Review Date
July 10, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 2 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 1 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: glbrannon ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
This is a great trail to ride for the leisure cyclist. The path is almost completely flat for the entire 225+ miles through Missouri. I believe the highest grade is 5%, and located in the western most section of the trail. The views once you approach the Missouri river valley are beautiful. Towns are spaced at 10-15 mile intervals along the trail enabling you to stop for rest or play. This is also Missouri wine country, so plan on making a stop at Rocheport and other th's to enjoy.

There are camping opportunities at state run sites (this trail is part of the MO state park system and is a rails-to-trails project), best to check ahead. This is definitely a beginner trail. There are no steep dh runs, no stumps to jump, no rocks to hop ... just a leisurely 225 miles to enjoy at your own pace. Also, this trail is shared with walkers, so etiquette is important as large groups are encountered, particularly near larger towns.

I love this trail and use it often. It is aerobically easy, I give it a level 2 merely because of the distance. There are really no technical aspects to the trail, other than negotiating around walkers.

Recommended Route:
If you plan to take the entire 225 miles, definitely start at the western most part (Clinton) and work your way east, downriver, towards St. Charles. This is a relatively flat trail, but the slight downhill grade will make a world of difference after 30-60 mile rides.

Try to plan stops at fun th's like Rocheport and others. You'll enjoy yourself even more. These towns are accustomed to trail riders and make them feel welcome.