Lot of decisions to be made when planning a cross country bicycle ride. Bike, equipment, routing, maps, etc…
I have decided to purchase the southern tier bicycle route maps from the Adventure Cycling Association. www.adventurecycling.org
The maps are very well laid out. There are 7 map booklets that contain a total of 108 section maps. The maps provide lots of information regarding not only routing but elevation gain/loss, climate info, accommodations, and suggestions of sightseeing. I plan to ride approximately 50 miles per day and I prefer to stay in hotels along the way so I can tell I will need to alter the route slightly. I have made some contacts through adventure cyclists that have made a similar trek along the southern tier with stays in hotels. Based on all of this information I have planned a route that is about 70% based on the provided maps, 20% based on recommendations from my contacts, and 10% of my own research.
I plan to rent a car in Florida and drive westbound to California as I scout my return trip.
Good luck on your journey,, As I sit here in my scooter chair with my bicycle hanging idle in my shed, I dream that someday I will be able to ride again. And share the excitement..Have a great trip
Tom
Hopefully you get better soon. I wish you all the best.