I'm not sure where ChatGPT got that time schedule, because although that's how far I've typically travelled per day in the past I'm planning on riding shorter distances on this trip. Plus, I'm going to take more frequent rest days, sometimes several in a row. This is all really new to me because for the first time since 1982 I DON'T have time constraints now that I'm retired.

If you want my GPX file for your trip, let me know. It has a lot of POI on it, and you can tweak it to your needs/preferences.

Very interesting route you have worked out, I'm especially looking forward to following along as you traverse from FL to VA as that is a route I may someday ride. FWIW, based on my experience of riding approximately 4,300 miles on tour (twice), your time schedule seems appropriate. I did the Transam in 10 weeks, and that was a bit rushed (I was still employed and had a definite return to work schedule) - I did the Northern Tier in 12 weeks and that seemed much more reasonable - each of those tours included 1 week total of rest days. Your schedule seems quite realistic to me.

Congratulations on your retirement! You retired only 2 years earlier than me, and I left on a 3-month tour just 3 months after retirement, so I can at least somewhat relate to your situation. I wasn't in perfect health, and you may not always be either - but that doesn't have to stop a determined cyclist (judging from your tree-suturing experience, I'd say that you are pretty unstoppable). Looking forward to following along on your many retirement tours.

You're right, I will be riding not just *near* those points of interest, but intentionally *to* them. Having read most of that particular writer's oeuvre, I'm planning to go to Marquette and walk the streets where he once walked (and recently rode), and later to wander aimlessly around the town of Hastings to see if I might catch a glimpse of him somewhere, perhaps at one of the local drinking establishments (and wouldn't an autograph be nice!). I'm even planning on taking pretty much the same route he used on his 2024 trip, the one in which he forever memorialized the area with his classic journal entitled "Me & The U.P." (which I suspect will win a triple, or even quadruple Pulitzer Prize, and maybe a Nobel Peace Prize)

It looks like you'll be riding near a couple of Points of Interest that aren't listed on most internet maps. For instance, the town where Cycleblazer and future Pulitzer Prize winner, Greg Garceau went to college. Later, make sure you keep an eye out for the Mississippi River town where he currently resides like a modern-day J.D. Salingeresque recluse.

P.S. Pay no attention to the A.I. wizard behind the curtain. I say your odds of success are 99% or higher.

Just out of curiosity I asked ChatGPT what my odds of success were, thinking I might get an amusing answer. It's not 100%.

What are the odds I'll complete my 4,000 mile cyclotour this summer?
Your odds of completing your 4,000-mile cyclotour this summer depend on several factors, including:
 * Training & Fitness – If you're already cycling regularly and have experience with long-distance rides, you're in a strong position. If not, ramping up your mileage now will help. [Uh-oh]
  * Route Planning – You prefer scenic, low-traffic routes with minimal elevation gain, which should reduce physical strain and improve enjoyment. Proper route planning (like you've done for past rides) increases success rates.
  * Bike & Gear Reliability – A well-maintained bike and high-quality gear reduce mechanical failures. If you're using the same setup as past tours, reliability should be high.
  * Daily Mileage Goals – At 4,000 miles over, say, 80 days, that’s 50 miles per day. Given your past self-supported rides, this is reasonable.
  * Weather & External Factors – Heat, storms, or unexpected detours could slow progress. Flexibility in your schedule will help.
  * Motivation & Mental Toughness – Multi-month tours can be mentally challenging. Since you've done long rides before, you likely have the mindset needed.

Estimated Odds
If you maintain a steady pace, avoid injuries, and don’t face major mechanical issues, your odds of completing the tour are high—probably 85-90%. Your past experience and planning habits suggest you're well-prepared.

Ummm, I'm pretty sure I said seven months, not six. :-)

There's definitely some logic to your argument, although I might add that I did "die" when I was ~22. I went in for minor outpatient surgery and had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. The doctor pulled out the paddles to shock me and administered some medications, and it took about five minutes to get me back into a normal rhythm. He didn't "call it" (doctorspeak for pronouncing someone dead) so he's not a member of The Lazarus Club (the club you unwillingly become a member of when you pronounce someone dead and they start breathing again), but it was touch and go. So maybe I'm done with the Death thing for a while. :-)

Your comments made me think of Ricky Bobby:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llKiTvpnvzM

I'm looking forward to reading and/or hearing about your 6-month tour!

People say that death and taxes are the only certainties of life. I prefer to approach the debate with some scientific rigour. Taxes, yes. But in my lived experience, I've never ever died. It's one of very few things that appears to not happen on a daily basis. Sure, I concede that it happens to other people, but from where I stand it's equally possible that the film "Highlander" (notable for Sean Connery's spanish accent) was based in reality. Some of us are immortals. You may be one, Mark, so don't lose hope: but I'm very glad that you're finding an excuse to tour anyway. Look forward to reading about it.

Looking forward to following along, Mark!

Suzanne, you and Janos are an inspiration! When I grow up, I want to be just like you!

I'm hoping that window doesn't close at 76, which is why I said "about a ten-year window, maybe more, maybe less." Seeing you and Dodie, and a number of others on CycleBlaze, gives me hope that it will be "more," and maybe even a lot more.

I can only say, Go for it! Janos and I (turning 87 and 85 this year) are still touring, but it isn't what we called touring ten years ago and that wasn't what we called touring ten years prior to that - when we were still getting high on sleeping in a tent and cooking our meal sitting on the ground. Our trips are shorter and tamer, we don't need/want too much adventure, but it still feels great to be on the road. So do as much as you can while you can and you will be a contented old man.

Hey, don't say the touring window closes at 76 (66 plus 10) cause that means we've had it! We feel well enough still to predict (hope) for another 5 to 10 years of touring, which will bring us to 85ish. After that......?