transport the bikes standing up with packing blankets between them. Transport is via Mid-American Motor Coach. Luggage goes under the bus. Transport leaves St Charles at 3:30 and arrives in Clinton about 7:30pm. Parking Passes and an entry token to tour the Lewis & Clark Boathouse is included in your ride admission.
Call to set up start & end points and discuss times. (636) 987-2600
We have a limited number of RV Camping spots with no hookups. This includes daily 7am shuttles from the destination town back to the campground to start your ride for 6 days
HOW IT WORKS: You move your vehicle to the next campground and we shuttle you back to the start of your ride, usually arriving about 8am.
NOTE: You will not need to purchase a bus transport with this option
These 80 sq ft air-conditioned guestrooms provide hotel-style amenities anywhere: three twin-sized bunk beds, a sofa-futon, and a floor twin-trundle; mattresses, sheets, pillows, and blankets; air-conditioning and fans to circulate cool air; knotty pine walls, carpeting and sound-muffling insulation between rooms; electrical outlets, switched lights at the ceiling and the head of each bed; shelving and wall hooks for convenient duffel and clothing storage; an outdoor deck with chairs; locking storm doors and windows. Room dimensions are about 8' X 10' with 9' ceilings and there's great use of vertical space. Rooms can accommodate one to five sleepers in their own beds.
For a virtual tour go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm1bD1P_hw4
Please contact Pete at 402-681-2613 or [email protected] with questions
Includes high quality tent put up and taken down each day
Twin size mattress
Gear taken from your tent to gear truck each day
Gear taken from gear truck to your tent each day
Link to Pictures of Tent and dimensions: Tent Dimensions
Includes high quality tent put up and taken down each day
2 Twin size mattresses
Gear taken from your tent to gear truck each day
Gear taken from gear truck to your tent each day
Link to Pictures of Tent and dimensions: Tent Dimensions
Includes high quality tent put up and taken down each day
Twin size mattress
Gear taken from your tent to gear truck each day
Gear taken from gear truck to your tent each day
Link to Pictures of Tent and dimensions: Tent Dimensions
Includes high quality tent put up and taken down each day
2 Twin size mattresses
Gear taken from your tent to gear truck each day
Gear taken from gear truck to your tent each day
Link to Pictures of Tent and dimensions: Tent Dimensions
Includes high quality tent put up and taken down each day
2 Twin size mattresses
Gear taken from your tent to gear truck each day
Gear taken from gear truck to your tent each day
Link to Pictures of Tent and dimensions: Tent Dimensions
Check out our website for images, specs and to reserve online: Big BAM Rental Bikes
If you are flying or traveling and want to pick-up your bike at the start of the ride this is for you!
Purchase your shipping through bikeflights, shipbikes or your choice of carriers. Purchase our service (you need to purchase 2 if we are shipping it back). Include the return label with your bike. and ship to:
Touring Cyclist
11816 St Charles Rock Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044
Itinerary
Day #1 - June 1st
Congregation Day - Clinton Missouri
Sunday is congregation day in Clinton. People will be driving in from the West and being bused in from the East. Tents, Phat-Rooms and Showers will be available in Camp. There will be a food truck in camp along with swag-bag pickup, an orientation and live music.
The pre-event shuttle meets at the Lewis & Clark Boathouse Parking Lot in St. Charles and will begin loading bikes at 11am. We use Box Trucks to transport the bikes standing up with packing blankets between them. Transport is via Mid-American Motor Coach. Luggage goes under the bus. Transport leaves St. Charles at 12:30pm and arrives in Clinton about 4:30pm. Parking Passes and an entry token to tour the Lewis & Clark Boathouse is included in your Ride Admission.
Map to the Pre-Ride Shuttle Pickup: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QJmEQ8Tqx5uKVZ1R7
Campground: Henry County Fairgrounds, across the street from the KATY Trailhead - 8010999 East Sedalia Ave, Clinton MO 64735
Map to Campground:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4zNTppGsMRCd78uZ7
2-8pm - Check-in & Swag Bag Pickup at the Benson Center adjacent to the Campground.
