Do not rule out stopping at a fast food restaurant on the way to save time. Setting up camp when you are not used to it takes time, showers take time, etc.

I always ride pretty slow after a big meal, but smaller meals do not slow me down. French fries always give me good energy for riding.

Have a great time.

Done! Home and safe.

I got home about 2:30 this afternoon, and I was wiped. It was a hot two and a half days, but we did well. This afternoon, I wrote down in list format what worked, what didn't, what I wish I took, what I really didn't need, what I would do differently, what I liked, what I didn't, what I'd do differently and some extended overall impressions and thoughts about the whole experience.
Briefly:
What I didn't need: Base layer (top and bottom), buff-- I was chilly one night and used a base layer top and blanket but could have used my rain jacket instead of the base layer. My kitchen knife (I also had a sharp hiking knife), one of two electrical chargers (I get paranoid about losing power and yes, I have rechargeable battery chargers), some of the food, bourbon-- I had one sip one night (so unnecessary).

What I liked a lot or worked for me: My little camping stove and bowl, cup and pot. I really liked cooking, as I do at home. I may even expand this and cook with spices and such. Other things that worked: my tent, mat and pillow, panniers, bike, handlebar bag (loved it), mirror on my glasses, printing out my Ride with GPS map and turn by turn directions and placing it on top of my handlebar bag-- loved it. I knew how close I was to the next turn by quickly looking at it.

What I learned: I preferred cycling in my mountain bike cargo shorts than a typical cycling bib. I need to get organized better at night so I can get going earlier in the morning. The twelve to two o'clock sun is brutal.

I have questions, but I think I'll start a new thread about those.

Well, there you go, a good beginning.