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Reply to Alton Ill.
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Rick from Wichita on 7/28/2007 9:26:35 AM:
I would like to ride from St. Charles to Alton, Ill., and then connect to trails from there to take me to the Arch in St. Louis. My plan thus far would be to cross the river via the ferry at Porteges de Souix, and connect to the Vadalabene trail in Alton, then the MCT confluence trail to Chain of Rocks Bridge, then along the Riverfront to the Arch.

Can anyone tell me about 94, and how safe it is for cycling? Any other ways to get to Alton that are more safe than 94 for cycling?

 
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 7/28/2007 4:21:29 PM:
The new segment of the trail to Machens should be open fairly soon. It can be used now if you are willing to ride on grass/dirt for a few miles. Machens is on Hwy 94 which leads to 367(?) that leads to the bridge to Alton. It is a newish bridge, but I couldnt attest to wether it has a bike/ped lane. Another option might be the ferry that crosses the Mississippi in that area. Is it the Portage des Sioux? It has been 30 years since I lived in that area, so I am shaky on the details. Anyone have any better info?

 
Rick from Wichita on 7/28/2007 4:46:53 PM:
Thanks GC...

I would really rather avoid the dirt/grass, so I am really looking into 94, but I really need to know what the traffic is like...

I am also wandering how we find the ferry in Porteges de Souix, and how much it will cost...any info anyone?

 
Jeanne from Omaha on 7/29/2007 9:01:19 PM:
I have a group that will be going from Jefferson City to St Louis in Oct. We have gotten alot of good info from Momentum Cycles in St Charles as far as riding on the roads and crossing on the ferry. Pere Marquette State Parks reservation desk also gave some great options for taking not one but two ferries. We also got a great visitor guide from Alton and bike maps from Madison County Transit. Also check the web site www.confluencegreenway.org for more info on the Illinois trails and points of interest.

 
Rick from Wichita on 7/31/2007 10:28:05 AM:
I called the cycle shop and a lady answered who didn't know much about that particular ferry, but had taken one in the area for $4, so I think it should be a similar fee for us. She did tell me about highway 94. She said traffic was light but fast. For my mom and I this is much more up our alley than riding through St. Louis...thanks for your help Jeanne and the unidentified perwon! You all have been a huge help for us!