Mapmedic from KCMO on 7/12/2024 9:55:53 AM:
I did the opposite, I rode to StL and Amtrak’d back. You have three train stations to choose from in the KC area. Independence would be the least desirable in my opinion due to distance, lack of good bike routes and other factors including it’s not near the Rock Island trail. Lees Summit would be a better option because it’s not very far to the Rock. Also if you’re not aware there is something called the Greenwood Gap where the Jackson county section of the Rock ends in lees summit and the state park begins in Pleasant Hill. This gap is approximately 10 miles. You’ll ride on mostly rural roads between the two unless you choose the wrong route which is MO-291 to MO-150. The safest way involves getting to Hamblen Road from trails end then meandering down to Greenwood then to P Hill. I’m on my phone and unable to share a map. Another option which adds some scenery is riding Amtrak to Union Station in KC. There is a “cycleway” from Pershing and Gillham road all the way down to Brush Creek and then you can hop on that trail and ride east to within about two miles from Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums where the Jackson county portion of the Rock Island begins. You would then ride that trail I think 16 miles down to the other side of Lees Summit. At that point you’d do the Greenwood Gap thing. If you do the Union Station destination after you’ve gone south to Brush Creek you could then go west about a mile to see the Country Club Plaza since it’s one of our city features. Happy trails!