Don Juan the place is just beautiful...
1 - The roads were good and road signs scarce though it is getting a bit better.
2 - The trip was safe, but it helps to be fluent in spanish and to know what you want to do before going. Also if lacking in this department, it is good to have someone you can trust to take you to some of these places as it takes time to find.
3- Lodging, food and gas...NO PROBLEM!!! but don't expect AI's...nothing like that there unless you go to the Costa Larimar. However what there is is really cozy, friendly and slow.
4- The miles it depends where from or where to.. You can easily spend a week touring Barahona, Pedernales, Independencia, Bahoruco and never visit the same place twice. I hope this helps... During the week you can easily travel a few hours everyday maybe around 500 in total.
5- Four wheel drive vehicles are the way to go as there are many areas that are easier access with this like Pelempito, Bahia de las Aguilas and others. If you can get it...great!
6- The trip was very safe but it helps to have a local person to get you places, if you have never been there. If you do not use a local you definitely will have to do your homework well (Google earth is a great tool). Road signs are scarce and some roads and places are hard to decipher so Spanish will be a good tool also. No trouble at all except for taking wrong turns here and there.
7 - Basics....let's see I can give you for a couple, you'd have to kind of figure it out from there. HOTEL - $65US with breakfast and dinner included for two (pontevedra). GAS - around $15-25US per day (not cheap). FOOD - additional $15US per day. GUIDE - $300US for 5 days and worth every dime as you go on your own schedule.
8- Overall Experience - Great. This is my third jaunt into Barahona and will be returning in July with a group of bikers from Puerto Rico. No complaints, but as my wife says...it's like going camping.
BLOG YES plus here are a few addresses that have my photos or videos...
Motorcycler's Blog
Motorcycler Channel on YouTube - Dominican Republic Playlist
Motorcycler Dominican Republic Photos on Flickr