Let's try to be at The Point by 8am and plan on 8:15 for KSU. I gave some wrong numbers off the top of my head
tonight at the gathering. Tuesday will be a 350 mile ride, Wednesday will be about 360, Thursday will be about 260 - in time to check in and join the group for supper.
These include mostly scenic and some slower paced roads - rough estimate for the first day gets to the first hotel at 4pm + gas and food stops ... maybe 6pm?? It just depends. As I mentioned, it would be nice to have a campfire here if it works out. For all three days on the way down, I've routed a minimum of freeways.
The consensus decision for the route back was for a faster pace to get home over two days. I'm going to suggest Galesburg, IL for Sunday night. That's close to 400 miles and roughly halfway back. As I mentioned to most of you, I'll be peeling off at about this point to spend a couple days with family so I won't joining you for Monday's ride home.
I can suggest a hotel for Galesburg or elsewhere but please let me know if someone wants to plan this stop. I do know there are at least two "schools of thought" about bike trips. Some like to make reservations and some like to just "wing it." Let me know what you'd like. I don't want to leave you hangin', but I don't want to say "y'all
have to stay here, I'm buggin' out".
In case the plans of the return trip leaves anyone lost, left out or uncomfortable with the safety or pace, please let me know. We can discuss this and, if need be, I'll reschedule my side trip to make sure all get home. Kinda works better that way.
Fine print:
I cannot control the weather, road construction or ... shoot ... pretty much anything so we will most assuredly find a few surprises along the way. It'll be an adventure!