From/to Transamerica trail to Katy trail

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Nina from Svärtinge, Sweden on 7/9/2013 6:46:10 PM:

We are on transamerica trail (heading east). We are planning to take the Katy trail. What is the best ways to and from the Transamerica trail to Katy?

DSD on 7/9/2013 8:47:28 PM:

Nina, Looks like your route is in southern Kansas crossing at Pittsburg into Missouri and going through Springfield. Rather than heading north after crossing into Missouri to the start the Katy Trail in Clinton, Missouri, I would head north in Kansas and cross near Fort Scott into Missouri which is closer to Clinton. However the Transamerica crosses the Mississippi River down at Chester, Illinois but the Katy Trail ends near St. Louis, Missouri, a little out of your way. But following the river from St. Louis down to Chester is a very scenic route. Hope this helps you.

ArkyKenny on 7/9/2013 9:19:30 PM:

I don't disagree with DSD, but it might be easier to just go north on 13 north of Springfield to Clinton where the Katy starts. Hwy 13 has a broad shoulder. I say that because those are some small, shoulderless roads cutting through to Clinton from Kansas, and by the time you get around Truman Lake, it may just be easier to just take 13.

Trek on 7/9/2013 9:31:45 PM:

You might go to crazyguyonabike.com and search "Katy Trail" to see how other Transam riders have connected to the Katy. Most journals there are complete with pictures that might give you an idea of what the route is like both east and west of the Katy.

Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 7/10/2013 3:20:31 AM:

A route to consider. The Transamerica Trail crosses the Frisco Highline Trail at Walnut Grove Missouri. For all to consider, is this feasible? Take the Frisco Highline from Walnut Grove to Bolivar, take hwy 32 west to Highway 13 and go north to Clinton and the Katy Trail.

I have never ridden this route but it seems that it would work as a decent route between the Transamerica and the Katy trails.

Just recently read one report on Crazyguyonabike.com of a fellow that used this route, in reverse (going south), on his tour to get to Springfield Mo. from the Katy Trail.

Darrell from Jefferson City, Mo. on 7/10/2013 4:00:52 AM:

Now that I think of it the Frisco Highline Trail comes out on an outer road to Hwy 13 near the exchange at Highway 13 and Aldrich Road. You would NOT NEED to take hwy 32 out of Bolivar, but you could.

ArkyKenny on 7/10/2013 10:43:10 AM:

Agree Darrell . Good thinking. The Transamerica Trail crosses Frisco Highline Rail Trail (FHT) north of Springfield, and FHT goes to Bolivar, to Hwy 13. That would be the way I got to Clinton. The FHT gets a little sandy in some places out there between Springfield and Bolivar, but it's nothing a touring bike could not handle. Then, 13 is a good road to Clinton and the Katy.

El Toro on 7/10/2013 2:02:11 PM:

Conversations like this showcase a discussion board being used at its best. Well done to all who are contributing to this discussion. I'm learning useful things. Thanks.

nina from Svärtinge, Seden on 7/10/2013 6:54:50 PM:

Thank you all for your suggestions. How about going on US54 from Eureka to Highway 13? Would that work?

El Toro on 7/11/2013 12:30:52 PM:

I believe 54 carries quite a lot of vehicle and truck traffic. I cannot remember how good/wide the shoulder is. Can anybody else help with this??

Anonymous on 7/11/2013 10:22:44 PM:

On CGOAB I've read where TransAm'ers will start north toward Butler, MO, from towns as early as Newton, Eureka, Chanute, or even Giard, KS. From Butler, they take the back-roads to Clinton. Just about any route will work with light traffic or good road shoulders. Good Luck.

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