Food Truck in Camp: The Cattlemen's Association will be grilling as a scholarship fundraiser.
Special Event: Truman Reserve Distillery will be offering free samples and selling craft cocktails and of course we will be pouring beer from our beer sponsor "Good News Brewing"
Showers, Pork belly Tent and Phat-Room Service available.
Indoor Orientation Session at 6pm followed by Music and beverages. Music Act "The Girls Next Door"
Day #2 - June 2nd
38 miles Clinton to Sedalia
Event T-Shirt Day
Monday we ride from Clinton to Sedalia where we will catch the tail-end of the "Ragtime Festival". Participants are encouraged to take the pace that suites them best before, during and after each day's ride. The route does not have an absolute open or close time, depart when you wish but please understand that course marking and SAG support will be offered between 7am and 5pm.
Camper luggage needs to be to the transport truck by 8am and typically will be ready for you when you arrive in the overnight town campground. By the time you have your tent up and arranged, showers will be ready for you.
Continental Breakfast in camp provided by Clinton's Blue Ribbon Bakery.
Official Water Stop: Windsor sponsored by the Windor Chamber of Commerce and Kim's Cabins.
Lunch Stop - Green Ridge - Cookout & Bake Sale Fundraiser - Future Business Leaders of America local high school chapter.
Overnight Camp at Liberty Park.
Map to Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SKwWpw51zo1DxUYaA
Complimentary Shuttle to Downtown Restaurants
After-Ride Hangout: 6-8pm at the Historic Hotel Bothwell with special dinner Menu with special musical guests Joyce Richardson and Clement Sechaud playing Ragtime Classics.
Check out the fun at: https://youtu.be/aiXi6MqB3Sg?si=TT9Duk6oFw_Fx4YN
The Ivory Grill will be open with dinner specials and the Hotel bar will be open. All riders get a free drink!
Laundromat: MOs Laundromat 1.2 Miles from Camp
Taxi: Ride Rite Taxi 660 570-3752
Day #3 - June 3rd
36 Miles Sedalia to Boonville
Big BAM Jersey Day
Tuesday we ride to Boonville. The trail is laid out with 12 miles between each stop with rolling hills. Clifton City is very remote and Pilot Grove has limited services so be sure to stop in at our waterstop and lunch stops on your way.
Food Truck in Camp: TBD
Official Water Stop: Clifton City sponsored by Missouri Life Magazine
Lunch Stop: Pilot Grove - Deon's Bar & Grill
Overnight Camp at Kemper Park Ballfields
Map to Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XThFbn99ERgwx1xE6
Complimentary Taxi in camp sponsored by Boonville Tourism.
After-Ride Hangout: 6-8pm at Maggie's in Downtown Boonville. Nightly dinner specials and all riders get a free drink! Music Act: Zack Simpson.
Check Zach out at: Zach Simpson
Laundromat: Boonville Laundromat .5 miles from camp
Taxi: Frank 660 621-0147
Day #4 - June 4th
49 Miles Boonville to Jefferson City
Wednesday's route follows the Magnificent Missouri River through the old railroad tunnel into the quaint little town of Rocheport. Afterwards the rail meanders through the lowland forests down to Coopers Landing and oasis for cyclists and fishermen.
The day ends in Cedar City at our camp, exiting at the North Jefferson Trailhead.
Our hosts "Jefferson City Tourism" has arranged a shuttle bus to various downtown restaurants from our camp.
