Mapmedic from KCMO on 12/22/2021 12:03:00 PM:
What format did you want those directions? I use Garmin connect and I do have a Strava, but would not consider myself proficient in their use. In September I rode across the entire state starting in Westwood, Kansas making my way to the Rock Island trail (which starts at Arrowhead stadium, ends in Lees Summit, MO then starts up again at Pleasant Hill, MO where it currently ends at Windsor, MO. Then I rode the Katy to the east end and continued northeast to river ferry over to Grafton, IL before riding down to the Old Chain of Rocks bridge and to St Louis. Total miles was 394. I can help with some routes through KC and I live by the airport so am very familiar with routes, roads and trails, particularly north of the river (everything north of the Missouri River from downtown to near airport) You can search my “name” on here, I think there is a link to my ride. Also, this is a helpful website (I used it before my trip) but probably will not generate as much useful feedback as Facebook group “fans of the Katy Trail” where you can read old posts, search key words and my name, McCollom.
Here is a very rough idea of getting you from KCI (MCI) to downtown and I’m going to do it by means of landmarks, trails, etc: 152 Trail ( at N Amity or N Line Creek Pkwy then take the beautiful Line Creek Trail to Argosy Casino in Riverside, MO. Cross Missouri River via US 69 highway bridge adjacent to casino, ride through very industrial Fairfax district which is in Kansas City, Kansas to Kaw Point which is a Lewis & Clark historic site. Explore the park a few minutes then go to the southwest end of the parking lot where you’ll find a pedestrian/bike bridge to 3rd street then go south on 3rd and take a left under the I-70 viaduct where the lower level of that bridge is a bike trail …this can be located using Google street view. This trail will take you into the “west bottoms” area and a few blocks later you will cross into Missouri. You’re on your own from here…if you want to see the city market/farmers market and then downtown I suggest searching for “Town of Kansas Observation Deck” City Market has plenty of walk up places to eat (LOCK YOUR BIKE….plenty of homeless people trying to survive in the city) Alternative route: from west bottom area search for Boulevard Brewing Company which can be a waypoint and/or stop to sample beer…it’s a really cool place and could also be done after city market. After these places you may want to look up your own route or waypoint the Country Club Plaza followed by Brush Creek Trail and then Arrowhead stadium where the Rock Island begins in Lot D…by the way the trail is new enough that Google maps and street view don’t show it. If you can ride through the city on a weekend it would be better traffic wise.