Registration is now open for bicyclists who would like to participate in the 2019 Katy Trail Ride across Missouri.

A press release from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) says the ride will take place June 17 - 21, along the Katy Trail, which is the nation's longest developed rail trail.

Participation is limited to 350 people and the deadline for registration is May 1. The registration fee includes daily breakfast and dinner, outdoor camping spaces each night, hot shower facilities, gear shuttle, support stops, and a Katy Trail Ride t-shirt and water bottle.

The annual ride is sponsored by Missouri State Parks and the Missouri State Parks Foundation, this scenic bicycle ride spans approximately 231 miles from Clinton to St. Charles. Daily mileage ranges from 37 to 67 miles. Stops will include Sedalia, Boonville, Jefferson City and Marthasville.

Participants can experience the entire Katy Trail State Park, which will take travelers along open fields and between the Missouri River and bordering bluffs.

The ride extends through several rural communities that border the trail, boosting local economies, according to the MoDNR. Riders can purchase their lunch in a different community each day and many choose to stay in local hotels or bed and breakfasts rather than camp.

Organizers also pay local establishments or organizations to provide breakfast and dinner daily to the participants and volunteers. The MoDNR says many businesses have developed in small communities since the trail was established and rely on trail users for a big part of their business’ success.

Full tour registration is $400 for adults (over 15 years old). A list of other registration fee options can be found here.

Transportation between St. Charles and Clinton on June 16 and June 21 will be available, along with roundtrip transportation from Columbia to Clinton on June 16 and St. Charles to Columbia on June 21 for an additional fee.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help out with the ride, by helping to load bicycles, assist participants at the registration and information booths and support stops can fill out an application at mostateparks.com/2019ktride.

For more information about the ride or to register, call Missouri State Parks toll-free at 800-334-6946.

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