The Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT or “Katy”) Railroad was built in the late nineteenth century and was the lifeline connecting the wild west with the east coast. In the late 1980′s, the rail west out of St. Louis was decommissioned, and in its place across Missouri now sits the Katy Trail, our latest find in the national rails to trails initiative (www.railstotrails.org).
We were lucky to have a few special guests today. Our local St. Louis expert and native, Ish, met us at our hotel and helped us navigate our way on roads and bike paths west of the city, through Creve Couer Park, and to the Katy Trailhead.
Erika and Vic met up with us, too. Vic, a USMA ’05 classmate of ours, rode along the trail with us from the hotel to our ending point in McKittrick, MO, a former stop along the Katy Trail.
Along the way, we stopped for lunch at the Augusta Brewery, a great place to catch the USA vs. Ghana soccer match overlooking the trail. Lunch was less heartbreaking than the game, thanks to meeting up with a great group of Americans from the Neosho Winesteins. After several failed attempts to convince them to cycle to California while we tested all the wines in Missouri, we decided to leave our new friends behind and keep pushing west.
As the Katy Trail follows the Missouri River across the state, it also now marks a large section of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The stops along the way let us learn about their trip across the country, and with the amount of time spent on our flat tires and searches for Gatorade, we figure that we are probably going at the same pace they did.
Erika picked up Vic at our stopping place in McKittrick, and we said goodbye as they headed back to Ft. Leonard Wood. We set up our tents outside of town to rest up for another great day of riding. Kansas City is only a couple days away, and our bikes and bodies are more than ready for a nice bit of rest.
Back to the trail…
- The XC10 Guys
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Guys,
I’ve read every single entry you’re written. Consider me more an uncle than a mom. The daily recaps are fun and interesting to read. More than once you’ve caused me to do a little research on American history. I looked at a USA map today and it is amazing how far you’ve gone. Surprising how each day’s mileage has added up to get you to where you are. Keep up the good work and best of luck as you continue westward.
Gents…awesome job. I believe you’ve got more of a following than you may think. I appreciate the info about MO rails-to-trails as I have just arrived to paradise (Ft Leonard Wood)! Joel, a big howdy from two west Texas fans, perhaps we will cross paths in aibilene international airport soon.
-Essayons-
Pardon my ill-spelling boyfriend. (He blames his poor grammar on his IPhone.) Joel, we hope to again see you at ABILENE International Airport or down in H-town. Hang in there…we’re all pulling for you guys!!