The train is the best way to get back to your car. Only four bike slots , so reserve early. Sedalia is the western limit for the train, however, the ride from Clinton to Sedalia is boring.
A detour to Columbia and or Jeff City is easy and can be fun.
Seventy miles a day is my fun threshold. I know folks who do more, but my experience is that after 70 miles on gravel I am ready to call it a day.
What kind of bike is suitable for the Katy? I’m currently riding a hybrid. Didn’t know how it would do on gravel. I hear the b&bs along the way are great