Dear Mako:

Go on craigslist to buy stuff. I got a rear rack for $ 15, front and rear light for $10, fenders for $ 10, panniers for $ 20 and a winter weight sleeping bag for $15. Now is a good time to look becuase people are not using this stuff and you can often get it for a song. Do not get bike shorts, comfortable regular shorts work just fine (plus you will not look like a bike nerd). I went on my first self supported bike tour in Quebec and spent less than $ 200 (including the bike!). However I did have all the camping equitment and tools already and it does not bother me to have used stuff. I rode an old Super Bike in Quebec (a Canadian brand) and that bike started more conversations than my American accent in rural Quebec. Your trip sounds like lot of fun so have fun finding your stuff on the cheap.

John