Touring - Recent College Graduate Planning Bike Tour

I am a bike shop mechanic in OKC, OK and recently graduated college. I am taking off work for around a month and going to a motocross race in Michigan. After the race, I plan on riding from South Michigan to Knoxville, Tennessee(500 miles). I plan on staying in Knoxville for a couple of days and then riding from Knoxville back to OKC (860 miles). I estimate the first leg of the trip taking me a week and the second leg about two weeks. I will be riding my Bianchi Project 7, cyclocross bike. It has a rear rack and I am borrowing my co-workers Bob Trailer as well. This will be my first bike tour and I am very excited but also quite nervous. This is a big adventure for me and I have even questioned the possibility of a bike trip like this. Does this sound realistic? I am wondering if any of you have any suggestions for routes? I saw that the De Lorne Gazeteer is a good map book. Any pointers from experienced tourers would be helpful!
Thanks,
JFro

Sounds pretty realistic to me, as you are an experienced cyclist/mechanic. Have you ever toured? If not, the standard wisdom is to do a couple of overnighters to check out your gear. Most novice tourers seem to start with too much. Less is better. If you're missing something, buy as needed.

A gps, though unnecessary, for me makes the ride more interesting. If you've got a 'smart' phone, it'll serve that purpose with the right app.

Check out www.crazyguyonabike.com (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com) for a place to journal your ride.

Very do-able. You'll have a great time.

If possible have an open ended schedule, it is nice not to be a slave to a schedule.