Normally, I'd suggest the Southern Tier route running from San Diego CA to St. Augustine FL...approx. 3200 miles. Maps are produced by the Adventure Cycling Association. But in the post-Katrina environment, I'm not sure if the Gulf Coast will be ready to receive bicycle tourists in early 2006.

Florida can offer some decent cycling in the winter/early spring months. I've toured the east coast from Fort Lauderdale to the state line and back. It's an enjoyable ride. Traffic is there, of course, but motorists seem conditioned to expect cyclists on the coastal roads. You'd have plenty of time to kill. It only takes a handful of days to ride from one end of the state to the other.

The Everglades region can be a great place to pedal. I've found it best, though, to use a combination of bicycle and automobile. The prime cycling areas are spread far apart and reaching them requires riding long stretches on main roads...which are very heavily used at times. Some folks have combined a tour of the Glades with a trip down through the Keys to Key West. Cycling across the long string of bridges along the Overseas Highway is a real treat. Once again, this is not an isolated region with numerous opportunities for solitude and free, public camping space. It can be a bit crowded.