Aug 5 Alton, IL to Arch in St Louis, MO

Posted by on Aug 10, 2012 in Mississippi River Trail | 6 Comments

Distance 35 miles, 10.0 mph average, 3:28 ride time, 5 hours total time on road, expenses $142.11 

Have you donated to National Multiple Sclerosis Society yet?  If not here is the direct link to my profile page where you can make a donation and end this world of MS:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?px=1782261&pg=personal&fr_id=17893&s_tafId=230714
your donation will make a difference, please help.  Thank you.  The Old Guy 

Regardless of pulled muscles, heat, wind, hills and anything else I’m going to ride the last 35 miles to the Arch in St Louis today that is the pact I made with myself before leaving the hotel this morning.  I backtracked a couple miles to get onto the trail, did manage to get confused temporarily as to where to pick up the trail but once on the trail it was easy going all the way to the Arch. 

This section of the trail was totally awesome with history to read about, sights to see and the best marked trail I’ve been on the entire length of the MRT to here.  My estimation the St Louis trail system and all it has to offer would make a great weekend excursion; easy riding, the Arch, downtown St Louis, Laclede Landing, Lewis and Clark Expedition history, Mississippi River history and maybe even a ball game.  I’d sure be willing to lead any group wanting to enjoy a great weekend here. 

My expenses may seem high today but it does include an $80.00 bus ticket toJoplinas well as $45.00 to fill the gas tank on my mini-van when I got there. 

Instead of writing much about today I’m going to let you enjoy some of the pictures I took on the trail.

Lots of Lewis and Clark Expedition history

 

Giant Flood gates and retaining wall protect the St Louis from flooding Bridge over canal allowing barge traffic to safely navigate the Chain of Rocks

 

Historic Chain of Rocks Bridge on old Route 66, I crossed this bridge on my first road trip back in 1966

 

Old Route US 66 road signs on Chain of Rocks Bridge

 

1930s vintage fire truck displayed on bridge

 

This Gothic looking castle is actually a water intake. In the background you can see the Chain of Rocks which made this section of the Mississippi unnavigable to large vessels

 

Rest stop as you enter Missouri from the bridge

 

Signage for the MRT in the St Louis area is excellent
Arriving at the Arch in St Louis marks the halfway point to the Gulf of Mexico and the successful conclusion the first stage of my journey along the Mississippi River Trail

Hope you have enjoyed following me this far on my journey along the Mississippi.  I will return to St Louis middle to end of September to begin stage 2 riding Spirit to the Gulf of Mexico.  I’m short on time right now but should you have any questions, comments or anything I can help with regards to bicycle touring please contact me.  Catch you down the road, Frank aka “The Old Guy On a Bicycle”

 

 

6 Comments

  1. Vic Sincock
    September 14, 2012

    I sat behind you at the MS 150 program this past weekend. Checked out your website and blog yesterday and WOW! I grew up in Galena IL, so I am very familar with the Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin Area. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville and I worked at Chestnut Mountain Lodge Ski Resort south of Galena, but I drove a car up those hills. I also spent over 35 years in sales & marketing in the motor carrier industry and have been to every state in the Continental United States and have lived in Ilinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Germany.
    On business I normally flew/drove, but on vacation I normally drove.
    The point is my geography is pretty good and your bike riding accomplishments are—and I don’t normally use the word—AWESOME!
    Really great meeting you and continued success on your ride along the Mississippi to New Orleans.

    Reply
    • 4theoldguy11
      September 14, 2012

      Hi Vic!

      Thanks for writing me, I always enjoy meeting and visiting with folks and making new friends. I hope you continue to read about my adventures. Perhaps next year we’ll get to ride the MS 150 together?

      You can be sure I won’t forget Chestnut Mountain hill climb. It was really deceptive as it wasn’t that long nor did it look that steep but riding a bike weighing in at 110 lbs with gear plus my big body it was more than I could handle that day, so resorted to walking part way up.

      Take care and look forward to hearing from you in the future.

      Your new friend,

      Frank

      Reply
  2. Jack & Connie
    August 10, 2012

    Frank, thanks for the ride! What a challenge with the heat and injuries. Rest up, we look forward to stage 2 in the fall – weather should be better.

    Reply
    • 4theoldguy11
      August 11, 2012

      Hi Jack and Connie. You’re welcome, hope I made it somewhat interesting and inspiring. I’ll be well rested by the time start stage 2 for sure. Jack how are you, Dave and new-comer Peyton getting along?

      Reply
      • Jack & Connie
        August 11, 2012

        We’re all well and riding everyday. It’s hard to believe our heat index here in Savannah is less than what you had on Stage 1 of your adventure. Hope you can find some good SAGs for Stage 2.

        Reply
        • 4theoldguy11
          August 11, 2012

          That’s good news to hear. You’re a good man Jack and I want to be able to ride with you again one day, so stay healthy and keep Dave and Peyton happy campers. Either I’ll find SAG or resort to finding places to stay as I did on the East coast last year. It’s much more fun meeting and staying with folks than sleeping in a tent, anyway.

          Reply

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