Connection to Trans-Am

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Rick from Wichita on 9/25/2006 11:24:23 AM:

I would like some local input on possible connections to the Trans-America trail.

Specifically, I was planning on starting in Springfield, and heading north on the bike trail that runs to Willard, then finding a way to connect to 13 highway to Clinton. I am unsure of traffic and highway conditions. Is this the best route north?

After riding the KATY, I want to find a route south to connect with the Trans-America trail. How about Highway 61 south out of St. Louis? This would take me to St. Mary where the Trans-Am passes by.

Thanks for your help

J&K from Drexel MO on 9/25/2006 2:32:25 PM:

We rode on the Frisco Highline Trail 9-18-06 from Bolivar to where the bridge is out. Its to bad the bridge is not yet repaired, you could get all the way to Bolivar on rails/trail. We did notice how nice the shoulder is on most of hwy.13. With the exception of about 12 miles between Humansville and Collins, it is now all four lane highway. The shoulder did look a little rough on some sections where the north bound lanes are the old highway. There was also some construction on one of the bridges over Truman Lake, that would be the tricky part. Good luck and hope this helped.

Rick from Wichita on 9/25/2006 6:33:47 PM:

Thanks for the rapid responce, J+K...

Our trip will be next year, so I hope the bridge will be repaired by then. I appriciate the local knowledge, and I will probably take the route you suggest.

Does anyone from the St. Louis side have any info on a southern route from KATY? Looking at my map it seems like highway 61 will connect to Trans-Am in St. Mary. Also, highway 21 near Pilot Knob. Would one of these routes be the best one?? Any other ideas??

Thanks.

Ray (webmaster) on 9/26/2006 1:41:23 PM:

Rick, There are a few established routes to take you south from the St Louis area. Try the Mississippi River Trail (MRT), which parallels the river either north or south from St Louis, as you might guess by the name. the MRT has routes on both the Missouri side (http://www.mississippirivertrail.org/mrt-explore-mo.php#segment1) and Illinois side (http://www.mississippirivertrail.org/mrt-explore-il.php). Another option is Adventure Cycling's Great Rivers route (http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/greatrivers.cfm?pg=detail&s=1), which appears to cross the Katy Trail somewhere around Marthasville.
I can't vouch for the quality of any of the above routes, but presumably they have been well tested out.
Good luck and enjoy your tour!

J&K, Speaking of the Frisco Highline Trail, I understand that bridge was burned down by vandals - it's a $%#@ shame.

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