You don't necessarily have to go on a huge distance tour as your first one. You could instead go on a short two or three day intro tour to a nearby town, park etc and just get a feel for how well you and the bike work together to have a fun time.

There are a number of First Time touring stories in the What's Touring and Getting Started sections of the Bicycle Touring 101 web site. You might find them of interest as you prepare for your first tour.

Good luck and don't forget to make having fun a priority when you do get out there!

~Jamie N
www.bicycletouring101.com