Trail Conditions Report 9-17-19

We rode from Sedalia thru St. Charles, fully loaded on 35mm tires and camping. Followed detours around Rocheport, Coopers/Easley and rock slide near KT118. Coopers/Easley was a workout and we pushed up one hill. Our main issues were finding groceries and water as it was over 90 degrees most days. Still a nice trip.

I wrote that quick conditions report on the road but here's a more full report in case it helps somebody.

Left our car in Alton, IL, rode 25mi toward St. Louis and crossed the McKinley Bridge in the early evening. Took St. Louis river trail system through industrial areas and stayed at the Red Lion Hotel. Next morning caught the Amtrak (across street) to Sedalia. Train was 90 min late to Sedalia but we still biked 37 to New Franklin and camped at the KT Roundhouse amid the national mosquito convention. The Booneville & New Franklin detours were easy to follow.

Day 2 we rode to Hartsburg. The short Rocheport detour was no problem but we're used to roads. The gravel detour after Coopers had some steep hills and we were beat after 93 degrees. It wasn't too bad but back on the trail there were some sandy spots. Arrived in Harrisburg, nice locals warned us it was supposed to storm/hail so we camped under the Lions pavilion at the ballpark. Public bathrooms there and an outdoor hose was our washup. Ate at an outstanding restaurant called 35 something. No store in Hartsburg.

Day 3 we stopped into Jeff City for lunch before heading to Bluffton. Loved the ramp up and over the bridge. High Rise Bakery was great food. Good convenience store was a block up the street too. Back on KT, we stopped in Mokane and there was a small store open there. Continued on to the Bluffton Barn where we camped & showered. Doug was a great host and has a nice place to stay.

Day 4 we headed for Klondike Park. Good grocery store just off the trail at the Herman spur - we stocked up as we heard there was nothing at Klondike. Some bad gulley washouts as we crossed roads around KT135. Ate at Dutzow Deli. We rode to the KT118 rockslide to see if any possible way to hike it for fun but no. The detour around was super short & easy. Climb to Klondike Park was a push. Armadillo and skunk at our camp.

Day 5 we rode into St. Charles & had lunch at the bike shop. Then continued on urban trails (Boeschert?) & roads to the Golden Eagle ferry ($4) across the Mississippi. We crossed hilly Coventry County between the rivers (11 miles, stunning & gorgeous) and caught the Brussels ferry (free) across the Illinois River. Rode another 4-5 miles NW to Pere Marquette State Park. Camped 2 nights, then rode the Sam Vadalabene bikeway back to Alton, IL to get our car. This worked out as a nice loop.

Advice: carry lots of water, refill spots are fewer than ideal. We carried nearly 4L and wished we had more a couple times but most of our days were +90 degrees. Stores and cafes were sparse. Trail surface conditions were fairly good. Using Google for bicycle directions is how I planned our routes off the KT.

Curious if there were certain sections that had less amenities than others or where critical refueling spots would be? I plan on riding from Clinton to Machens and back to Clinton at the end of September all self supported so I’d like to plan my water refilling stops accordingly.

Toby, use the Towns and Services link up above to identify where you can get food, water, etc. Keep in mind that the businesses in small towns keep short and odd hours, so always have a Plan B.

We filled our water in Sedalia, New Franklin (cafe), Rocheport (store), Hartsburg, Jeff City, Mokane (store), Dutzow (deli), Klondkike Park & St. Charles. We also topped off in a couple other places I can’t remember. Ran low between Rocheport & Hartsburg but we were riding in 90+ degree heat. Coopers might have had water but the place appeared closed. Carry 2 large bottles, top off every chance & you should be OK.

For food, Sedalia had several options, New Franklin had a good cafe and Rocheport had a small store/cafe. After that we saw nothing until Jeff city (plenty). Mokane had a limited store, Dutzow had a deli, Herman Spur had a fine grocery store and then nothing more until near St. Charles.