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St. Charles to Machens
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MoJo from NW Arkansas on 2/28/2019 3:00:19 PM:
In researching a Katy trip, it appears most "whole" trail trips go from Clinton to St. Charles, not Clinton to Machens. Why? And if we were to ride to Machens, is there a convenient place near the trail head for our pickup driver to park while waiting for us to arrive? Thanks!
 
Anonymous on 3/1/2019 7:49:55 AM:
It's because the Machens endpoint is remote with nothing there amenity wise. Some ride on to Machens so they can say they did and others terminate in St. Charles where there are hotels, B&B's, restaurants, parking, etc.
 
Jerry Whittle from Belleville IL on 3/1/2019 10:16:58 AM:
St. Charles to Machens and back is somewhat boring. It does get right next to the Missouri River in a few places but mostly out in farm land. One of the places near the river is often flooded and the trail is closed there (around MM 35). I ride it at least once a year just to say that I did.

Finding the Machens trailhead is a little difficult. You might just want to ride back to St. Charles or to the easier to find Black Walnut trailhead.

The signups for the 2019 Katy Trail Ride in June starts today and often fills up fast. I'm signed up.
https://mostateparks.com/2019ktride
 
David R Wallace from Weldon Spring on 3/2/2019 8:31:53 PM:
So glad I finally crossed Machens off the bucket list last year. Now, when someone brags about their "end-to-end" ride, I get to say "but did you go to Machens"? (it's exhilarating)
 
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