Family Friendly Off-Road Touring? Katy Trail

[Melalvai]

I'll put in a good word for the Katy. I haven't done the entire thing, but a good chunk of it in the middle. I think it's beautiful. I haven't toured extensively so if I'd biked through mountains maybe I wouldn't think so much of the Katy. Crushed limestone does reduce your speed by about 2 mph. But if you have a week to spend on it that should be fine, and you can always just go as far as you go and no worries if you don't get all the way to the other end. The bikekatytrail site you linked to does have a forum, so you can get more info there about services and season. I believe Tuesdays are sort of the day off for a lot of businesses, and many shut down entirely during the off season.

I love the bluffs and the river. You can see so many animals if you are on the trail in the early morning or in the dusk, so even if you aren't out biking on it early or late, head back to the trail at those times and just walk around a bit (but watch out for copperheads who like to curl up on the trail because it retains heat). There's some really beautiful birds out during the day too. Constant pedaling doesn't bother me but I ride with a consistent effort level, so when I get tired I simply go slower.

I wouldn't call it boring, but I guess it depends on what you find interesting. I find transportation policy fascinating myself, so maybe I'm more easily entertained. Anyone remember Bert's paper clip collection that Ernie thought was so boring? That's me! lol

[Crankin]

I haven't ridden the Katy, but I have been to the wine country surrounding it, as my BIL lives outside of STL.
Just from what I saw, I would agree with Indy. I think parts of the trail would be interesting, but I've done riding in similar settings/geography, and although the idea of flat and off road is good, especially for kids, it would bore me to death. And Melavai has a good point. I am spoiled by my beautiful surroundings at home. But, like anything else, I get immune to it. I've been riding in places where people have raved about the scenery, and I'm like, "huh, what?" The Finger Lakes is one example. To me, I need something scenic enough to really stun me, or the area has to have other redeeming qualities, such as culture, history, or food. When I travel, I want different.
I applaud you, Limewave, for doing a family trip. I wish I had done this when my kids were little. Idaho sounds great.

[tulip]

There's wine country in Missouri??

[Crankin]

Yes, if you can believe it. Most of the wineries were around the towns the Tour of Missouri went through. They had just gone through the day before we were there; in 2007.
Big hills. Steep.

[Melalvai]

There's wine country in Missouri??

Oh yes, lots. Hermann is an entire town of wineries. Near Rocheport is a winery that overlooks the Katy Trail, and you can either get to it from the road, or you can lock your bike to the bike rack at the bottom of the cliff and climb a lot of stairs up to the winery. Then sit and enjoy the view overlooking the river.

This year's drought didn't do the vineyards any good but usually grapes do very well here.