Messages

1

Routes / Re: Katy Trail and Trans Am

« on: April 02, 2010, 05:43:20 pm »

Stu,

I live in the St. Charles, Mo, area and have ridden on the KATY often.  I have done end to end  and think it is a great ride.  I have also done St. Louis to Memphis and the first day was from the Arch in downtown St. Louis to Chester, Ill, where the TransAm route also goes.  This ride (Arch to Chester's city park) is about 75 miles and a great ride.  It is basically all flat if you follow the MRT (Mississippi River Trail - each state bordering the Mississippi has their own portion of the MRT, on roads and can be googled to get info and I would suggest using the Mo. portion only to get out of the city and then use the Ill portion for the main part of the ride).  Crossing the Mississippi in south St. Louis county on the Jefferson Barracks Bridge (I 255) is a good crossing, wide shoulders and you access the MRT right after the bridge.

On the western end of the KATY, in Clinton, the community center about a quarter mile away from the trail lets you camp behind their building and use their indoor facilities - restroom, showers.

I guess you would add miles on either end getting to the KATY or back to the TransAM but on the eastern end it is, again, about 75.

Need any more info on the KATY, let me know and I may be able to help you.

2

General Discussion / Re: Blue Ridge Parkway

« on: January 21, 2010, 07:20:52 pm »

Here is another link:
http://www.nps.gov/PWR/customcf/apps/maps/showmap.cfm?alphacode=blri&parkname=Blue%20Ridge%20Parkway

3

General Discussion / Re: Blue Ridge Parkway

« on: January 21, 2010, 07:12:24 pm »

Try this link to maps:

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/maps.htm

4

Connecting ACA Routes / Northern Tier E1/2 &TransAm W1/2

« on: October 20, 2006, 09:29:09 pm »

Try heading south on the Great Rivers Route to pick up the Katy Trail in Missouri.  Cross Missouri on trail to Clinton, Mo., then head west into Kansas to south to Trans Am Route.  The Katy is a great East/West trail.  No cars, no dogs, hard packed surface, almost entirely flat (built on old railroad bed).  I have crossed the state on it and greatly enjoyed it.  Good traveling to you.  I live just off the trail and could help with any other info you may need about it.

5

Routes / natchez trace parkway

« on: September 03, 2008, 12:22:30 am »

Evan, since riding the Trace last year, we did a St. Louis to Memphis self contained trip in May 08.  I would not hesitate to ride the Trace self contained - it would be a great ride.  It was our first so we used a sag.

6

Routes / natchez trace parkway

« on: September 03, 2008, 12:20:14 am »

Evan, I rode the Trace with 3 companions in Sept 07.  We had a sag car, started in Nashville, ended in Natchez.  GREAT ride - little to no traffic (only around cities do you get traffic), no commercial traffic, lots of motorcycles, hills for 3 days then  flattens out.  Any specifics you want to know?

7

Routes / Route choice for May 08

« on: April 08, 2008, 10:17:39 pm »

Hi, if you start in St. Louis consider going west on the KATY Trail thru Missouri, then at the Kansas border head sw towards the TransAm into the Western Xpress.  The KATY is a great route to take thru Mo.

8

Routes / Katy Trail, C&O/GAP or Natchez Trace

« on: December 19, 2007, 08:43:23 pm »

Hi, I have ridden both the KATY and the Natchez Trace Prkwy.  Both are great, little or no traffic, great scenery. A group of 4 of us rode the Trace this past Sept - it was a really great ride.  We stayed at motels close to the route. Only hit traffic around Tupelo and Jackson.  It was about 450 miles, we rode Sat thru Fri.
I have ridden the Katy solo, in June a few summers ago and ride portions of the trail often as I live very close to it.  If riding solo I would probably do the Katy -225 miles and towns pretty often, 10-15 miles apart.  Almost ant type bike can ride the Katy.  No traffic, great scenery.  Could find places to stay, if camping, on or very near the trail and B&B's close by.  I would ride west to east - the eastern end is much more scenic so I would ride to that goal and the St. Charles area is a good place to end.  
Anyway, just a couple thoughts on the 2 options.  If I can be more specific with details let me know.

9

Routes / Crossing Missouri - Use Katy Trial?

« on: June 24, 2007, 03:48:26 pm »

Fred, I have 32's on Trek 520 and they are great for the KATY.  The eastern section (closer to St. Charles) is where I do most of my riding on the trail and it is by far the best of the whole trail.  BUT, that is not to say the whole trail is not grreat - some parts do not seem to be as packed as hard as the eastern part - pro'ly because there is so much use on this end.  I would not hesitate to use the 28's but I must admit I have never ridden a recumbent to know if there is a difference in the ride with differing tire widths. If the 32's are no problem to get or you already have them, then use the 32's - this will help if you run into any wet weather.  The wetter the trail, the worse the thin tires seem to perform on it.
The July weather here is usually HOT and HUMID, so early riding is the best.  I have gone end to end and other rides up to 100 miles per day on the trail and I really think west to east is the better way to travel - you end up the ride on the better surface of the trail and after a few days on the trail this seems like an added bonus.  Anyway, if I can help out with info or pickups let me know.  Dave M

10

Routes / Crossing Missouri - Use Katy Trial?

« on: June 10, 2007, 09:36:36 pm »

Lisa, I live very close to the Katy and have ridden on parts of it many times - today in fact.  I have also ridden from end to end and really think it is a great way to cross Missouri - no traffic other than turtles, rabbits, deer, and turkey.  Great views of the Missouri river and the Missouri countryside.  Great small towns and people.  I would highly rec. it to anyone.  If I can be of more help with available facilities let me know.  Have a GREAT ride.  Dave M

11

Routes / Wanted: Partner(s) for spring 2007 transamerica

« on: October 29, 2006, 11:39:36 am »

I have thought about the Lewis/Clark ride or portions of it plus portions of the Northern or TransAm.  I have some section of the  AdvCyc maps for the L/C.  I live in the St. Louis area and east to west would be perfect for me.  What dates did you have in mind?