Harley Davidson Forums - AL to CO backroads suggestions?

I'm planning a 9 day solo road trip from Birmingham, AL to Denver, CO.

I'm looking for some route suggestions that would get me there via backroads and some interstate. I'd say maybe about 65% backroads and 35% superslab. Maybe 60/40.

I've got 2 options for this trip.

Option #1: Put the bike on the back of the truck, and drive a little more than halfway there (maybe 750 miles) I can knock that out in a day. Park the truck, take the bike from there to Denver (1.5 days), ride around the rockies, and south of there (Rio Grande) for 3-4 days, then head back to the truck, pack the bike up, and head home.

Option #2: Ride the bike from Birmingham, AL to Denver CO. It'll take at least 3 days to ride there, if I cover about 450 miles per day. I've done long trips before, and am not afraid to spend time in the saddle. My biggest concern, is that if I don't find some nice roads to ride out there, I'll just be ticking off miles. I also DO NOT want to superslab it most of the way to save time. That'll ruin the trip! I'd prefer to ride, but I'm afraid I won't have enough time. I don't want to ride there, have 1 day of riding, then have to turn back.

I've learned that half the fun is getting there, but if the roads aren't enjoyable, it won't be any fun.

I'm gonna post this in the Southeast part of the forum as well, so I can get some suggestions from some folks in my area as well. Any help is appreciated!!