staehpj1 is correct in that you should go by weight and not volume. Try to keep the weight down as much as possible but don't go overboard. If you have some luxury that you want to take...coffee for the morning, books to read, even electronics...plan on taking them but try to keep luxuries to a minimum. Concentrate on things that you will need first, like tent, sleeping bag, pad, cooking stuff, cool weather clothes, riding clothes, rain gear, small first aid kit, small tool kit, etc.

Once the necessities are in the bag, then look at luxuries. Keep the stuff that needs batteries or uses batteries quickly to a minimum. If you have to plug it in, consider if you really, really need it. Computers? Leave 'em at home because there's not a lot of wifi in the woods. Camera? Find a way of including it because you'll want pictures but leave the tripod and 4 extra lenses at home Ipod? That's a personal call but don't use one while riding. You need to hear those timber trucks coming I don't use one in camp, personally, because I don't want to carry a charger for it and I like hearing birds, animals and even other campers.

Distance is a personal choice as well. But don't rush it! This is a TOUR, leave the de France part at home. Go to see stuff and don't be afraid to take some side trips (short ones) to see something historic. You've got lots of opportunity in Vermont and New York. If something peaks your interest, stop and see it. If you can, schedule a rest day in the middle of your trip and make that a destination you want to get to. Fort Ticonderoga, for example, could be a place you could spent an entire day at off the bike. A little rest, now and then (about 1 day in 7), is good for you.