Pedal / Paddle
Join BMA for a full-day of bicycling & paddling this Summer! New this year, each of our trips will feature a different location and route, 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.
Sunday, May 19th, 2023 9:00am-5:00pm
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.
Sunday, June 23rd 9:00am-3:00pm
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.
Sunday, August 4th 9:00am-3:00pm
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? - This trip runs select Sundays from June - August.
When are the Pedal & Paddles in 2024?
Sunday, May 19th (9:00am)
Sunday, June 23rd (9:00am)
Sunday, August 4th (9:00am)
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)