I am reading journalist David Lamb's "Over the hill" recommended by Neil_B.

Lamb on a sort of mid life crisis decided to do a cross country trip from Washington D.C. to L.A. in the '90s. Like MassiveD says, its not necessarily about the technical aspects of biking or a how-to book but looks to be a re-discovery of the self. Its a fast read, funny and insightful.

I too am apprehensive about my trip starting sometime in April but the general advice in these forums has been, to quote Nike, "just do it." I am taking that advice. I'll still get advice on gear, bikes, the "black art" (or so it seems to a newbie) of deciding the right drive train/gearing/wheels, tires, spokes (!) for a "larger guy", but I suspect I'll still be unprepared when I leave town...