It’s been three weeks since our Sister Sojourn Katy Trail bike ride. Just thinking about it puts a smile on my face. The Katy Trail is the longest rail trail in America, and WE DID IT! We rode our bikes 270≠ miles. Was it hot? Yes, two days over 100 degrees. Did we have sore legs? Yes, but Blue Emu really works. Did one of us lose a wallet? Yes, Beth. Did one of us need six stitches? Yes, Kelly. But that was all overshadowed by each night’s unique accommodations, the quaint towns we passed through, the beautiful and diverse scenery, and the amazing people we met along the way. The ride may have been a week, but the memories will last forever.
It all started when Beth sent me a Katy Trail brochure with an attached sticky note that said, “Looks fun and doable.” That was in 2019, 5 years ago. I still have the brochure and the sticky note. I looked at the map multiple times over the years and often thought, “Someday. ”
I had no sense of urgency as the years passed and other opportunities and obligations came along. There was plenty of time for this ride—or so I thought. After my MBC diagnosis, the sense of urgency became a reality, and someday—June 23-30—became a seven-day adventure across the state of Missouri on the Katy Trail, the longest-developed rail trail in the country.
Kelly, our planner, went to Missouri in November 2023 for reconnaissance. While there, she met a small group of e-bike riders. She found out that Jan (the group’s leader) had three things in common with us: a personal breast cancer survivor story, BRCA1 positive (breast cancer gene), and a love of adventure. In the following months, this group of five riders turned into a force of 24+ women who were our biggest cheerleaders. Their support and encouragement was unbelievable. It’s amazing how a seemingly chance meeting turned into forever friends… connected by the love of biking and the havoc of breast cancer. Divinely inspired? I think so.
Each day had its own challenges, humor, sparks of inspiration, and reminders of our purpose. Words and pictures seem inadequate to communicate the depth of our experience. Our hearts were full, and our blessings were beyond number. We appreciated the encouragement through social media of those who followed along each day. We were surprised to receive a donation from a group of Pennsylvanians we met on the shuttle to the trail’s start. Our accommodations were inviting and comfortable, from vintage hotels to carriage houses to our home base, AirBNB in St. Charles, MO. Our ride was incredible, so much to see.
The Katy Trail spans the width of Missouri and parallels the Missouri River. It passes through rural farmland, picturesque small towns and the flourishing state capital. We biked passed floodplains and bluffs, through tunnels and over bridges of varying sizes, lengths and styles. We saw deer, squirrels, two turtles and ran over one snake. It must have been our chatter that kept the animals away. We finished each day sweaty, tired and hungry, but with a tremendous sense of satisfaction. After a quick shower, we set out to explore. Since we were trying to experience the local flavor and flair of each nightly destination, we asked local residents for suggestions and recommendations. We enjoyed great meals at local coffee shops, breweries, restaurants and a home cooked meal at a Bed and Breakfast. We went to bed each night with tired legs, a full belly, a grateful heart, and with excited anticipation as to what the next day would bring.
We did it! Because we can. And there will be more adventures… as long as we can, we will.
-Brandi
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