Katy Trail adventure

Charles Hansen has written a wonderfully detailed account of his trip on the Katy Trail in 1999. He started by exploring St. Louis:

Riding through Forest Park I noticed an open gate to the zoo in front of me with no one staffing it. There were no signs prohibiting bikes and the temptation was too great so I pedaled right in at slow speed, passing several bear cages before the mounties told me I couldn't ride there. Continuing to the museum I was surprised to discover that it was free all the time. I was amazed that the city would sponsor both a free zoo and art museum, although I'm sure they each have other contributors. . . .

Then the Katy Trail to Treloar:

I wondered what kind of reception I would get in my cycling gear, but quickly discovered that I needn't have worried. Perhaps what I enjoyed most about the tour was the sincere friendliness and interest of the people I met on the way, especially outside of the large cities. I'm sure part of it was being exposed to lots of cyclists of all sorts by virtue of living close to the trail, but a larger part is the natue of the people who live here.

He continued the Katy Trail to Boonville, then traveled on via roads to Kansas City:

Coming back to Missouri I spent a couple of hours exploring the West Bottoms area where railroad tracks (or previous railroad racks) snake their way in alleys between brick buildings, with frequently complex street and structure arrangements. The sound of train air horns was almost constant in this area of Kansas City, a sound which stirs my spirit. Coming up from river level I rode through the developing River Market district and had a satisfying lunch at the like-named brewery.