My copy is held together with fiberglass packing tape, a rubberband, and lots of Post-Its (and I'd hate to think the Mrs. tossed it, because I can't put my hands on it). I read it the first time in 1975, and have read it every couple of years to see what's new.
Have always thought about making the trip myself, or creating my own.
Along with "Zen," I'd also recommend this, available at amazon.com ... "Guidebook to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Ron Di Santo and Tom Steele (Paperback - Nov 19, 1990). Very academic, but it provides a lot of background, and also breaks down the trip on a day-by-day basis.
Another book in the same vein is "Blue Highways" by William Least Heat Moon.
