as to shipping your rain gear home...I wouldnt, partly not to cross the "rain gods" but also because when I did this trip about 15 yrs ago, albeit in late June, it was often cool, and having a wind shell (my rain jacket) was handy, in the evening at campsite, morning etc.

I mean, a windshell slash rain jacket, rain pants and rain booties dont weigh much in the big scheme of things, and its a drag to get all wet (especially your shoes) so I like to have mine. The Murphys Law effect basically.

rain booties are a great invention. here in Montreal at Mountain equipment coop MEC, they sell some for 25 or 30 bucks, I have had mine for at least 15 years (after a trip in France wehre wet shoes and wet feet brought on a cold, was miserable, cold and wet feet) They are tough, last forever if you dont tap dance on cement with them on, and as a biker, they are simply very very handy. Here in Mtl, I ride often into November or even early dec if dry, and these rain booties work wonders to keep your feet warm as well, blocking the wind obviously and with warmer wool socks, they work great.

ps, these are rain booties, not the neopryne (sp?) ones just for cold, which arent waterproof.

your route is a nice trip. I have many good memories of it. Loads of bikers too.

cheers from a stranger