Finished First Century! Trailnet Ride the Rivers (LONG)

[SouthernBelle]

Congrats. Excellent report.

[uforgot]

I rode the Mississippi trail on Saturday. So THAT'S what the pink markings were for. I knew they were fresh and just thought there had been a ride recently. Congratulations! I'd love to see more pics.

[arielmoon]

Congratulations!! You did it!!

[madscot13]

sounds like that was a fantastic ride. I love the pictures too.

[redrhodie]

Loved your post! What a ride! I'm glad you had fun.

[lattae]

Great ride report. Did you have lunch in Alton at the park or at another location? I think Trailnet learned a lesson from the slow service at the restaurant last year. My g/f and I waited about an hour from standing in line to getting our food so there were many complaints about that.(last year)

Sounds like the reverse route was wonderful. Did you happen to look at www.stlbiking.com they have a short thread about the ride too... sounds like cyclists were happier with the new route. One guy wrote about the river road and the cars and Harleys buzzing by close and the glass and debris on the side of the roadway too. Do you know how many cyclists participated in the ride?

Congratulations on your accomplishment!! Great photos too!!

[TrekTheKaty]

Thanks, Lattae Yes, lunch was at the parking lot/park right under the 367 bridge. It was boxed lunches--just grab what you want. The debris on the river road wasn't any worse than any other shoulder--although it would have been nice if it wasn't there. At one point, on the shoulder just wide enough for a bike, I glanced over and saw a semi go by--NOTE: Don't glance over! Just focus straight ahead!

I'll run over and check out stlbiking.com--I can see good points and bad points to both routes. Maybe they can alternate like they do with the DNR Katy Trail ride.

I forgot to ask the volunteers how many people signed up. The parking lot was relatively full down to Trailhead Brewery. Maybe I'll email trailnet.