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Reply to Missouri State Parks Katy Trail Ride

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Reply to Missouri State Parks Katy Trail Ride

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DS Douin from Katy Trail Born on 2/17/2026 3:27:48 PM:

So does anyone including Ray the Webmaster have any "juice" with the State Parks Ride Foundation people to start the organized ride back up in late June? I believe they cancelled the last one in 2022. They had a maximum 300 rider limit. Was it a resource funding issue or not enough volunteers or not enough vendor interest? I did a couple of them and they were great. Who can shed light on this subject?

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 2/17/2026 5:25:11 PM:

Well, to start off the annual ride was organized by employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Many of the original employees retired or were promoted and no longer were available. It was a major commitment on the part of those employees to organize the events and manage what I would call herding cats for five days. I had the experience of volunteering as a sweep for many years. Our job was to follow the group, keep the stragglers moving along and assisting with mechanical issues and call in for rides when needed. Then COVID hysteria came along and the DNR employees had to shut down the ride. I’m guessing it was hard to get back in the rhythm of working the annual ride plus other commercial organizations stepped in, filling the need for the DNR‘s organized rides.

The ride was fun to do each year, I met many good people while volunteering.

Anonymous on 2/18/2026 9:45:47 AM:

There are options today even though the DNR does not do their sponsored rides.

The Big BAM on the Katy is upcoming June 7-13 and October 11-17 2026. Also a Big BAM Route 66 ride September 4-10.

https://www.bigbamride.com/

Jerry Whittle from O Fallon Illinois on 2/18/2026 10:24:39 AM:

Besides Covid, floods were an issue. Also there are tours run by commercial interests like Big BAM and Bubba's Pampered Pedalers to name just two.

DS Douin from Katy Trail Born on 2/18/2026 4:52:09 PM:

Thanks for the info. about the DNR ride. Most people don't know what a sweep is or does and it is a valuable position. I liked talking to the volunteers at the rest stops.

Also I've ridden the KT several times end to end both directions, try to shoot for May and August. I've run into the BAM groups in the past. Pedalers Jamboree people from Columbia too. The BAM Route 66 (Joplin to Eureka) looks good. Bicycle Illinois (St Louis to Joliet) is having one also Sep 20-27. I believe both MO and IL have invested some money for the combination 250 USA and Route 66 100 yr anniversary.

DS Douin from Katy Trail Born on 2/18/2026 5:10:55 PM:

Thanks for your comments. Sweeps are valuable positions and wear many hats for rides. I liked the DNR ride especially the rest stops. I've ridden the KT several times since discovering it in 2005. I try to ride it twice a year with my wife as SAG. The Route 66 BAM ride looks interesting. Illinois is having one also Sep 20-27.

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