I'm from Bradenton and also in the same boat, but I have ridden solo/camping Canada to MX over the Rockies via roads, so I have that experience. Just got a 29+ rigid Fargo and looking to do Baja Divide, or AZ Trail prior to summer or the Divide S to N beginning June 1 or so. I have the gear and such but I too would like to do some shakedown camp rides around here.