Bike Route: Machens to Alton, Illinois
Status (Sep 15, 2024): I have ridden and recorded video for all of this route (in parts). The route files are correct and current. I have posted video of the ride from Machens to the Alton station, but I'm still working on the video for the reverse route.
The closest Amtrak station to Machens is actually in Alton, Illinois. Alton is not a stop for the Missouri River Runner, but it is possible to get connecting trains to wherever, and apparently space for bikes can be reserved. I don't know anything about it first-hand.
Alton also has lodging and restaurants. It's actually a nice destination.
The routes are 15 or 17 miles. Reaching the Amtrak station in Alton involves some climb, but it's not too difficult.
There are other Katy-Amtrak options in the St. Louis area, most of which are longer.
About the Route
Alton is sort of a river bluff town, and the Amtrak station is on the elevated side of town. Riding to the station involves about a mile of 3% climb, but riding from the station to Machens is mostly downhill.
- MO-94 is a rural highway. There is no shoulder, but there is relatively little traffic, so vehicles can easily pass on the other side of the road. Exposure to wind here.
- US-67 is a busier, high-speed divided highway, but there is a generous shoulder. Crossing the Clark Bridge into Alton, Illinois, it is marked as a bike lane.
- The part of Alton closest to the river is an older bedroom community, with relatively little traffic.
- The highland parts of Alton are more suburban, but still the traffic is relatively mild.