I just found out a little non-profit group in Rome is planning their own human-powered via Appia tour.
They're going to walk (not bike) the Appian way from Brindisi back to Rome.
I won't be able to make it on this journey, but maybe you can? Here's the link for anyone interested:
http://www.romaefrancigena.eu/A_Long_walk_2012.html