Family Friendly Off-Road Touring? Katy Trail

[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.