I guess so, but I did the west coast and had lots of broken spokes. There were times I was three days' ride from the next bike shop. Luckily, I had some emergency spokes with me. I'd put those on, true the wheel as best I could, then loosen the quick release on the caliper brakes. I could then ride the bike to the next bike shop. A guy I met broke a spoke on his mountain bike. He had no emergency spokes. He had to hitchhike with the wheel to the next town, get it fixed, then hitchhike back to the campground where his bike was waiting.

Also, there were times when the guys in the shops weren't able to help me right away, so the whole process of getting the spokes replaced took several hours. I get very irritated with delays like that when I'm on tour.

On the other hand, you are travelling much lighter than I was. (I was carrying a ton of weight!)

Since that tour I've been very paranoid. Before my next long tour I went to a good mechanic and had him build a wheel that wouldn't break spokes. So far I haven't broken any.

Just to be sure, I carry kevlar emergency spokes. I also now carry a Stein Hypercracker. It allows you to get the lockring off and replace spokes on the cassette side of your rear wheel, which is where they always break. It's very small and light. I'd recommend it to every tourer.

This is true, but it's a bit of a hassle and expense. You can have stuff sent to general delivery at a post office. You have to plan ahead for where you'll be on a certain day. I've read plenty of stories of people who came into town, found the post office, and discovered that the stuff wasn't there and they had to wait an extra day or two. There are also Sundays to consider when the post office will be closed. Like I said, I hate delays like this when I'm touring.

On a practice ride for this summer's tour I left my pump sitting on my back bumper when I loaded my bike on the rack. Of course, when I returned to my campsite, the pump was gone. I had to order a new pump and have it delivered next-day air. It was expensive, and didn't actually arrive the next day.

Shipping things to yourself is certainly possible. Bike tourers are usually very ingenious at solving problems (they have to be.) I'm just saying that things like this are a hassle, and I'd much rather have my packing list perfect when I leave. (It never is, but each time it gets a little closer.)

Of course, sending stuff home is much easier, and I've done that a few times.

When I did this route I saw a few people heading north. It can be done. I've seen people riding routes that I certainly didn't consider preferable - more power to them! You say you're young. Good! That's probably your best asset. When I was young I did plenty of things I wouldn't consider now. I had fun too!