Once your bike is ready to ride and you have some gear, I recommend you travel somewhere near NYC with hills and camping opportunities because early in your trip you will face the Appalachians and grades there can be challenging (10% to 20%). I don't know NY well, but from the map it looks like Harriman State Park or South Mountain Reservation may be good candidates for loaded (panniers and gear) training rides with good, steep hills to work your lungs, e.g.,
http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/u...es/ny/harriman
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...in-Reservation
Also, if camping is possible at those locations, try that too for the experience. It will help you identify what is needed and what isn't.