Just a note. 70 sucks. Get a Tennessee Atlas & Gazetteer. We used the hard copy for years to make routes. It's a topo map with all but the newly made roads. That with Google Earth etal will get you a better ride. One of our members went to school in Cookeville so would know those roads.
Yeah, now that I have some support on the issue--that's exactly what I was thinking. 70 is loaded with traffic as far out as Watertown. The shoulders are gravel. It's a big 5 lanes once you get to Snows Hill just west of Smithville-and then back down to 2 all the way to Cookeville. But I'd go up the old road (Snow's Hill) instead. "Old" segments of 70 may be better, but I'd really be looking for smaller E/W roads. The Atlas/Gazetter thing is great, I've gotta find mine. And my latest Google Earth developed route was great.
the book-- http://www.maps.com/map.aspx?pid=837
Perhaps someone could meet you at the airport & shuttle out to the decent roads. Either start in Murfreesboro or get a send off from the club in Wilson County & leave from Mt Juliet or Lebanon..
is a high volume & not cycling attractive road. We met a cyclist from Johnson City on BRAT. See if Johnson City has a club (I think so) & hook up with the Knoxville club. We can get you to Crossville.