The Katy Trail Hot Spot

If you've never heard of the Katy Trail,  you're missing out.  For those of us local to Missouri,  we're fortunate to have the 237 mile long trail that allows us to hike, bike and run to our heart's content.   Rest stops, small towns and cozy places to stay are dotted along the length of this scenic path that was once the M, K & T railway.

Taking advantage of a beautiful Saturday morning, my girlfriend and I started in Columbia,  MO from the Grindstone trail head.  Our plan was to be up early and ride to Rocheport for breakfast.   Instead, we got up a little late, and got started even later.  That's what Saturdays are for right?

We started from the Grindstone trail head in Columbia. This is also a great place to go for a run or take a walk. There are all sorts of trails to explore away from the main path that are great for trail running or hiking.  For our purposes, we continued on the main path in order to connect to Katy Trail.  

We connected to the Katy Trail at Hindman Junction and turned right/north to head towards the little town of Rocheport. The trees on both sides often reach over the crushed gravel path creating a recurring green tunnel. These tunnels are broken by beautiful views of rocks, open fields and in one case a sheer rock face. The views, fresh air and good company were enough to make me want to do this as often as possible. How can you beat a 20 mile bike ride on a trail with good company, beautiful scenery and quality food as a reward?

Knowing that a brunch awaited us in Rocheport, we rode right passed Katy's Station House. They were already serving cold beer and burgers but we agreed that more miles and  breakfast were on our menu.

When we arrived in Rocheport, we were greeted by the smell of fresh food and coffee coming from Meriwether Cafe & Bike Shop.  We parked our bikes and took a seat at an empty table outside. From our vantage point, we could watch other cyclists ride by on the trail without ruining other patrons' breakfast. It was hot outside and we had just ridden 20 miles. We didn't verify but safely assumed that we smelled like something similar to road kill  Regardless, the food at you'll get at at Meriwether Cafe is locally sourced, 

and hard to beat. Not only can you get buttermilk pancakes, eggs and traditional fare, but you'll also find some more unique items such as the vegetarian smoothie bowl that even meat eaters will crave.

For the ride home, we just road the same route back to the Grindstone trail head.

If you're planning a trip, check out Bike Katy Trail for a helpful trip planner.  Feel free send a message our way too.  Any opportunity to give some tips or meet up on the trail would welcome.