Originally Posted by
LiveFree
It seems that it is unanimous that my mileage goal was a little high. I figured that was so. It was the least of my concerns. I would like to really focus on the training, gear, food, route, camping, panniers, etc. I should have included that I will be stopping and reloading occasionally on small foods (bagels, snickers, pop-tarts, etc). I think I will plan to eat out most meals. I’m not concerned with the food cost due to that I would be buying it anyway if I were home.
Feel free to keep adding useful advice. It will be at least a few months until I will be able to try to accomplish this goal.
If you use the search function you'll find lots of advice in this forum from experienced tourers. But here's some basic advice.
Pack light. The rule is not what you could do with, but what you can't do without. It's surprising how few clothes one really needs, and how often there is a lighter alternative. For example, DON'T take jeans, they weigh a ton. Take some nylon trekking trousers instead. These also have the advantage of drying fast. You get the idea.
I see you plan on using a bivy tent. If there's any doubt about the weather, I'd buy a lightweight two-person tent. You want enough room to be able to bring things inside.
Take a headtorch so you can have your hands free for whatever needs doing (including fixing the bike) in the dark.
Distribute the weight over the bike. If you use both front and rear panniers the bike will handle much better than with all the weight on the rear, and you'll be at less risk of wheel problems.
Use waterproof panniers. Some who post here will disagree with me about this, but I like not having to wrap everything in plastic before packing it.
If you're not cooking, that will save weight. But don't rely on just the foods you've listed, they'll give you short-term energy but nothing else. Eat properly. Even at 50 - 70 miles per day you need protein, vitamins etc to recover and stay feeling good.
You don't really need to train if you're fit and used to being on the bike. But I'd recommend loading up with all your gear and going on a long day ride some time before you start. Riding a loaded tourer is a different - slower - experience.
Take your time. The point of touring is the journey...