I'm brand new, obviously by the post count.....but I am planning on riding from southeast Ohio out to Oklahoma. My father and I were going to hit the lower 48 after I got out of the military, but he recently passed. So I'm taking this trip in honor of my father and to have these great memories from the trip.

I plan on heading somewhat south on my route, but I'm looking for good advice or recommendations on route selection, campgrounds, places I have to eat, etc...

I should have roughly 2 weeks to make the trip (I am a Drill Sergeant and I don't get much leave), and I will be making this trip in May. I'm wanting to start the planning now, so I can anticipate roadblocks that might arise before the trip.

Thanks for the help guys/gals

 

I'm sure others will chime in, probably with many different recommendations, but as far as Illinois goes- one of the nicest areas is the Shawnee National Forest in the southernmost part of the state. There's a two-lane highway (Route 146) which runs east-west through most of the forest. Several campgrounds located along this route. Can't think of any particularly outstanding restaurants along it, but once you hit Missouri there's a great place in Sikeston called Lamberts.

 

Awesome, that's exactly the kind of info I need!

 

If you're starting in SE Ohio, maybe swing over to Portsmouth and try the Scioto Ribber. That's just a dandy place to eat. Also go down on Front street and check out the flood wall mural. Look for the Felix the cat.

 

I can't help you with the roads, but when I had a meeting in Scottsdale AZ a few years ago, I decided to go out a few days early to rent a bike & ride around for a few days. In this Road Trips Forum, I posted something like Need Help From AZ Riders. Do it by state, and maybe it'll draw the attention of riders in that particular state. I was planning to go to that Skywalk, but somebody from out there talked me out of it, because of dirt roads to get there, unsecure bike parking, etc. Stuff like that. Just a thought. Maybe it'll help you.
Thank you for your service, by the way.

 

Thanks for the great advice!