Breakfast Options:
- Derailled Coffee at the Boonville Trailhead
- Main Street Diner Downtown Boonville
- The Jailhouse - Rocheport (15 miles from Camp)
- Meriwether Cafe - Rocheport (15 miles from Camp)
Lunch Stop: Coopers Landing Easley - Food Truck: Ozark Biscuit Food Truck
Official Water Stop: Hartsbug - Sponsored by Crossroads Bike Tours
Overnight Camp at Quigg Commons
Map to Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qsSSZUrr2muRLCNp7
Complimentary Shuttle to Downtown Restaurants
After-ride Hangout: Big Whisky 6-8pm, Music Act: Rocket Rick and his Imaginary Band. All riders get a free drink.
Laundromat: Jeff City Laundromat 2.6 miles from camp
Uber: Dennis 573 301-8490
Day #5 - June 5th
43 Miles Jefferson City to Hermann
Jefferson City to Hermann is a very flat ride with towering bluffs on one side of the trail and farm fields to the other. We join up with the Missouri River once again between Bluffton and Portland. The day ends at our camp on the riverfront in Hermann. Hermann is a cute German community with a lot of history and great wineries. Our campsite is situated to make easy access to the local attractions.
Continental Breakfast in Camp
Official Water Stop: Mokane sponsored by Happy Trails KATY-Ring. This is one of our rider's favorite stops as Rachel & her girls explore entrepreneurship preparing box lunches for travelers on the KATY. They will be bringing along a spread of their famous baked goods and there is always a fun "Give-away" prize at this stop.
Lunch Options:
- Holthausers Bar & Grill - Portland
- Fundraiser - "Pulling for the Park" - Rhineland
- Wurst Haus - Hermann
Overnight camp at Riverfront Park
Map to Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3x3hxbquZGZ79iZD9
After-Ride Hangout: 6-8pm at the Hermann Crown Hotel. All riders get a free drink! Music act: Denver Wade Trent. Check him out at: Denver Trent
Laundromat: Das Wash Haus .8 miles from camp
Uber: Debbie 314 467-0651
Day #6 - June 6th
34 Miles Hermann to Augusta
The trail from Hermann to Augusta crosses the Missouri River then rides alongside it until you get to Treloar where the new Pat & Ted Jones Visitor's Center is located in the old General Store and Bank building. Our partner "Magnificent Missouri" has worked to preserve old general stores, grain elevators and historic sites through this section of the trail.
There are more restaurants and homes in the small communities on this stretch. Our ride ends at the Augusta Ballfields right off the trail.
Breakfast Options:
- Expresso Laney
- Stomp'N Grounds
- Sugar and Spice
Official Water Stop: Peers General Store - Sponsored by Magnificent Missouri
Lunch Options:
- Country Grounds - Marthasville
- Phillies Pizza - Marthasville
- Cory's Twin Gables - Marthasville
- Dutzow Deli - Dutzow
Overnight camp at the Augusta Ball fields
Map to Campground: https://maps.app.goo.gl/L8LJsWj4M8tbGVqp7
We arrive in Augusta at the front-end of the "Wine & Jazz" festival with 2 music venues.
See scenes from last years Wine & Jazz Festial at: https://youtu.be/VH80WoOLrh8
Mount Pleasant Winery and the Appellation Cafe has the Brick City Quartet performing from 6-8 and will be open prior for food and wine.
Good News Brewing right on the trail is the "Official After-Ride Hangout" where the Dhoruba Collective will be performing from 6-8pm
Laundromat: None
Taxi: Yo Transportation Washington Cab 636 234-6360
Day #7 - June 7th
27 Miles Augusta to St. Charles
The last day of the ride is a simple 27-mile ride into St. Charles with an optional 13-mile (each way) ride out to Machens and back. St. Charles was the first state capital and launch point for Lewis & Clark on their expedition up the Missouri River.
Breakfast: Augusta Bakery and Coffee Shop with Live Jazz by Dave Black at 8am
Official Water & Lunch Stop: Bike Stop Cafe - St. Charles
The ride itself officially ends at 3pm.
Post-Event shuttle departs from St. Charles at 3pm and takes you back to the Clinton Fairgrounds.