Re: I will be riding in Texas soon - Need your advices
About 12 years ago, I co-started an annual ride to West Virginia. I leved in Virginia at the time, so don't be impressed.
Moved to Houston in 2008, and in 2009, I decided to join them again - here's the route I took.
Departed Houston, and the Southern section took me through Birmingham, Alabama - and the Barber Motorsports Museum. Good. The roads only start to get good there, in my opinion.
My first day - "G-B" - was very short, as I fell down (rain, wet road, gas station slick entrance, etc) - the repairs cost me at least 5 hours. All interstate.
"B-C" on the 2nd day was long - but, as others have said, all interstate roads.
"C-D" on Day 3 included Deals Gap, and the Cherahola Skyway (even if that's not the purple line shown), and more interstate. And then on to the destination of Marlinton, West Virginia.
After the weekend, "D-F" was nice and short, interstate, and the purpose was to stop in Kentucky and tour at least one Bourbon (Whisky) distillery / bottler. Did so, highly recommended.
"E-F" was long, interstate.
"F-G" same.
Guess what I'm saying is, just riding to get from A to B, on unfamiliar roads in an unfamiliar country, is not recommended. I assume from your posts you have a friend in Atlanta?
My free advice - and since you are not paying for it, it cannot be a bad value even if worthless:
1) Do your business in Houston. If you can borrow a bike (I would offer but last week I sold my "spare!), I'd be happy to meet up and go for a ride or so.
2) Ship your gear to Atlanta, you fly. Rent or borrow or buy (have your friend there buy and prepare) a bike in Atlanta. Spend maybe $3,000 on sonething reliable, powerful enough, and safe.
3) Plan a loop from Atlanta to take about 7 days and see the southeast. PICK PLACES TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE. Maybe stay in B&B's, cabins, etc. IF all you do is ride, you'll miss a lot.
4) Possible route?
+ Depart Atlanta Day 1,
+ Night 1 in Deals Gap / Cherahola area. The Dragon is over-rated, but what the **** - you're a tourist, you are entitled to our over-rated places
+ Night 2 & 3 in Cass, West Virginia - I suggest Moores Motor Lodge. OR, Marlinton, WV - I suggest Jerco Cabins and B&B - get a room at the B&B. Tell Lindy the September Motorcycle Riders sent you. Visit / see Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. Ride the Cass Scenic Railroad. Visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.
+ Day 4, ride west to and stay in Kentucky - near Frankfurt. Visit a Bourbon distillery or two. I recommend Buffalo Trace. Be careful of the tasting! What the heck - stay there night 5, too.
+ Day 5, ride to Nashville - treat ourself to two nights in a decent hote, with secure parking. Visit the Grand Old Opry. Walk the street at night. Nights 5 and 6 in Nashville.
+ Day 7, ride to Birmingham AL - visit Barber Motorsports Museum. If you can afford the time and $, take a riding school there at the track. Night 7 and 8 in Birmingham. Visit some Civil Rights historic places.
+ Day 9, back to Atlanta.
It's a slow, relaxed pace. You won't be rushed. But SEE STUFF. Eat BBQ everywhere - it's different. Drink local beer or bourbon. If at all possible, go with someone. Listen to country music. Avoid chain restaurants and hotels. Stay safe, but don't be paranoid. Visit Civil War battlefields and museums.
An alternative would be to go through Virginia and see the coast - there's lots of history there, too - The Citadel in Charleston, SC - wow. Naval Academy in Annapolis MD - wow too.
Best wishes in planning,
Neil