From Amtrak Station to Machens
- + We are coming in from Kansas City by train and riding the Katy trail back to KC. We want to ride as much of the trail as possible. Has anyone started from the Amtrak station in Alton, Il? It looks lik...
Discussion started 08/01/2011 10:47 PM by Denny - 15 replies (last reply by Bruce at 11/06/2011 08:07 PM)Denny from Kansas City on 08/01/2011 10:47 PM
We are coming in from Kansas City by train and riding the Katy trail back to KC. We want to ride as much of the trail as possible. Has anyone started from the Amtrak station in Alton, Il? It looks like its about 15 miles from the station to the Machens trailhead. Anyone know a good bike route in that area?
gene from Indiana on 08/02/2011 12:08 AM
You have a good idea and it shows you're thinking. If there's a through train that would let you off at Alton, you could take Hwy 67 west across the river, then turn right on Missouri Hwy 94. You might be within 15 to 20 miles. You must remember that Machens is a railroad junction point. There's a trailhead but no houses. It is south of Hwy 94 and south of the BNSF RR tracks. I know there's one or two houses on Hwy 94 when the road goes south. There's no camping on the trail and none in St Charles if you're planning on camping. Gee, I wish the city would let trail riders camp at the city park.
Clay from Albuquerque NM on 08/02/2011 08:05 AM
The Machens trailhead is hard to find. No KT signage exists on 94 to point you in the right direction. Gene is right - there are two houses (a nice blue one and a two-story older brick house) at the corner of Machens Rd. and 94. Head south on that road, cross the tracks, veer left on the dirt road, and you'll come to the Machens trailhead. You could probably camp there after riding in from Alton across the Miss River.
Anon on 08/02/2011 09:15 AM
I've sudied this route myself. The below info about the two houses helps. Yet, depending on when you arrive-in/leave Alton, you'll probably be able to make it to St Charles or beyond. If I recall it right, the last leg of the train ride to Alton is on an Amtrak bus. Enjoy!
Bustoff on 08/02/2011 09:06 PM
Riding in Alton, from the train station to the bridge shouldn't be too bad. Looks like you would go west on College Ave to Washington, left on Washington and follow it till you see the bridge. There is moderate traffic but lots of people ride in Alton.
The bridge has a bike lane but traffic is brisk.
Then I guess you would follow 67 to 94 to Machens. There are some trails on the Missouri side, after you cross the bridge. I've been on them but can't recall exactly their condition.
It's a doable ride. You will have some traffic to deal with but if you're experienced it should be OK. I would recommend flat-resistent tires though. Some of those shoulders can have debris on them.
JPM from Hazelwood, MO on 08/03/2011 01:49 PM
You can pick up the West Alton Bike Trail at the Mo. end of the Clark Bridge. It's not well marked but begins at the end of the big parking lot for the boat ramp. The trail ends at St. Charles St. If you make a right turn onto St. Charles St., it will take you to 94.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City Mo on 08/03/2011 05:50 PM
While I wonder if the same physical train is used for the 314/304, the 304 does not allow bikes on board. 314: depart Kansas City 8:15AM, arrive St. Louis 1:55PM. 304: depart St. Louis 3:00PM, arrive Alton 3:45.
Personally, I'll take the MetroLink to the airport, hold my breath crossing the Missouri River on MO-370, and go out-and-back to Machens before heading points West.
Bruce from O'Fallon IL on 08/31/2011 01:49 PM
2 route comments:
1) Getting from Alton to the Machens trailhead is easy as JPM stated. Bike lane across bridge, then trail and 94 isn't heavily travelled. Or one could ride the non-94 back roads almost to the Machen trailhead.
2) One could get off the Amtrak in St Louis, catch the Metrolink to LaClede's Landing (next to the St Louis Arch), then ride the bike trail north 11 miles to Chain of Rocks bridge, cross the river to IL, turn north and follow the trail about 3 miles to the Lewis and Clark Memorial (this last park is dirt on a levee, but I have seen street bikes ride it slowly), then continue on the trail (paved from Lewis and Clark) to Alton, cross the bridge, etc. Easy, no traffic, all the way from downtown St Louis. I've ridden it many times.
Anonymous on 09/01/2011 06:50 AM
This is a very useful thread. Thank you all very much. I too live in the Kansas City area and am trying to figure out when I can make the trip. Although - I am thinking I will ride Clinton to St. Louis and bring the train back. I haven't checked the train schedule yet however. Thanks again for this useful information.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City, MO on 09/01/2011 03:15 PM
First, the conductor on the 314 advised me that the 314/304 is not the same physical train. Rather, the 314 turns around to become the 313 to run back across Missouri.
