Ride across the USA

[emptysea]

From what I understand, April into May is the best time to visit Death Valley. As DV is on my own bucket list, I would recommend riding through there, perhaps after a ride north along the Pacific Coast. Colorado is wonderful and you a ride through the Rockies should be on your list.. However, I believe you could run into snow in the mountains in May (Colorado peeps should correct me if needed). I think I'd then dip back south out of Colorado and hit northwest Arkansas. Maybe head southeast from there to Mississippi and ride part of Natchez Trace Parkway or northeast and explore historic Route 66 (which could land you in Chicago if you followed it long enough). Frankly, though, I think I'd stay on a south/southeast route to the Smoky Mountains and head northeast from there.

I love The Ferret's idea of using landmarks/points of interest like our national parks as sort of way points for your route. I also agree with riggies that 6 weeks won't be enough to see everything, so plan a route that lets you really absorb and appreciate the sights that you do see. And, if Chicago is along your route, make sure to let me know.

Good luck.