Touring - chicago to New Orleans

Normally I am a total fixed gear single speed freak. After reading everyone in here's posts about touring I think that I am going to take the dive this year and do a tour. I used to be a backpacker so I already own everything but the bike, but another bike in the basement is always good! Now to my point.

I was wondering if anyone here had done a trip from Chicago to New Orleans. I am looking at doing this trip:
http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/greatrivers.cfm

It would be with the addition of maybe a trip from Chicago to the starting point of Adventure Cycles maps.

Any pointers as far as people or travelogues of people that have done this route would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks. :)

It's hilly, good luck on a singlespeed.

Not planning on doing it on a singlespeed. I plan on purchasing a full touring bike for this trip.

Thanks.

You will enjoy Adventure Cycling Map routes. Lots of turns. Low traffic volume (usually). A few faux paux.

Post your trip.....I'm interested for future planning. :-)

Thanks for the endorsement of Adventure cycle maps, I was wondering if they were as good as they seem to be.

I will definently post my trip. I plan on doing it in the latter half of the summer, summer is always my busiest time at work.