Second, on Saturday 8/27/11, we took the MetroLink to the airport. Then rode Natural Bridge Road, Bonfils, Woodford Way, Gallatin, Gist, Tausing, Ferguson, MO Bottom, and the wide shoulder of M-370 to the KATY trail and on to Machens. M-370 over the Missouri is marked as part of the MRT and there are signs advising motorists for the presence of cyclists.
Ron S. from Overland Park KS on 09/03/2011 05:12 PM
I am doing the reverse next week: riding to Clinton, KT to Machens, then going north to take the ferry to Grafton IL, then back down the IL side, crossing on the bidge below 270, and on into STL Amtrak. Camping entire route. Excellent paved bikeway for 20 miles on IL side from Grafton.
Anonymous on 09/04/2011 09:58 PM
Ron S. Sounds like you have a fantastic plan. Please keep us updated and provide a bit of a trip report when you return. I hope you have a fabulous trip!
BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 09/19/2011 04:50 PM
I scoped out this route the other day. You have to be really careful on Hwy 94 as it does not have good shoulders. It is not heavily traveled, but it's local traffic and they are very comfortable driving fast on it. I would be slightly intimidated, honestly. As for the Machens point, it is very well hidden! Go across the BNSF tracks and immediately turn left (you will be going alongside the tracks). Turn right on the dirt path after about 150 feet. I actually drove past the trailhead, it was that hidden.
Anonymous on 09/19/2011 07:26 PM
All of the these ride ideas sound doable and fun.
Also, after checking with Amtrak (both by internet and by phone)the 322 from St Louis to Alton, IL is the only train not allowing bicycles on it. All of the others do with reservations!
mobilemail from Carrollton IL on 09/24/2011 03:51 PM
+1 to route around whatever parts you can, even more so as you approach rush hour times. While the volume of vehicles isn't bad, they are often large, and always fast. Traffic volume also picks up as you get closer to 5pm and the Illinoisans are returning home, and they have usually forgotten what the "other" pedal is for. And not all of the local community is happy about sharing the roads with cyclists, there has been recent political activity in that regard. Take the side roads when possible.
Bruce from O'Fallon, IL on 11/06/2011 08:07 PM
In response to Bikerboy, I'd say: Yes, Hwy 94 from West Alton to Machens has some traffic and would be intimidating to someone not used to riding along highways. But for veteran bike riders it is quite mild.
If you are unaccustomed to riding highways with cars and/or have children with you, take the quiet route: Starting from West Alton, go north on Hwy 94 about 1/4 mile to Saale Rd and turn left. This is a very, very quiet country road. Follow that to Dwiggins Rd. This also is a quiet country road. Dwiggins will dead end at Hwy 94 just before Machens. You'll only have to ride 94 about 1/2 mile from there. Hope this helps.
Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast Closing
- + I would like to say Thank You to all of you who stayed at my bed and breakfast over the last 7 years. I enjoyed each and every one of you and will miss my Katy Trail riders. I closed the bed and bre...
Discussion started 11/01/2011 03:08 PM by Penny - 1 reply (last reply by Lisa at 11/03/2011 08:36 AM)Penny from Boonville on 11/01/2011 03:08 PM
I would like to say Thank You to all of you who stayed at my bed and breakfast over the last 7 years. I enjoyed each and every one of you and will miss my Katy Trail riders. I closed the bed and breakfast mid-October and have moved to the Chicago area to start a new phase of my life. My house is still on the market but I am sure someone will come along and love it as much as I have and as much as you all have! Again, thanks for the great memories. Penny Garibaldi, Owner, Garden Gate B&B
Lisa from Belton, MO on 11/03/2011 08:36 AM
Penny, sorry to see your B&B close in Booneville. We had an enjoyable stay in October 2010 while riding the Katy Trail. We really enjoyed relaxing on your front porch!Best Wishes and good luck in the future!
Go Cardinals!
- + Go Cardinals!. I know, this is a forum about the Katy Trail. But the Katy Trail is a bike trail in Missouri, and is a Missouri State Park. The Cardinals are a basball team in Missouri, and make us all...
