A good place to start might be the Ohio DOT biking pages:
http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions...s/default.aspx
Here is what I do. I plan for 40-60 miles a day, depending on where I plan to spend the night. I have gone much farther than 60 miles/day when the tailwind was strong, there way no place to stay, I felt like it. But, usually, the longer I ride, the less I enjoy the last 10 miles.
There are lots of packing lists all over the internet. Here are
12 links to packing list information. Note that sleeping equipment (tent, bag, etc) and cooking (stove, pots, food) account for a good portion of a bike tourist's kit. Aside from those, you have clothes, electronics, tools and spares, first aid, maps, a little else.
Everyone has their own preparation plans. I like to load up my bike with an equivalent amount of weight (sand in plastic jars) and ride the number of miles I plan to ride on tour. When I can do that 2 days in a row without feeling overused, I know I am ready to go!
As for 'off' days, I try for a rest day every 5.
Have a great time!