Thanks for the suggestions guys. For places to crash, I'm looking for even cheaper than $80 if I can find it. Ideally between $40-50, but I know that will be difficult. I will have all my camping gear, so I can pitch a tent where needed. I want to go backpacking abroad in November, so money will be tight on this whole trip!
I will definitely leave Thursday night to cover some ground. Originally, I thought about crossing in Quebec to save time, but would rather hit up the Lake Placid area as I have never been through there.
The goal is to stay of the major highways as much as possible. Trying to get from Maine down to Deals Gap in less than a 2 days ride while staying off interstates will be a challenge.
I've also never crossed at Gananoque. I've read that the wait times at the 1000 islands crossing can be long at times (just on long weekends?), but I hope I'm right in assuming that crossing there on a weekday around 7pm shouldn't be too bad.
In Bethel, I'm staying at the Grafton Notch Campground with about 30 other V-Strom riders - many of whom are form the area. As for the BBQ suggestion in Bethel, thanks, but I gave up eating meat many years ago - but I like corn bread and baked beans
Thanks for all the tips - they certainly come in handy.