Pedal / Paddle
Join BMA for a full-day of bicycling & paddling this Summer! We offer our pedal/paddle trips at different locations and along different routes, highlighting the bounty of adventure throughout the region.
Every Pedal / Paddle trip will begin with a bike ride varying in length from 10-20 miles. As you ride, our river crew will load your paddling gear into our shuttle vans and transport it to the canoe put-in. We will have two guides with bicyclists on the bike trail (a lead rider and a sweeper) and two BMA guides with you in the canoes.
Our river guides will be waiting for you at the end of your bike ride with a delicious, pre-prepared and individually packaged lunch. After a break, you'll then load into our voyageur canoes, hop on the river and soak in some glorious RIVERTIME.
MO50 with Terrain Magazine
Two Day Pedal and Paddle Overnighter on the Katy Trail
Combining three of the Missouri River Valley’s top outdoor activities — cycling, camping, and canoeing — the MO50 is an all-inclusive adventure that will allow you to experience the iconic Katy Trail and Missouri River, with an overnight stay in Klondike Park near Augusta, Mo. Your adventure starts on Saturday, October 11, in St. Charles, Mo., where you will hop on your bike and pedal approximately 25 miles on the crushed limestone Katy Trail, the longest rail-trail in the country, with guides leading the way. The mostly flat ride will stop for lunch midway at the Weldon Spring Trailhead before proceeding to Klondike Park. Upon arrival at Klondike, you will head to the designated campsite and set up your tent, which will have been transported for you from St. Charles. You are then free to explore the trails, bluffs, beach, and lake at Klondike Park or head into Augusta for drinks at a local brewery and winery. As evening rolls around, we will prepare a rustic meal cooked over the fire, washed down with plenty of cold beverages. On Sunday, October 12, after a hot breakfast, you will break camp and head to the Klondike Boat Ramp, where you will hop in a multi-person voyageur canoe and begin your guided return trip downstream. The fleet will again stop midway for lunch, this time on a Missouri River beach or sandbar, before continuing to St. Charles and celebrating with a few more cold beverages once everyone is safely ashore.
Pedal/Paddle Trip Type #1 - Dates TBD
Katy Trail (Blanchette Landing to Weldon Spring)
Your adventure will begin and end at Blanchette Landing Park in St. Charles and will cover 20 trail miles and 20 river miles. You’ll begin your day with a 20 mile bike ride along the iconic Katy Trail. After stopping for a break at Weldon Spring, you’ll then begin the paddle back to Blanchette Landing. This trip will feature a route with both paved and gravel portions.
PLEASE NOTE: This trip will be somewhat rigorous and is best suited for those who have experience doing longer bicycling rides and longer paddles.
Pedal/Paddle Trip Type #2 - Dates TBD
Katy Trail (Weldon Spring to Klondike)
Your adventure will begin and end at Weldon Spring Conservation Area and will cover 10 trail miles and 10 river miles. You’ll begin your day with a 10 mile bike ride along the iconic Katy Trail. After stopping for a break at Klondike, you’ll then begin the paddle back to Weldon Spring. This trip will feature a route with both paved and gravel portions.
PLEASE NOTE: This trip will be somewhat rigorous and is best suited for those who have experience doing longer bicycling rides and longer paddles.
Pedal/Paddle Trip Type #3 - Sunday, August 3rd
STL Riverfront Trail (Gateway Arch to Chouteau Island)
Your adventure will begin and end at the Gateway Arch and will cover 13 trail miles and 10 river miles. You’ll begin your day with a 13 mile bike ride along the STL Riverfront Trail and crossing the old Chain of Rocks Bridge to the Illinois side of the river. After stopping for a break at Chouteau Island, you’ll then begin the paddle back to the Arch. This trip will feature a route with both paved and gravel portions.
PLEASE NOTE: This trip will be very rigorous and is best suited for those who have experience doing longer bicycling rides and longer paddles.
Trip Information:
When does this trip run? - Select weekend dates from April - November!
When are the Pedal & Paddles in 2025?
Sunday, August 3rd @ 9am (Pedal/Paddle Trip Type 3 - STL Riverfront Trail)
Fall dates (September, October & November) to be released in July!
Who is this trip best for? - This trip is best suited for people who have experience doing longer bicycling rides. Please check the descriptions above for your selected date and route regarding difficulty level. Provided you’re up for a challenge and at least 10 years old, all are welcome & no paddling experience needed.
Where and when does this trip start and end? - All trips will meet up at 9:00am and end 6-8 hours after at the same location. Please check the descriptions above for your selected date. The exact meetup location will be communicated 2 days before the trip.
What is included in this trip? - We provide all necessary safety and paddling gear including life jackets, paddles, and dry bags. Our experienced river guides will be available to you the entire trip to assist you and answer all of your questions. No need to worry about transportation as our crew will shuttle you and all of your gear for the day. Lunch is also included and we are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions.
What do I need to bring? -Please make sure you bring the following items with you on your trip:
Required Gear:
Bicycle and gear
River shoes/sandals with a backstrap, waterproof boots, or old sneakers that you don’t mind getting muddy or wet (NO FLIP FLOPS)
Weather appropriate clothing (We will have plenty of extra dry bags, so feel free to bring as many layers as you may need for comfort.)
Reusable water bottle
Suggested Gear:
Camera
Sunscreen/bug spray (weather permitting)
Swimsuit and towel (weather permitting)
Change of clothes
Cash to tip your awesome guides
How much does this trip cost? - $100 for adults, $90 for kids (under 18yo)