I always wanted to ride across the U.S. Finally got the opportunity in 1999. Went with an Adventure Cycling unsupported group tour (Northern Tier) because I had zero loaded touring or camping experience. Learned a god deal from the other 11 participants. When the tour ended in Bar Harbor I rode home solo to Philly and then on to Ocean City, NJ and back. Biggest mistake was not having a wheelset that was up to the task.