savage24 from KC,MO on 4/15/2006 11:42:45 PM:
Woodpete, You basically have two options on the shuttle: Hire a private shuttle service or plan your ride so you can ride Amtrak. I think a private shuttle would be expensive for only two people. Amtrak's fares are quite reasonable, but their baggage policy will not allow most bike trailers and the trains are often late. If you are not pulling trailers are riding a tandem, I suggest planning a ride between Sedalia and Marthasville and riding Amtrak. I always like to do the shuttle part first and then ride back to my car. If you stay at a B&B in Marthasville, they would probably allow you to leave your car there and they could take you across the river to the Amtrak station in Washington in the morning to catch the train to Sedalia. You could start your ride in the afternoon when you get off the train, or hire a private shuttle to take you to Boonville (since you stated that you're interested in riding along the river), or spend a night in Sedalia and get a fresh start the next morning. Here is my itinerary suggestion:
Day 1: Sedalia to Boonville - 37 miles
Day 2: Boonville to Hartsburg - 38 miles
Day 3: Hartsburg to Rhineland - 49 miles
Day 4: Rhineland to Marthasville - 28 miles
There is a bit of a climb between Sedalia and Pilot Grove, but the rest is flat. You should be able to do your usual mileage. The trail surface can be soft and a bit sloppy in some places if riding while it is raining but most parts drain well and will dry within an hour after the rain has stopped, especialy if the sun comes out.
If you don't mind the cost of the private shuttle and only want to do the portion along the river, I would leave the car in St Charles, hire a shuttle to Rocheport and ride back.