Joe from Sarasota, FL on 5/13/2008 5:08:07 PM:
My wife and I rode amtrak from St Louis to Sedalia on Labor Day 2 years ago. We had brand new recumbents. I had purchased tickets for us and our bikes, recumbents, 2 months prior. The conductors were great. They evened helped us load. I would suggest getting your tickets and the tickets for your bikes in advance.
Enjoy the trail.