Clinton to Gladstone

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Denis from Rockville, Maryland on 3/1/2012 10:17:18 PM:

Hi, I'm flying in from Maryland for my first ride on the Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton at the end of April. I'd like to continue my ride from Clinton to Gladstone but can't figure out from maps if there is a safe way to bike from Clinton (or other spots on the Trail) to Gladstone. anhy advice appreciated, thanks, Denis

Anonymous on 3/2/2012 3:41:05 PM:

Hi Denis,

A big concern might be where to cross the east-west running Missouri River. Should one do so way east of KC, and then come into Gladstone from the east; it is north of the river. This approach might work well?

Or should one take the big shoulder on Route-7 from Clinton to Harrisonville followed by taking Route-2 to south side of the city, and then going north by whatever route can be found.

The only two safe and legal bridges (w/bike lanes) to cross the river in KC are the Chouteau on the east side, or the Heart of America, dead center downtown. I’ve taken the latter several times. After crossing it north, take Route-9 north to Hwy-169 which takes you to Gladstone. It has a wide shoulder.

You should be able to figure out something from the Internet maps. Good luck. It’ll be fun.

Denis from Rockville, Maryland on 3/3/2012 11:00:20 AM:

Thank you....very helpful.

Billy from Mokane on 3/9/2012 9:22:06 AM:

I would find some other arrangements than to bike into Gladstone. But that's just me, I wouldn't bike in any big city traffic, unless I knew some out of the way roads. You might find those going to Gladstone. Good Luck.

Rick from Springfield, MO on 3/9/2012 9:26:50 AM:

Denis,

I don't know much about either but I have driven highway 7 from Clinton to Harrisonville alot. It is 70 mph and pretty busy. However, I think I would be ok with riding on it.

Please post after your trip so that we know how it went.

might help on 3/9/2012 3:45:57 PM:

http://www.bikekatytrail.com/talk.aspx?thid=1567

Ron S from Kansas City on 3/10/2012 9:28:33 AM:

I am riding on Monday from KC to Clinton. From Belton I will use the old US 71 hwy, now frontage road. This is a low traffic route. HWY 7 is multi roadway with good paved shoulders. From Belton north is a bit of a challenge. You need to get to the Trolley Trail in Dodson for a safe ride into KC. Traffic is not the only problem. There are routes that go through EXTREMELY high crime areas. Try using the Map My Ride website. There may be an option up the east side. If all else fails and you need a ride the final short distance, I have a large van. You can contact me and I will take you where you want to go. No charge except gas if I have to go far as this thing only gets about 12 mpg.

Billy from Mokane on 3/11/2012 7:55:05 AM:

Cool Reply, Ron S....

Denis from Rockville, Maryland on 3/22/2012 8:36:08 PM:

Thanks to all for their helpful advise and offers, esp. regarding traffic/crime. since i retired I've been riding across several states per year. Really like to get across MO since I have lots of in-laws between Overland and St. Joe. Just entered second questions...does getting off the Katy in Sedalia(or Booneville)offer any better, safer, options for getting to Gladstone. Thanks again

Anon on 3/23/2012 10:06:16 AM:

According to the map, either town would get you to Marshall, MO, and then to Lexington (cross river here), and on to Liberty and Gladstone.

Don't know these roads well. But this approach could work well. I've ridden group rides near Richmond, Excelsior Springs, and Liberty. These state routes and backroads are not bad.

Cross country riders have taken Hwy-50 into or from KC proper, but usually not to/from north of the MO river.

Denis from Rockville, Maryland on 3/23/2012 9:51:36 PM:

As much as I'd like to go all the way to Clinton, I like your suggestion of heading to Marshall from Booneville or Saldalia and heading to Gladstone from there. Just looking at the bike routes listed on google maps, from marshall to gladstone and they show 2 ways to go, each about 90 miles, the northern route crosses the Missouri near Waverly and the other route crosses the river near lexington. Like the idea that I'd be traveling primarily on county and state roads, which if like where i live in Md are usually pretty safe. Would you please check both route on google maps for biking and let me know what you think? If it gets to crazy as I approach gladstone can always have someone pick me up. Also like to pass on 2 great rides I did this year that I think are very much like the Katy. The Great Allegheny Trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland MD (140 miles) then continuing from Cumberland to Georgetown, DC along the Potomac on the C&O Canal (185). Also did Erie Canal from Buffalo, NY to Albany (380)....both were fantastic, Thanks again, Denis

Anonymous on 3/27/2012 10:20:40 PM:

Except for passing under Hwy-35, there's still a lot of 'country' between Liberty & Gladsotne. In my opinion, Gladstone in not hectic. But I don't know all of it well. Enjoy.

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