Discussion started 10/28/2011 09:43 PM by Cathy - 9 replies (last reply by anonymous at 11/01/2011 02:27 PM)Cathy from Jefferson City on 10/28/2011 09:43 PM
Go Cardinals!. I know, this is a forum about the Katy Trail. But the Katy Trail is a bike trail in Missouri, and is a Missouri State Park. The Cardinals are a basball team in Missouri, and make us all proud. So, Go Cardinals! Oh and there's squirrels at Busch Stadium and there's squirrels on the Katy Trail, something else they have in common.
Gary Near from Tebbetts on 10/28/2011 10:12 PM
You forgot to mention, you see cardinals all along the trail.
Jim from St Thomas on 10/28/2011 11:01 PM
Lots of squirrels in the Tebbetts area......
Darrell from Jefferson City, MO. on 10/29/2011 11:07 AM
Way To Go Cardinals !!!! But don't go Pujouls or La Russa!
Always proud of the Katy Trail, and the World Series Champion Cards! :)
Anonymous on 10/29/2011 05:38 PM
Goog job Texas!!! Yes it's a forum about the Katy Trail. It wouldn't have been the Missouri, Kansas and Texas rail line without Texas! Go Jayhawks!
Anonymous on 10/29/2011 05:41 PM
Oh, by the way, good one Jim! Looks like at least one nut in Jeff City too.
Darrell from Jefferson City, MO. on 10/30/2011 08:20 AM
Well, bless his/her little heart. Anonymous is tryin'.
Big Cards Fan on 10/30/2011 07:09 PM
Cards can beat Texas, Michigan, whom ever has a trail "somebody".
Big Cards Fan on 11/01/2011 01:14 PM
There goes Tony. There goes the team. Anybody going to stay?
Anonymous on 11/01/2011 02:27 PM
Probably not Big Card. They'll all probably quit the team now. We'll surely see them on the Katy signing photos now.
Unsafe bridge near Calhoun?
- + Heading west on the trail into Calhoun you pass under a MO 52 bridge. Yesterday I noticed that there are large sections of the concrete falling off and huge gaps in the concrete guardrail. I don't r...
Discussion started 10/11/2010 01:14 AM by Brad - 6 replies (last reply by dave at 11/01/2011 12:45 PM)Brad from Pea Ridge on 10/11/2010 01:14 AM
Heading west on the trail into Calhoun you pass under a MO 52 bridge. Yesterday I noticed that there are large sections of the concrete falling off and huge gaps in the concrete guardrail. I don't remember seeing that before.
Is that bridge safe? If I was a Missouri taxpayer I would make a call.
Brad P. from Pea Ridge on 10/26/2011 09:23 PM
Ha Ha! After I posted this last year MO put a "Safe and Sound" sign up on this bridge but they are now tearing it down!!!
Anonymous on 10/27/2011 07:59 AM
Go back to your village Brad. They need you.
sharonbikes from Kansas City on 10/28/2011 11:13 AM
The Safe and Sound sign designates that it is a bridge slated for replacement as part of a statewide program. But, the first time we saw one, we thought it was funny too...
dave on 10/28/2011 02:04 PM
they are now takeing it down, so be carefull in that section.
Brad P. from Pea Ridge on 10/28/2011 10:15 PM
RE: anonymous - what?
RE: sharonbikes - Thanks for the info, and that makes sense now! Several states reviewed the safety of their bridges after the Minnesota I-35 collapse and I thought MO was saying this bridge was certified "safe and sound". I didn't realize they were replacing the defective ones to ensure all are safe.
I have seen quite a few bridges being replaced in MO lately.
dave from lowry city,mo. 64763 on 11/01/2011 12:45 PM
the brige is gone. irode from clinton to windsor yesterday and the brige has been removed and there is short detour of about a hundred yards a round the bridge work.my typeing not so good.
Kehde's Barbeque in Sedalia
- + John was the best HOST of the Kehde restaurant. He was more than generous to five cyclists who were in need of a great dinner and superior service. Not only was the main BBQ dinner very memorable, b...
Discussion started 10/31/2011 10:54 PM by Nel Hecht - 0 repliesNel Hecht from Bishop, California on 10/31/2011 10:54 PM
John was the best HOST of the Kehde restaurant. He was more than generous to five cyclists who were in need of a great dinner and superior service. Not only was the main BBQ dinner very memorable, but the desert just topped everything off with homemade berry pie. We left happy, and wanting to come back - too bad California is such a long way away!. Thanks again.
KT Express
- + I'm going to attempt a single day, 237+ mile ride from Clinton to Machens during 2Q11. I'd welcome a few riders to join my "train". If you're interested, message me on Facebook.
