Ride Philosophy
Every decision should be to maximize fun.
Life is already too short and too much fun to die early. Avoid dying if possible.
Those iron but guys are knuckleheads. They demonstrate sleep deprivation and not much else.
Be prepared with tools, duct tape, zip ties, warm and rain gear, first aid kit, tow rope, fuel siphon, patch kit, compressor, water, munchies, space blanket - stuff like that.
Route Planning
Plan routes that avoid interstates, population centers, traffic and radar. Choose routes that are as rural, mountainous, twisty and two lane as possible; occasional dirt sections are fine as long as you're not trying to make time.
Use a topo map and give preference to routes that follow ridges as opposed to valleys. Roads in valleys tend to use the full valley width and as such are smoothed out and consist of very fast sweepers. Ridge routes follow narrow terrain and provide tighter turns, elevation variations, more enticing scenery and are generally a lot more challenging and fun.
If appropriately squiggly roads can be found, 350 miles per day is a good planning number (adjust planned length as conditions vary).
Planning on roads like this yields a daily average speed 45~50mph (with day averages as low as 35mph and as high as 60mph). I ride a "spirited" pace.
Avoid night riding and never ride when exhausted. Plan stop times around 5:00PM.
Food and Lodging
Maintain freedom of action. Make reservations at motels that allow no cost cancellations as late as possible on the day of the stay.
Motels should have a hot tub (for post ride, pre-dinner beers and bubbles), free wireless internet and free breakfast.
Staying at motels with breakfast facilitates expeditious morning departures. That way you only need to get suited up once.
A normal schedule when riding with a number of other riders is as follows: Arise around 7:30AM, shower, eat, pack, ass scratch etc. This equates to a comfortable departure time of about 9:00AM.
Plan to eat your other meals at local, small town center family cafes that serve home made pies and have at least one waitress named Betty. Plan 45 minutes for lunch and chatting up Betty.