huge thank you to the regular commenters and moderators on this sub. helped me plan an incredible first tour! converted my early 2000 MTB "commuter", took a 3 day practice trip in Ohio, and had my family leave me behind after a trip to holland 

told myself "at least two weeks, I'll just go two weeks and then after that i'll just go until i wanna go home." Ended up running out of time

biggest thing I learned: ALWAYS choose the scenic route. you'll always make it up that hill and you'll never regret it

 Amazing way to travel, although I fear all I can think about is when and where I can tour next...