Did the same last year climbing and descending Marias Pass in MT.

My biggest mistake on my first tour (cross country and then some) was not researching what makes up a good touring wheelset. I was carrying a lot of weight due to a lot of photo equipment. The stock wheels on my bike were not up to the task. I finally had the rear one replaced with one from a tandem because the rim had cracks in it.. When I got home I discovered that the front wheel had developed cracks.

While I carry what I want, I agree that many people often carry too much stuff. On my cross country trip, several people mailed stuff home after the second day, including a Sony Watchman TV and a blow dryer.

Also, make sure you are riding on good tires. That seems like a no-brainer, but all too often on club rides I see people riding on tires that are in miserable shape. Who wants to be changing flats in 90+ degree weather?

Finally, as another had noted, always carry plenty of water. That store you may be counting on down the road might have burned to the ground. Happened to me once.