Hello all,
I just ran across this site a few weeks ago after reading Ken Kifers site. I really love hiking long distances and I think touring is for me. I am considering the Novara Randonee, as the price is amazing with the 20% off and the REI credit card purchase.

One thing I have not nailed down is how to select the route. Does everyone pick a major highway or do you pick smaller connecting roads. It would seem that the connecting roads would have less traffic but they might be in a bad condition.

Because of my interest, everywhere I drive I have been looking to see if I could ride there. I was driving from Cookeville to Tullahoma TN the other day and i noticed that it is a posted bike route. I was pretty excited to see that, but the only thing is that the speed limit is 60 and 70 in some places. Although there is a generous shoulder, would you ride on this road or try to find smaller roads to take.

Thanks for the help. I am looking forward to what I can learn from this forum.

Edited to Add:
I was also curious about this. I have read about people staying at churches and was wondering how hard it would be just to call churches and stay in on their property. I am sure there is a ton on the way, but would they like that or consider me a liability.