Discussion started 09/27/2011 12:27 PM by Paul Toigo - 11 replies (last reply by Longest Day at 10/30/2011 07:13 PM)Paul Toigo on 09/27/2011 12:27 PM
I'm going to attempt a single day, 237+ mile ride from Clinton to Machens during 2Q11. I'd welcome a few riders to join my "train". If you're interested, message me on Facebook.
Pam from Independence on 09/27/2011 01:39 PM
Go for it Paul!!
Billy from Mokane on 09/27/2011 08:24 PM
Paul,
we start 4Q11 in three days. Day light hours keep getting shorter. Park is closed at dusk. Be interested in your plan to do this...
Paul Toigo on 09/27/2011 08:37 PM
Doh! Time travel, of course. I meant 2Q12.
Longest Day on 10/09/2011 09:48 AM
Will it be on the longest day, Paul? How many takers do you have so far?
At that pace you will have a line? What pace are we talking about?
Paul Toigo from Kansas City, MO on 10/17/2011 06:28 AM
Longest Day: Again, for details, contact me on FB.
kevin from Jefferson City on 10/17/2011 01:16 PM
Longest day has 14 hrs, 52 minutes of daylight. Don't know how much time you will want to take throughout the day to rest, but if you figure 13 hours in the saddle, you'll have to average 18-19 mph.
Good luck! I look forward to hearing about your training and attempt!
MAH on 10/17/2011 02:33 PM
That's a big ride...more power to ya!!
Paulie from Knoxville on 10/17/2011 07:33 PM
When I rode from Jeff City to St. Charles I ran about a 17 mph average and man was I whipped. Thats less than half the distance your planning. A one day end to end Katy ride will put you in an elite group. Good luck !
Paulie
Longest Day on 10/19/2011 02:15 PM
Paul, I'm not a facebooker. Just us riders on the forum. No semi-details?
Paul Toigo from Kansas City on 10/29/2011 07:45 AM
If you want some details, you’ll have to give up your anonymity and send me a Facebook message. Otherwise, you can read all about it here in 3Q12.
Longest Day on 10/30/2011 07:13 PM
Believe it or not there a few people who do not have a Facebook account. How about an email if I inquire?
ROUTE TO THE KATY FROM THE WABASH
- + DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A CONNECTING ROUTE FROM THE WESTERN IOWA WABASH TRAIL TO THE KATY TRAIL. I AM THINKING ON JOINING THE KATY AT NEW FRANKLIN OR ROCHEPORT.
Discussion started 10/14/2011 01:17 PM by ED Z - 5 replies (last reply by El Toro at 10/28/2011 11:13 PM)ED Z from OMAHA, NE on 10/14/2011 01:17 PM
DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A CONNECTING ROUTE FROM THE WESTERN IOWA WABASH TRAIL TO THE KATY TRAIL. I AM THINKING ON JOINING THE KATY AT NEW FRANKLIN OR ROCHEPORT.
steveK from saint louis, MO on 10/14/2011 03:03 PM
Ed, the Wabash Nature trail ends in Blanchard, MO. From there, it is about a 250 mile road ride to New Franklin, MO and the Katy Trail.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 10/14/2011 04:22 PM
Ed, I would start with google maps. Use the bicycling option. It shows a pretty direct route of 239 miles, looks like not much traffic, but don't know what the shoulder situation would be along that route. I would think most of those rural roads will have little to no shoulders to ride on.
Paul Toigo from Kansas City, MO on 10/14/2011 05:53 PM
No guarantees, but I'd be apt to head South and West on MO-M, MO-C, and MO-B to the Lewis and Clark "Trail" and then follow it to Boonville.
ED Z from OMAHA, NE on 10/28/2011 11:22 AM
THANK YOU TO ALL. SOME VERY GOOD POINTERS. I WILL CHECK THEM OUR.
El Toro on 10/28/2011 11:13 PM
I've been having good luck lately finding routes with ridewithgps.com.
Good luck. Sounds like a great adventure.
Dotty's Cafe in Hartsburg
- + It was our very good luck on May 13th when we biked into Hartsburg for lunch and decided to stop at Dotty's Cafe. Our lunch was great andthe homemade pie was the best we have ever eaten! Knowing tha...
