Here's what I've got so far.

I live in Southern Illinois very close to TransAM. A friend who wants to try loaded touring and I are going to drive over to Farmington MO and ride a loop to Springfield and Back. I'm planning on taking Route 66 one way and TransAM the next way. I haven't got exact mileage yet but I think it's going to be about 450 miles. We've got 6 days.

My current thinking is to go West on TransAM and East on Route 66. I think the Northeastern direction on route66 would be good for wind. But ultimately I doubt it would matter. It looks like Ozarks will be the big challenge on this ride with some strong hills.