KT / RI Forum

The Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail

switch to Rock Island map

Add your comment
Go to Forum

ArkyKenny on 2/21/2013 1:02:12 PM:

You can ride it...I guess. But that is not something I would EVER DO (hear the many, varied safety concerns that are too numerous to mention in this small space--but most of which center on getting killed on the side of the road by bad drivers and bad people).

Get a shuttle, hire a taxi, take a train to Sedaila, make a freind, find a way to Columbia, do whay you will, but DO NOT RIDE TO CLINTON FROM KC!!!!!!!!!!!

Luke Sponsler from San Diego on 2/21/2013 1:45:27 PM:

I guess the drivers in Missouri must be really bad. I have ridden from Vancouver to San Diego without trouble. I have done enough rode touring that I don't mind riding on a shoulder. That said, I will heed your advice and Amtrak to Warrensburg. It's only about a 2 hour ride from there to Clinton.

ArkyKenny on 2/21/2013 4:11:49 PM:

Warrensbury to Clinton will be a good ride. Good roads.

The problem with KCMO is that you are likely to ride throgh some VERY HIGH CRIME AREAS. Not safe.

barf from Clinton on 2/21/2013 10:37:58 PM:

if you can make it from vancouver to San Diego you can make to clinton o.k.

Anonymous on 2/21/2013 11:03:35 PM:

I don't think this ride needs ruled out instantly. Arky - do you live in Kansas City?

I would not want to do it after dark, but depending on arrival time, I think it could be thoughtfully considered.

You might check ridewithgps.com or other similar sites to see if any options are proposed.

I am GUESSING that MCI to Clinton would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 120 miles. From previous experience, I know its about 80 from southern Johnson County, Kansas. The airport is WAY north of that.

Best wishes.

Anon on 2/22/2013 9:33:06 AM:

The train to Warrensburg is your best bet.

Otherwise you'd need to ride around KC rather than through it. For example, you could taxi west of the airport to KS-7 (in Lansing - Leavenworth area), and ride south to KS-68. Then go east on KS-68/MO-2 to Harrisonville. From there take MO-7 to Clinton. The trailhead will be on your right (south-side of 7 at Route-52) on the west edge of Clinton.

Again, the train to Warrensburg is the way to go. Good luck.

ArkyKenny on 2/22/2013 8:55:05 PM:

Anon,

I'm not bad mouthing all of KC, just the 10 miles south of the stadiums in the Swope Park/Bannister Mall and beyond corridor. That, IMO, is no place to be a tourist on a bike.

So, as I, and others have said here, get to Warrensberg, ride to Clinton, and have a ball! Might I add, that Memorial Day weekend and Pedalers Jamboree in Booneville and Hartsburg would be a great time to do that trip. Search the web for Pedalers Jamboree for more info.

Anon on 2/23/2013 6:59:34 AM:

I understand that okay. Cities in general give distance riders problems I think, mostly traffic ones. Even tho KC is rapidly becoming bike friendly with more trails and bridge/street bike lanes, it is still a heavy traffic center. Yet, TransAm riders do stop over here occasionally.

Unless one wants to spend time in the Power-Light District, the Plaza, or one of our museums or restaurants, it's might be easiest to ride around the city and all of its traffic. Or, at least, know one's way thru it if that's the choice. Chow.

Figs from Olathe, KS on 2/25/2013 9:01:47 AM:

IF, you must ride from KC to Clinton: Ride due east from the airport until you get to 7hwy, near Butler MO. Then ride 7 south to Clinton. It's 2 lane for a long way, then turns into 4 lane divided with a LARGE paved shoulder. This does not go through all these dangerous neighborhoods that people speak of and is safer riding than any of the interstate areas (which are of illegal for non-motorized vehicles.) This route should also offer you many gas station type quick stops for water and food.

Wish I was off on the 16th, then I would just pick you up at the airport and get you to Clinton. I have yet to ride most of the western end of the trail and could have used that as an excuse to ride. But, I am working that day :(

Bike Rider from Kansas City on 2/25/2013 2:01:43 PM:

Well, just to let everyone know you can ride your bike in the South Kansas City, Swope Park area and not be in danger! We have ridden through Swope Park on several occasions on our way to the Country Club Plaza. There is also a great bike shop at I-470 and Blue Ridge, just south of Bannister Road called Bicycle Shack. We ride from this shop frequently and have had no problems. If you need help navigating through the City, I'd suggest calling a local bike shop (like Bicycle Shack) and asking for advice.

Figs from Olathe, KS on 2/26/2013 2:09:36 PM:

Hey Bike Rider, I was not casting bad mojo over South KC. I live and work in Olathe, KS, but ride a trail frequently that goes through S. KC. I am still looking for a way to link it to the Trolley Trail and ride all the way from South Olathe to the Plaza area. There are parts of KC that I would suggest not riding in, but my Grandmother's neighborhood at 122nd and Holmes is safe!!

just sayin' from kcmo on 2/27/2013 12:04:24 AM:

There's nothing to fear, but the fear mongers themselves.
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/02/26/4088802/waldo-neighbors-come-to-the-rescue.html

ArkyKenny on 2/27/2013 11:23:08 AM:

"What big eyes you have, and what a bushy tail you have...." said Little Red Riding Hood.

"There is nothing to fear" .....whatever. You first. I'm not going.

What's next? You going to tell me to go ahead and get the cheese from off the mousetrap because it's safe? Maybe the empty parking lot of Bannister Mall would be a great place to have a bike rodeo?

FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!

More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us

By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2026 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.