Reply to Rock Island Trail to Katy Trail Connection

I planned to ride bike from Warrenburg to Sedalia mostly along Rt US 50 in two weeks but then realized that I could use Rock Island Trail to start from Kansas City or Lee's Summit (I am going to take Amtrak from St.Louis). It this connection possible now or recommended? Are there any other cities west of Sedalia that has Amtrak station and more convenient? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

There is an 8 mile gap from the Lee's Summit Amtrak Station to Pleasant Hill where the Rock Island Trail starts its connection to the Katy Trail (in Windsor). There is this: "The Rock Island Trail (Kansas City to Pleasant Hill) Facebook group where lots of low volume routes have been biked to get across that 8 mile gap from the Lee's Summit Amtrak station to Pleasant Hill. Some people like the straightest route that includes about 3 miles of two lane road, no shoulders, and some traffic while I personally like a slightly longer route that includes bike lanes, a few 8' sidewalk trails, residential subdivisions and then finally very low volume county roads. If you are not a Facebook person, then I can describe a route for you as long as you give me an idea about what types of roads you prefer.

Mark, thank you very much for your quick reply. Although I have Facebook account I normally don't use it. I visited the page of the group you suggested, but didn't find much info there. Are you suggesting me enter my questions there?
I prefer your type of bike routes - a bit longer but free from commercial traffic.
So this is what I gather from your reply.
Get off Amtrak at Lee's Summit (instead of going further toward KC). There is 8 mile gap in the trail from Lee's Summit toward Windsor that I need to find a detour route.
How would you describe the route you prefer? If the map is already in the Facebook page, please show me how to get to the page. Thank you.

Here is my Google Map Link for the quietest route to get from the Lee's Summit Amtrak station to the Rock Island Trail in Pleasant Hill. Hopefully the site administrator lets this map list stay posted: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1v1e7j3LB0-pgcDgjESCHlqRLfb9TNTCv&usp=sharing ... Here are some highlights about this route: after you leave the Amtrak parking lot by starting out north, you immediately go down the hill (don't cross the bridge) and turn left onto 2nd Street. 2nd Street has a mini 3' wide unofficial bike lane. You eventually turn left onto Blue Parkway (right past QT) if you need supplies/snacks, work your way along 3rd Street under the Hwy. 50 bridge, and then turn left onto Ward Road. After about 1000' on Ward Road, you will notice a nice 8' wide sidewalk trail begin and you can take a break from the road and ride that nice trail for the next 5 miles straight south to 150 Hwy where you will turn left (fun fact, you will actually cross the section of Rock Island Trail that runs into Kansas City...don't take that trail because it won't connect to Pleasant Hill for another 5-10 years).

Thank you, again, Mark. You have been a big help.

Two issues: Amtrak doesn't arrive until 850 pm in Lees Summit. I checked on lodging and found a couple of AirBNBs close to downtown Lees Summit. One VRBO which is also one of the three budget hotels about two miles southeast. I live on the opposite side of the city, so my Lees Summit geography is somewhat weak. It appears there are some straight routes south from the hotels that are all east of MO-291. Those routes are probably undesirable to a bicyclist due to traffic speed and lack of a paved shoulder (per streetview) It appears your best bet is backtracking to Marks shared route. By the way, in the Kansas City area we refer to highways by the number first, such as 150 highway or 291 highway. This is apparently opposite from the rest of the country. This does not apply to interstates though.
Amtrak only transports four bicycles per the entire train, even when they have a baggage car available. You are required to reserve a spot at the time of ticket purchase....in advance. After you have your seat in your cart you will have the option at the time of purchase to add extras, such as your bike. It is a $10 fee. No trailers, tandems, or non-traditional two wheel bikes...I think.
I have info about riding from KC downtown, but there would be quite a bit of city riding in order to reach Truman Sports Complex where the Rock Island extension is literally weeks or less from officially opening.....people are riding it now and there is video of this on Facebook group "raytown-rock island trail" look for posts or comments by John Tye. He seems to be kind of a scofflaw but he has good drone video.
If you do decide to start from KC there are plenty of hotels within 1 and 2 miles of Union Station....at downtown prices I'm sure.

mapmedic- thank you for very valuable info. Maybe I will take Amtrak to Warrenburg or Sedalia. There are several hotels in the towns not far from the station. You guys are working really hard to make the trail more popular in the country. Hope they complete the trail soon so that people can ride from KC to STL without having to detour. It would be great if people can hike the trail but hikers will need a lot more affordable lodging and eateries.

Coming into Warrensburg on Amtrak you can take road routes over to the Rock Island and then down to Windsor. You might ask the Chamber of Commerce their suggestion, besides 13 Highway. Folks cycling often the 47 miles Pleasant Hill to Windsor.

Coming into Warrensburg on Amtrak you can take road routes over to the Rock Island and then down to Windsor. You might ask the Chamber of Commerce their suggestion, besides 13 Highway. Folks cycling often the 47 miles Pleasant Hill to Windsor.

Thank you, Kim, for your reply. If I get off Amtrak at Warrensburg, I planned to take local streets/Rock Island Trail to Windsor as you suggested. We need more places like yours along Katy/Rock Island Trail along with cafes/restaurants. Have you heard Camino de Santiago, originally a pilgrimage walk, in (mainly) Spain? They have a long history so they already have the infrastructure (lodging, eateries, cafes) in place. Other countries in Europe (and outside the Europe as well) try to emulate this. They attract several hundreds of thousand walkers a year until this pandemic stopped the crowd.