I am new to the whole bikepacking scene myself.  I haven't been on any tours, light or otherwise.  I still don't have all the gear, but I'm slowly working on getting it all assembled.  I think right now I'd mainly be interested in an extended weekend 3-5 day excursion when I do get all the gear together since I have limited vacation days that I can take.

I'm living in Lafayette, IN, 47905.  I was already somewhat planning my first tour, and I was thinking of making it lake themed.  Every day go to a new lake in a state or national park.  A part of that trip included going to Monroe Lake, Patoka Lake, and then perhaps continue down into Kentucky and visit a few of the parks there.

I'm not sure what kind of touring you are looking at getting into, but since I was planning on eventually touring around your area, I figured I'd drop a line.  My original plan was targeted for next summer, but if I can get geared by the fall, I might do some touring then before it gets too unbearable cold.