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Reply to cicadas
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Mark from Canada on 4/8/2024 8:57:47 AM:
I'm planning on riding the trail the week of May 22 but am reading about the arrival of the cicadas at a rate unseen in over 200 years. Any information on the impact these are likely to have on the ride would be appreciated. I'm going pretty much no matter what, but any thoughts from those of you who live in Missouri would be appreciated.
 
Anonymous on 4/8/2024 9:52:18 AM:
Try searching Missouri Extension cicadas and Missouri Department of Conservation cicadas where you will find info.

Hadn't really thought about any impact from them but I do understand your concern.

From my Missouri Extension cicadas search:
Emergence will occur in 18 Midwestern states. For the most part, most Missourians will only experience Brood XIX, the Great Southern Brood, which last appeared in Missouri in 2011. Expect them to emerge in late April to early May, says Reall.

Those in northeastern Missouri near the Illinois border might see – and hear – both broods.

They subscribe to the “safety in numbers” approach and emerge all at once. They climb trees, fence posts or anything vertical before shedding their hard skins. Then they head to treetops to mate, lay their eggs and die within four to six weeks.

Expect to see cicadas after a spring rain, and expect to see a lot of them – as many as 1.5 million per acre, says Reall. This creates a feeding frenzy for predators and litter so heavy that the sidewalks and highways may need shoveling.
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Looks as if the trail may be impacted with litter as well.
 
Jerry Whittle from O'Fallon Illinois on 4/9/2024 2:55:58 PM:
A few years ago, my wife and I rode the GAPCO from Pittsburgh to DC during a major brood. It was the top news story every night. The noise of millions of them was incredible. Sometimes a rider would stop and a dozen of them would latch upon the jersey. Yellow and light blue colors attracted them. They don't bite; however, they can pinch a little if they grab onto bare skin.

Having said that, I wouldn't let them stop you. In fact, it could add to your adventure!

We stayed in hotels and B&Bs during that trip. I don't know if I'd want to camp during a major brood.
 
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