A year or so . . . is a long time away. Plans/circumstances change.
Start riding regularly. Increase your distances, increase your speed. Start carrying stuff on the bike (panniers with encyclopedias are a great way to practice!).
Practice riding hills with a load. You will encounter heat/cold/wind/rain/bugs/cars/trucks and mountains.
If you're still hung-ho after all of that, you'll do just fine!