Hello!

I am in State College, PA and I want to cycle down to Birmingham, Alabama. I am thinking of taking a shorter trip to Meadville, PA and then Cleveland Ohio before I had to Birmingham first, for the purpose of gauging my ability to cycle long distances and for the added benefit of heading west to avoid the Appalachian Mountains.

I was wondering if anybody has done a similar route, has biked some piece of this route, has any suggestions regarding the route, or any general advice regarding the route. I have a light touring bike but currently it has very few accoutrements. I need to put gears on it first of all (is 12 speed enough?)and then gather some materials. I have never toured before, although I am an avid short distance cyclist. I am not so keen on buying lots of gadgets (padded shorts, a jersey, more than two saddle bags) but I would like to hear comments on what experienced tourers think I might need on what looks like a trek across 4-5 states. Also, how long do you think this would take?

I want to camp along the way, and although I am thinking of setting up shop anywhere along the side of the road, suggested areas to camp and stop are welcome. Thanks for your help!