The time gap between your post, #38, and the previous, #37, was over a year and a half = pretty old thread. I assume you searched "seven mile bridge" to find the thread.

Just FYI for following replies with regards to the original post/topic/question.

It was an interesting read, though. My 2 cents as far as the anxiety goes is to do some short trips loaded - day tours then at least an over-night. The bonus would be to get some experience in different weather/climate conditions, especially with over-night camping. For example - in the cold weather (near freezing) - the clothing layering and sleeping insulation need to be tuned and known and are going to be much different than the opposite - hot weather. So getting experience in the range you expect to be in can be important. That way you have "been there, done that" so you know what to expect.

Other than that, as for the fitness level - that is relatively important. The better shape you're in the better off you'll be, for sure. However, if you can ride 60-80 miles in a day then I say you can easily do back-to-back touring days. The trick is to scale the mileage back to 30-40 (1/2 your 60-80 day rides). That way, with the load, you have some head room on what you can do until you build up. You will most certainly build up over back-to-back riding days. So when you get in better shape you will be able to add mileage accordingly. If you bite off more than you can chew up front you set yourself up for an early failure. That is also where a short tour will give you some insight on your abilities - so long as you are loaded the same as you expect to be on longer trips (weight/bulk will affect how hard it is to ride = how long you can go).