This tour was much harder than I expected, and was undoubtedly the most physically challenging thing I've ever attempted. I started off utterly out of shape, and have never felt so terrible as I did at the end of the third day. After that, though, I did "ride myself into shape" as I planned. Also: Adventure Cycling's Great Parks South and Western Express routes are hard, certainly more challenging than the TransAmerica Trail or the Northern Tier.

The States:

Iowa

I love Iowa, which I believe is the friendliest place in the USA. I was only there for a few days on this tour, but it was enjoyable as usual.

Nebraska

Almost as friendly as Iowa, with equally courteous drivers. The route across the state was mostly great, except for part of the first day - and that could probably have been better if I had spent a little more time planning the route. Much of the scenery was really, really nice - certainly more interesting than anything you can see from I-80. Thanks to John Egan for his routing suggestions.

Wyoming

I wasn't there long, but I liked it, just as I did on the TransAmerica Trail in 2006. I'd like to do a tour of the entire state some day.

Colorado

I don't think I will ride a bicycle in Colorado again; there are too many people and not enough (paved) roads there for it to be truly enjoyable to a traffic-hater like me. That said, the scenery is of course often spectacular there. However, both of the times I felt like quitting on this tour happened in Colorado...

Utah

The route through Utah was a very pleasant surprise: Remote and often gorgeous. I lived in a different part of the state for three years, and often complained about it, but I can imagine visiting southern Utah in the future and enjoying it.

Nevada

The route was nice except for the Fallon-to-Carson City section, with its super-heavy traffic (ameliorated by a wide, if cluttered, shoulder.) I did grow a little weary of the constant climbing and descending, which I had incorrectly assumed I was finished with after leaving Utah. The towns on the Loneliest Road have distinct personalities, and I found that each town had something to recommend it. Overall: I enjoyed riding in the state.

California

Mostly really nice. This was my first time in the state, and I liked what I saw.