Bike ride along Katy Trail will offer frequent chances to hear live music

Bike enthusiasts who ride the Katy Trail on Memorial Day weekend will have the opportunity to hear 13 live musicians and camp overnight in Boonville during the Pedaler’s Jamboree.

Off Track Events is hosting the first-time Pedaler’s Jamboree, a 60-mile bike ride along the Katy Trail from Columbia to Boonville. Mike Denehy, series director, said he is hoping to have between 300 and 400 people participate.

“It’s Missouri’s first music festival for bikers,” Denehy said.

Riders will take off at 10 a.m. May 23 from Flat Branch Park in Columbia. The first day riders will travel 30 miles and have the opportunity to stop along the way and listen to seven bands, playing blues, alternative rock and acoustic music.

“I think by incorporating live music, it gives people an excuse to stop,” Denehy said. “It gives them something to look forward to.”

Tim Overshiner, of Columbia, will be taking part in the two-day ride with his wife and children. 

“We’ve been riding forever,” Overshiner said.

He said many people get in their routines and spend much of their day in their home, car or office and do not get to experience the outdoors enough.

“It’s a way to discover new things,” Overshiner said.

Once riders reach Kemper Park in Boonville, they will be greeted with more entertainment, including a main stage event with three bands. Big Smith, a Springfield-based group, will perform their hillbilly music at 7:30 p.m.

“It’s definitely a social event,” Denehy said.

People can camp out overnight or make other arrangements. The second day, riders will head back to Columbia with music stops along the way. 

Michelle Windmoeller, of Columbia, said she has participated in many events hosted by Off Track Events. 

“They are always fun,” Windmoeller said.

She will be riding the Katy Trail with her husband and two children. 

“It’s just a way to relax and enjoy the outdoors,” she said.

She said she enjoys spending time with other bike lovers and encourages people to come out and experience the ride.

“I think people don’t realize what’s out there,” Windmoeller said.

Early registration is $30 and ends Saturday. People can register online after that for $35 or the day of the event. For more information about the Pedaler’s Jamboree, visit the event Web site at www.pedalersjamboree.com.

“You get to spend time with family and friends and a whole community of bikers and music lovers,” Denehy said.

If you go

What: Pedaler’s Jamboree

When: May 23 and 24

Where: Flat Branch Park, 101 S. Fourth St., Columbia

Cost: $30 if registered by Saturday, $35 after Saturday. Ages 10 and younger can ride for free and riders 16 and younger are half price.