Hi Turtlepie
I just moved to Boulder, and this is my first post in the regional discussions, but I've been posting in Touring for a while.
I'm 41 (no wait really? how did that happen???), female, and started touring a few years ago. I did my first tour with a friend but have done the rest solo, and I love it.
DO IT!!! Touring ROCKS!
Don't try to go the fastest, straightest, most direct-by-car route. Look for awesome cycling. I toured colorado a couple years ago, and used a book "Cycling Colorado's Mountain Passes" as a great information source.
Resources
www.adventurecycling.org
www.crazyguyonabike.com
http://www.dot.state.co.us/bikeped/maps.htm
Cycling Colorado's Mountain Passes (
http://www.rei.com/product/688722?vcat=REI_SEARCH)