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Trail Question
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Quadzilla from Chicago on 12/26/2018 3:56:50 PM:
Hey everyone! I'm planning to ride some of the trail this Summer. I'll be driving from Chicago and am curious if anyone has have any opinion/advice on the best place to pick up the trail? Thanks! Deb
 
Anonymous on 12/26/2018 9:20:37 PM:
St. Charles.
 
Hank on 12/27/2018 7:46:36 AM:
I would start in St. Charles, ride west to Augusta and then cross the Missouri River into Washington for night one. Approximately 35 miles. Day 2 head to Hermann, approximately 30 miles, stay the night. Day 3 ride back to St. Charles, 60 miles from Hermann.
 
Quadzilla from Chicago on 12/27/2018 9:05:42 AM:
Great! Thanks for the info!
 
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 12/27/2018 11:09:47 AM:
If you would like to do a supported tour in June, I highly recommend the Katy Trail ride put on by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Below is a link to the 2017 ride which should be very similar to 2019. Basically you would park in St. Charles on the Sunday before then take a bus to the start of the trail in Clinton. 5 day ride back to St. Charles.
https://mostateparks.com/2017ktride
 
Anonymous on 12/27/2018 5:07:23 PM:
I’d do a series of out and back rides. Rocheport area is a very popular section with massive limestone bluffs, the only tunnel on the trail, and some great river views. Quaint little town with nice B&B’s and a few nice restaurants.

Hermann area is also very popular. A very German culture with fantastic B&B’s, restaurants, and wineries. The trail from Hermann west also has limestone bluffs which make for a good ride to Bluffton.

Jefferson City to Hartsburg is a good ride. Jefferson City to Rocheport is a decent ride if you wanted to do a ride with an overnight stay and the return.

Use the mileage chart to help determine distances and locations that you are capable of riding to.

It’s an awesome trail that has a lot to offer. Plan ahead and enjoy!!
 
Anonymous on 12/28/2018 10:28:36 PM:
Are riding the DNR ride again Jerry?
 
Jerry Whittle from BELLEVILLE on 12/29/2018 9:56:27 AM:
Almost certainly going to ride it again. I'm even thinking about getting a new bike with fatter tires and disc brakes for it.
 
Quadzilla from Chicago on 1/8/2019 1:19:47 PM:
Thanks for all of the info... If I don't round up another person to ride with me, is the trail safe for a woman to ride alone? I've done a bit of research, but wanted to ask folks who have ridden.
 
Beth from Topeka, Ks on 1/8/2019 4:33:25 PM:
When are you planning to ride? I'm wanting to ride as well. Beth
 
Anonymous on 1/8/2019 9:18:55 PM:
This question has been asked several times here and consistently the answer is that many women have ridden alone without issue. As always ride with confidence and be aware of your surroundings. Be prepared to take care of yourself, fix your own flat...don't make yourself reliant on others and at their mercy. Always a good thing to do when traveling away from home.

A bit odd as a Midwesterner....someone from Chicago asking if rural Missouri is safe. Happy trails!!
 
Padre from St. Charles on 1/24/2019 2:44:00 PM:
What Jerry Whittle said. Also, if you follow the calendar for Trailnet (https://trailnet.org), they should be posting information about their organized ride at the end of June. This will be a two-day ride that incorporates a train ride from Kirkwood, MO to Hermann, and has an overnight stay at Sunflower Hill Farm, in Matson. Details are in the making, but it's sounding like a great two-day ride!
 
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