By Cindy GladdenRecord Staff WriterNearly 350 bicyclists signed up for the annual Katy Trail Ride held June 22-26. Although it is only the 15th ride, the Katy Trail as a whole is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.To honor donor Edward D. “Ted” Jones, who gave $2.2 million to help acquire the corridor, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri State Parks will build a new picnic shelter at its Jefferson City Trailhead to be completed this year.“We’ve noticed increased usage at Jefferson City,” said Dawn Fredrickson, assistant district supervisor and Katy Trail coordinator. “That is why it was chosen for the signature project.”Fredrickson said riders participating in this year’s event ranged in age from 7 to 86 years old. Riders began in Clinton on June 22, with stops in Sedalia, Boonville, Mokane, Marthasville and ended in St. Charles.“We love seeing the number of people coming from other states,” said Fredrickson. “This year 29 states and Canada were represented.”According to Fredrickson, the Katy Trail generates tourism in Missouri and “helps revitalize some of the Katy communities.”“For every one dollar we spend, we have $18 in return on our investment,” she said.One of the great things Fredrickson enjoys is the relationships people form on the ride. Those who tackle the 232-mile journey reconnect each year.“Even though the ride is challenging, it still draws a diversity of users,” said Fredrickson. “We have lots of families, a big contingency of repeats and a lot of new riders each year.”For an adult entry fee of $350, bikers receive two meals per day, outdoor camping, shower facilities, gear shuttle hauling, a detailed map and ride memorabilia. Every 10-12 miles, water or power drinks are provided. State park rangers and first aid trained staff accompany the riders.Fredrickson, known to her co-workers, as “Mrs. Katy Trail,” fell in love with the rails to trails corridor during a two-week vacation. She watched for a job opening and now thoroughly enjoys promoting the Katy Trail.“Here is a state park that touches so many communities of the state and is accessible to such a large population of the state,” she said. “It’s fun to be recognized and associated with the Katy Trail. So many have worked on it before us — we are just keeper of the flame.”Three young participants of the Katy Trail Ride, sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources and Missouri State Park, stopped at the grand opening of the Peers Story Gallery Thursday, June 25. Bicyclists were invited to take a break from their 232-mile ride and check out the new attraction along the trail. Pictured, from left, are Tad Curtis, Kailey Hamilton and Nat Curtis.
