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david from coloradoe on 4/11/2011 8:43:26 PM:
I am planning a mid june trip from. Clinton to Machens, and wondering how long I should plan to take? I saw one reference for six days, and another round trip in eight days. How long do other riders take?
Thanks to all responses.

 
Jules from Lake Saint Louis, MO on 4/11/2011 9:53:31 PM:
Depends entirely on your fitness. Keep in mind that Mother Nature enjoys mixing it up which means you may find yourself riding through driving rain on a water-logged, achingly slow trail. That can add hours to your overall time. I am a fit female rider, mid-40s. I rode Clinton to St. Charles in four days then came back the next year and did it in three. The four-day trip was definitely more enjoyable as there are interesting towns and Lewis & Clark markers scattered all along the trail. Trying to get in 75+ miles AND take in the sites is pretty damn hard. I would recommend four or more days and if you're going through to Machens you'll have to double back the 13 miles to St. Charles as there are no services in Machens.

 
Almost Retired on 4/12/2011 6:24:53 AM:
Join us on the DNR ride June 20 - 24 Very well organized! Meals, camping, SHOWERS, sag stops, etc. Plus bus transportion back is available.
Longest day this year is Thursday with 68 miles

 
daveoh from lowry city,mo on 4/13/2011 2:33:44 PM:
hi i rode to sedala and back to clinton, a nice 69 mile trip. trail in good condition.

 
David from Colorrado on 4/16/2011 7:32:25 PM:
Jules - tell me more about Machens. I plan to ride from there to a bike shop to get my bike boxed and shipped. Feasible, or will I still have to go back to St. Charles ?

 
Jules from Lake Saint Louis, MO on 4/17/2011 3:25:18 PM:
David, there is absolutely zip in Machens. Just a trailhead and the trail ends in the middle of farmland. If you didn't want to double back the 13 miles to St. Charles you could make your way by country roads a few miles to Portage Des Sioux which does have a post office but I'm not sure if they have a bike shop. I would recommend you call ahead to make sure they have the proper shipping supplies you will need. Use google maps and you should be able to get directions. Good lick!

 
Jules on 4/17/2011 3:49:52 PM:
I should add if you're planning to eat ice cream, then good lick. Otherwise, good LUCK. Ha!

 
David from Colorrado on 4/17/2011 9:13:34 PM:
Jules - thanks so much for your info. I'm going from end-to-end. I'm pretty fit for a 50-year old guy (ha), but 3-days is hardcore! I'm going to pace myself for 5-days, travel light, and enjoy the trip. thanks again.

 
Cat from Higbee, MO on 4/18/2011 8:47:28 PM:
Sounds like you have a good plan. A friend and I rode it last year in 3 days. No time for siteseeing and parts of the trail were closed and/or rough due to recent high water. We still had a GREAT time. Enjoy!

 
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 4/19/2011 3:38:43 PM:
My wife and I rode Clinton to St. Charles at a leisurely 6 day pace last June, also rode various sections again during the summer and fall. Leaving solo Apr 30th and plan to ride Clinton to St. Charles in 3 days. Ride St. Charles to Machens and back on the 4th day. Then ride St. Charles back to Clinton in 3 days. My wife thinks I'm nuts!