As far as the stress of being a few hours away from elderly family who may need help, aren't there car rentals in Fayetteville? Middle of the night calls would be a problem, but if it's serious there are zip cars or cabs if you really have to be there (I assume, never having been to AR).

I also think you are underestimating the cost of driving. AAA estimates the per mile cost at $.51-.78. That puts your driving costs a bit closer to your lodging costs. Factor in the value of your time and the increased health of riding versus driving and you may be coming out ahead by riding.

It would certainly be worth the money to not drive over 100 miles per day to me. I would dread the conference if I had to do that drive to attend, but would be counting the days until it starts if I was riding to it. Actually, I've go something similar coming up. I have to meet with a surgeon in Sacramento the last week of May. My wife's birthday happens to be two days earlier and we are planning on spending it with her sisters/parents in that area. We could drive, fly or take the train. However, we will do what we usually do: ride. Lucky for us, we get to ride along the coast for half the journey or more (my wife loves the ocean) and then roam through the Sonoma and Napa wine country. It's slightly more expensive to ride than to take the train, but only because we like to stop at the occasional hotel. However, life is not a monopoly game where everything of value is reduced to its monetary worth. Cycling enriches us in so many ways we go out of our way to find excuses to do it more.

Have a fun trip.