The WHOLE trail is something I always wanted to do...I used to live in MO and would ride around the Agusta area. For mtbikers they have really neat epic route you can single-track hop...works out to about 40 miles i think.

I do not have any advice...actually I am here to hi-jack your thread in a way: I will be in MO in December (Christmas time) and was hoping to take a day trip...I was thinking of having my Mom drop DH & I off in Marthasville and ride to St Charles to meet my parents for dinner. My question is: Are the wineries (or anything) open at that time of the year?

I should add...I do know someone who did the entire trail and had a blast!!! Be sure to allow time to hang out at the towns & wineries!