The four truths I've found in these last five years of riding a lot:

Fix stuff that goes wrong as soon as you get back from a ride, or you'll likely forget 'til you start the next ride.

Whatever you decide to tour with, go back and cut the volume in half.

Equipment's overrated; decent stuff is important, but it's the engine's that counts.

Don't ride with whiney people. (This one might just be a personal preference-maybe you like whiney people?)