Discussion started 05/14/2011 03:01 PM by Sharon - 2 replies (last reply by El Toro at 10/28/2011 11:12 PM)Sharon from Sarasota, Florida on 05/14/2011 03:01 PM
It was our very good luck on May 13th when we biked into Hartsburg for lunch and decided to stop at Dotty's Cafe. Our lunch was great and
the homemade pie was the best we have ever eaten! Knowing that the very kind lady who served us had made the pies herself made them
taste even more delicious! Wish I lived closer to Hartsburg........to ride the Katy Trail and treat myself to lunch at Dotty's whenever I felt like it!
Anonymous on 10/28/2011 11:39 AM
I have tried repeatedly to fix my hours on this website but it stays the same. Right now we are open 7am to 2pm. wed. thru Sun Im not sure yet if we will change to hours for the winter. we stayed the same last year and nobody came so i don't know if we will change to just weekends. It will be January if we do. I will try to post it if I can find the place lol dotty
El Toro on 10/28/2011 11:12 PM
Had a wonderful breakfast and delicious blackberry cobbler w/ice cream last Saturday. Oh so good. Wish I was a closer and I would ride back over tomorrow. Thanks Dotty!
Dormitory at School House B + B in Rocheport
- + We certainly enjoyed your place. It was clean, attractive and met our needs. It was wonderful to get accommodations after getting caught in the rain. Having pizza available for dinner meant we did not...
Discussion started 10/28/2011 11:51 AM by rh - 0 repliesrh from Colorado on 10/28/2011 11:51 AM
We certainly enjoyed your place. It was clean, attractive and met our needs. It was wonderful to get accommodations after getting caught in the rain. Having pizza available for dinner meant we did not have to go back out in the rain. Would certainly recommend it.
Joey's Bird House B&B in McKittrick
- + This is the perfect place to stay when riding the trail. My husband and I are in our 50's and decided to experience the trail. We stayed at Joey's for 2 nights and had excellent accommodations and f...
Discussion started 10/27/2011 12:37 PM by Pam - 0 repliesPam from Florence Alabama on 10/27/2011 12:37 PM
This is the perfect place to stay when riding the trail. My husband and I are in our 50's and decided to experience the trail. We stayed at Joey's for 2 nights and had excellent accommodations and food. Joey was a great host!
Cliff Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn in Jefferson City
- + I have had the pleasure of two recent visits to Cliff Manor B&B. In late September i rode the Katy from Missouri Research Park to Columbia, MO. I stayed at Cliff Manor then and enjoyed the experience ...
Discussion started 10/27/2011 11:57 AM by Jim - 0 repliesJim from Chesterfield, MO on 10/27/2011 11:57 AM
I have had the pleasure of two recent visits to Cliff Manor B&B. In late September i rode the Katy from Missouri Research Park to Columbia, MO. I stayed at Cliff Manor then and enjoyed the experience so well that i took my wife there for her birthday last weekend. She loved the experience as much as I did. Thom is an excellent host and brings years of professional hospitality management to meeting or exceeding your expectations. Thom's culinary skills are excellent and he prepares fantastic meals - delicious! (and very filling!). I look forward to the next visit when I ride the Katy again in the Spring. With the new bike and pedestrian addition to the bridge across the Missouri river, the route from the trail to Cliff Manor is direct, safe, and very easy with no riding in traffic. Cliff Manor sits on a side street about a half a block from the end of the brige crossing. I highly recommend Cliff Manor and Thoms warm hospitality to anyone seeking the best place to stay while in Jeff City. - Jim
Bridge out near Calhoun
- + Just stayed in Sedalia and drove to Clinton to get started on the trail. There is a bridge out and being rebuilt near Calhoun. A little detour to get around the bridge, but not more than 6 or 7 miles ...
Discussion started 10/25/2011 07:42 AM by gearhead46 - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 10/27/2011 07:57 AM)gearhead46 from Winfield, Mo on 10/25/2011 07:42 AM
Just stayed in Sedalia and drove to Clinton to get started on the trail. There is a bridge out and being rebuilt near Calhoun. A little detour to get around the bridge, but not more than 6 or 7 miles out of the way. BTW, you will go under the bridge on the way and see the incredibly deteriorated condition it was in. Nice to know that many bridges in the USA look like this. Pretty scary actually!!!
Brad P. from Pea Ridge on 10/26/2011 09:19 PM
I complained about that bridge last year on this very site!!! Big sections of the concrete guard rail were gone and MO put a "Safe and Sound" sign up. I wish I had a picture of them tearing it down a year after putting that sign up as an example of beauracracy gone wrong.
Anonymous on 10/27/2011 07:57 AM
And all of us state employees with the power to close the bridge did nothing about it either. (It is required for MODOT employee to monitor this site.)