Rene Sounds like a great trip! here is what I would do, and has worked for me over the years. I will be the first to state that others I ride with do things differently and I don't even begin to believe or state that my way is the only or even best way. Just what has worked for me. First is to get the bike comfortable. 6 hours of saddle time over the day is not all that much for the body. It's what many spend on the bike doing a Century ride so that is very doable. So first to me is get the bike comfortable for you body. I'm of the camp that bike fitters can get you close to what they think but only you can really tweak it to be for you. Second is the base miles you seem to be doing. A couple of 10 mile rides during the week with two 20 mile rides on the weekend. Then increase the milage each week by 5 to 10 miles per ride. I toured with as much as 80lbs which many say is insane but if like me you like having a full sized laptop extra shoes long extension cords larger tents blue jeans blah blah comforts then the extra weight is ok. A good start is a pannier with a brick in it. Add a pannier and a brick per week to the milage as you go. Four bricks is more than enough for a week long tour to simulate your gear. Remember to have fun and get off the bike every 10 miles no matter what for at least 5 minutes. You may even go with every 5 miles or as needed. It's about enjoying the outdoors.. you've got 12 hour riding days and only 6 hours of riding to accomplish enjoy it. I say this because I'm guilty of getting on the bike and riding till I get there .. (or used to be) 6 straight hours on the saddle can be rough on the body .. broken up into sections makes it much more doable, and you'll see more which is what touring is to me. My equipment has varied. Currently I'm running.. Arkel panniers front and rear. NItto rear rack, Nitto mini front rack, Tubus Nova Low Rider front. Mountain Hardware down sleeping bag. marmot ultra light 2 person tent, whisper stove, pocket rocket backup. Tools and eq: chain whip, cassette rear derailur, 4 tubes, foldable tire, brake and shift cables, chain links, brake pads, and multi wrench Laptop, camera, extension cord, wan card, I used to travel with street cloths for camp w/riding clothes. I now just use streets shorts .. and t shirts. Be sure to test pack and ride before leaving being sure to ride over bumps etc to check the way you pack. I used to pack based on weight and tried to equalize which didn't work for me. Now and for a long time it's been this way. left front.. electronics, rain gear and warmers. (leg arm and cap) right front.. food, stoves, plates, paper goods including toilet paper. front basket on mini rack.. tent, ground cloth and stakes. Left rear- clothing, toiletries, solar shower, water purifier. Right rear- camp site- ie sleeping back, sleeping pad, tent poles, stake hammer, camp lights etc. stove fuel center bag on rear rack, bike repair parts and tools That's what I do, hope it helps. Kelly
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