more info needed:

where will you be riding? flat land or mountains? short, steep grades or
long grades? riding though forest with canopy cover and wind breaks,
or open grasslands/along the coast?

what altitude? major change? you at fort jackson now, planning to ride
to tibet?

how about weather? heat/cold extremes, dry or humid, monsoon rains?

how much stuff will you be taking? tent, sleeping bag, 6 changes of clothing,
hiking boots, 8-track player, frying pans......have you piled it all together
and weighed it yet?

are your friends first-timers also? will y'all be training together? how
are you planning your route schedule? what about rest days?

you didn't mention what bicycle you'll be on....what gearing?