Great advice Dmon, many thanks.  I will do just what you say. 
In regards to Amtrak, I have checked the schedule online and will confirm when I get a little closer to the trip date.
Rehab

Thanks for the quick replies vmabuck and Dmon.  I put the 32's on my X-Caliber and they work fine but look goofy.  Not sure what I'm going to do.  Not leaving until mid May so I think I will keep a close watch on the weather when closer and see how soft the conditions may be.  I've got to limit how many side trips I take as I only have a week which includes two days of Amtrak travel.

I am really debating on tire width for this trip.  I could leave the standard 2.25 front and 2.00 rear MTB tires on or switch to some 700c x 32 Kenda's that I have.  I know if I go narrower, it would eliminate the option of riding some single track but the narrower tires would probably have a lot less resistance on the Katy.  Any thoughts?

Thanks Dmon,
Very interesting link about trails in the area.
Rehab

I am planning a solo trip on the Katy in May 2015. I will be taking Amtrak from central Illinois where I live to Sedalia and then riding back to Machens.  From there, crossing the Mississippi at Grafton (Ferry), riding the trail to Pere Marquette sp for the last night.  Then a bike ride to Alton and Amtrak home.  Hoping to do this in a leisurely 7 days, weather permitting.

Hello everyone,
I am new to the forum and bike packing but an experienced backpacker 30+ years ago.  I am planning a trip for May 2015 on the Katy trail in Missouri.  I know this is pretty tame compared to most of the posts I have read on this forum so far but this will be my shakedown trip.  I have pulled some of my old equipment out of moth balls and purchased some new things to set up my Trek X-caliber.  I am a fairly experienced roadie but pretty new to mountain biking and bike packing.  Just another old guy (57) looking for some new adventure.

I will enjoy reading each of your posts about experiences and equipment recommendations.

Rehab