 What makes our appliances work  Trails end, Machen |
 The power needed to pull a huge train  Great bridges on route, all tribs to the Missouri were backed up to high levels in The river |
24/8/2011 Portland to Defiance and Machens
D155, T8.5, Av18.22, Extremely hot, westerly blowing, great tail wind.
The sun didn’t reach my campsite till 0930hrs, this coupled with the humidity made for a heavy lingering dew on both sides of the tarp.
Arising early having oats and coffee. Taking my time, the campsite was vacated about 1000hrs.
Just packing left me soaked in perspiration, a cold shower was enjoyed prior to departure.
About an hour into the passage,I hit the brick wall, needing food, stopping in a shady area, a can of cold soup was enjoyed along with some trail mix.
Setting off again, the energy supplies had been part way replenished.
A cafe was found at Rhineland and chicken with copious drink was consumed.
The woods here are lush green, it’s hard to believe most species within them are deciduous. Part of this luhness is unfortunately due to an invasive vine known as KUDZO
The trail, like yesterday was little used, seeing no other riders most of the day.
Stopping at Marthasville for a drink in the local pizza shop, I added my name to the wall in the establishment joining hundreds of other jottings in what appeared to be a tradition when stopping here.
On arrival at Matson, once having made the decision to stop here, as the guide stated there were camping facilities. None were found, a local suggested I go onto to Defiance which lay a mile further up the trail.
Daniel Boone spent most of his life around this area upon moving to Missouri. The French invited himto settle here, giving him land.
Upon arrival there was a line up of pickup trucks in a parking lot with men everywhere. As I found out these guys were reps from Dekalb, Pioneer and every other hybrid corn supplier. They were here to drive farmers around to look at their respective crops on farms they had sold seed to.
All this in the hope that next year the farmers may choose their seed. This is corn belt country big time. The crop is now quite mature.
Puling up at the bar,upon entering I ordered a Sprite, I was with Sierra Mist, a poor sustitution I might add.
A couple of guys alongside me started chatting. I ate a great grilled chicken salad., ordered a beer and finally got out of there at 0100hrs.
There was a good crowd in the bar, I was introduced to a heap of locals, it was an enjoyable night. Having ridden all day, the alcohol had a greater than normal effect.
The guy I first engaged with ,Mark had offered me a lounge for the night. He had kid responsibilities in the morning ,so rather than inconvenience him I declined.
Having made arrangements for the weekend in Alton and wanting to be there with time to spare, I felt it safe to ride the trail at night.
It had been a fairly big night, so I had to have my wits about me. Riding a pushbike after a few beers at slow speed is very tricky. Balance improved with speed.
It was a great time to ride, the air was cool and it was nice to see various critters out and about, mainly racoons and some other smaller beings.
Making good time under a clear sky, I soon arrived at St Charles, some 20 miles east. Deciding to keep going., I arrived at Black Walnut.It was about 0500hrs, the sun still not up. Finding the station shelter I had a kip till daylight.
The sun awoke me ,having minimal facilities at my disposal I headed off. To date, this was the most humble accomodation experienced. This is the side of cycle touring that sometimes has to be experienced to make one appreciate better lodgings.
The station of Machens and the terminus of the Katy Trail was reached at 0800hrs.
The Katy Trail for me has been one of the cycling highlights so far. It is well maintained offering a constant smooth surface, except where it inersects roads .
The towns along its route are well spaced, many offering good food and all offering a generous experience of rural life on the Missouri River. History and exploration of the area are all well dcoumented along the trail.
Seats are placed at vantage points offering time for reflection and views of the river. The surface of crushed limestone requires that the chain be kept oiled, 25-30 Km was the interval that suited me. Wetter conditions would require less oiling.
I would recommend this trail to anyone with a spare week and the desire to do some relaxing cycling in a landscape varying from river vistas, forested lands to vast fields of corn and soya beans .The ability to mix camping with motel and B & B lodgings can make it even more enjoyable .
D155, T8.5, Av18.22, Extremely hot, westerly blowing, great tail wind.
The sun didn’t reach my campsite till 0930hrs, this coupled with the humidity made for a heavy lingering dew on both sides of the tarp.
Arising early having oats and coffee. Taking my time, the campsite was vacated about 1000hrs.
Just packing left me soaked in perspiration, a cold shower was enjoyed prior to departure.
About an hour into the passage,I hit the brick wall, needing food, stopping in a shady area, a can of cold soup was enjoyed along with some trail mix.
Setting off again, the energy supplies had been part way replenished.
A cafe was found at Rhineland and chicken with copious drink was consumed.
The woods here are lush green, it’s hard to believe most species within them are deciduous. Part of this luhness is unfortunately due to an invasive vine known as KUDZO
The trail, like yesterday was little used, seeing no other riders most of the day.
Stopping at Marthasville for a drink in the local pizza shop, I added my name to the wall in the establishment joining hundreds of other jottings in what appeared to be a tradition when stopping here.
On arrival at Matson, once having made the decision to stop here, as the guide stated there were camping facilities. None were found, a local suggested I go onto to Defiance which lay a mile further up the trail.
Daniel Boone spent most of his life around this area upon moving to Missouri. The French invited himto settle here, giving him land.
Upon arrival there was a line up of pickup trucks in a parking lot with men everywhere. As I found out these guys were reps from Dekalb, Pioneer and every other hybrid corn supplier. They were here to drive farmers around to look at their respective crops on farms they had sold seed to.
All this in the hope that next year the farmers may choose their seed. This is corn belt country big time. The crop is now quite mature.
Puling up at the bar,upon entering I ordered a Sprite, I was with Sierra Mist, a poor sustitution I might add.
A couple of guys alongside me started chatting. I ate a great grilled chicken salad., ordered a beer and finally got out of there at 0100hrs.
There was a good crowd in the bar, I was introduced to a heap of locals, it was an enjoyable night. Having ridden all day, the alcohol had a greater than normal effect.
The guy I first engaged with ,Mark had offered me a lounge for the night. He had kid responsibilities in the morning ,so rather than inconvenience him I declined.
Having made arrangements for the weekend in Alton and wanting to be there with time to spare, I felt it safe to ride the trail at night.
It had been a fairly big night, so I had to have my wits about me. Riding a pushbike after a few beers at slow speed is very tricky. Balance improved with speed.
It was a great time to ride, the air was cool and it was nice to see various critters out and about, mainly racoons and some other smaller beings.
Making good time under a clear sky, I soon arrived at St Charles, some 20 miles east. Deciding to keep going., I arrived at Black Walnut.It was about 0500hrs, the sun still not up. Finding the station shelter I had a kip till daylight.
The sun awoke me ,having minimal facilities at my disposal I headed off. To date, this was the most humble accomodation experienced. This is the side of cycle touring that sometimes has to be experienced to make one appreciate better lodgings.
The station of Machens and the terminus of the Katy Trail was reached at 0800hrs.
The Katy Trail for me has been one of the cycling highlights so far. It is well maintained offering a constant smooth surface, except where it inersects roads .
The towns along its route are well spaced, many offering good food and all offering a generous experience of rural life on the Missouri River. History and exploration of the area are all well dcoumented along the trail.
Seats are placed at vantage points offering time for reflection and views of the river. The surface of crushed limestone requires that the chain be kept oiled, 25-30 Km was the interval that suited me. Wetter conditions would require less oiling.
I would recommend this trail to anyone with a spare week and the desire to do some relaxing cycling in a landscape varying from river vistas, forested lands to vast fields of corn and soya beans .The ability to mix camping with motel and B & B lodgings can make it even more enjoyable .
