I'm changing my plans.  I won’t be going from Richmond VA to Louisville KY directly through Appalachia.

The Adventure Cycling route is very challenging for bikes and impossible for trikes.  I looked on Google Earth.  There are winding roads with only a guardrail and only inches to the white line.

Instead, I plan to make a U-turn at Richmond VA and take the Blue Ridge Parkway to Gatlinburg TN.  After that, I’ll “skip” to Nashville TN (i.e. rent an SUV). 

Then, I’ll ride the Natchez Trace Parkway to Natchez MS, return to Cave-In-Rock IL, and then to Louisville KY. 

Next, I'll take the Lewis & Clark trail to Seattle via IL, IA, SD, ND, MT, WA.

If I make it that far, I’ll continue on to Los Angeles.

Of course, this is my dream.  I may take my time and do this for more than one year.