I started cycling "seriously" just out of college but was not interested in racing or other competition, and somehow came across the idea that I'd like to go on a bike tour (I forget now why I landed on that idea). But in any case, I wasn't doing much to think about touring because I didn't really know where to go, how to equip myself, how to plan a route, etc.

But then one of my college friends (then living in Austin) invited me to spend a week w/him touring in the Hill Country west of Austin. He planned the routes; we decided to stay in motels; so all I had to do was put a rack on the back of my bike, buy some panniers, and pack some stuff. We had a fabulous time -- that's a great area to go on a bike tour! (Fredericksburg, Blanco, Kerrville, Johnson City, Enchanted Rock, etc.). I think one of the keys to the great success of my first tour is that the area's back roads are great for cycling and my friend somehow had the wisdom to have acquired some really good maps and some suggestions from area cycling clubs on which routes to take.

Later I moved from Texas to California and bought a "proper" touring bike (long wheelbase, front rack mounts, triple crank); got a front rack and panniers; and bought enough camping gear to go self-supported touring.

Starting w/a credit-card tour was a great way to go.