jlaw

While your instincts re: your plan are understandable, I have to question the safety issues associated with your wife sitting in a vehicle on the shoulder of a road for 15 to 20 hours while you cycle ahead on your 200 mile quest.

I've worked in bridge and highway construction for more than 30 years and have seen vehicles and equipment - parked on the shoulder - hit from behind many times. All of these incidents occurred in fully signed and lit work zones. State trooper cars parked on the shoulder with full emergency lights have also been hit!!

I agree with others - have her drive ahead and wait in a parking lot.

Get yourself 2 or 3 rear-facing blinkers and a mirror.

I have this Cygolite Hypershot 350 - the brightest rear light I could find - lasts about 5 or 6 hours depending upon setting. https://cygolite.com/product/hypershot-350-usb/

For drop bars, I use this mirror - fairly big surface and stays put mostly. The convex lense takes a little getting used to. https://www.modernbike.com/product-2126215268?TID=394

Good Luck!