Originally Posted by
UDFA
Maybe take Amtrak from Chicago to St Louis, then do the Katy Trail . I believe the Illinois state trains all have bike racks, so your bike doesn't need to be boxed.
St. Louis can get nasty weather Apr. 1 also. Just a bit warmer than Chicago.
About the Katy consider bringing your bicycle with super low gears and include Highway 94 from Jeff City to St. Charles in the trip.