Billy, if your east-west trip takes you thru finger lakes, upstate NY, you and your biking buddies are welcome to stay here next spring.
My two sons are bikers. Older one lives in Spain and did part of the french alps tour route with his local bike club. I always laugh when I see him in his biking getup--from the clunking shoes to the too -tight stretch pants and funny tailed shirt, and the babushka. And he told me he :) shaves his legs....for less wind resistance...aaaaaaauuuuuugggggghhhhh.. who would have thought?
Have a safe trip! (Oh to be young again!)