I need a sleeping bag. Any suggestions?

I've been wanting to visit a collaborator at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, NE. My old boss thought it was a waste of time when we accomplished so much by phone and emails. (And he shipped me some rats.) My new boss thinks that I should meet him in person, but doesn't have the money to pay for the trip. So I came up with the brilliant idea of biking there. I'll get the trip I've always wanted to do, and meet the professor who gave me my rats!

I found a route that would take four days, puts me in a state park each night, but it's a little tough: two 70-mile days followed by two 100-mile days. I think I can do it, but I'd prefer to find a 5-day route that I'm more confident of.

The nice thing about this destination is I have family and friends who can rescue me without terrible inconvenience to them along the way. Of course I hope I don't have to be rescued, it's just peace of mind.

My collaborator in Omaha used to bike a lot himself, and has given me some advice about the ride. He also offered to pay for a hotel while I'm in Omaha, very nice! But I almost wish he hadn't because now I'm only saving the cost of gas which will probably equal what I spend on the trip. It's harder to justify taking so much time for something that is entirely for me.