Dear Fred and co,
I see the road (G205/ expressway) on Google maps and it looks pretty smooth; well spotted!
I plan on getting to Rizhao via Yiyuan and then through Yishui. I'll stay in Rizhao one night then make my way south to Shanghai.
How was Suqian? Is it laowai friendly? Still have the number of a hotel there? I don't think I'll stop in Suqian unless you think the roads along the way were really nice.
If and when you have the time, I'd love to know the black-top farm-road route that you guys took after Rizhao.
Was the construction on the G204 north or south of Rizhao? Or both?

Safe riding. Sounds like you're in Nanjing already. Enjoy it!