This has been extremely helpful reading these informative posts and going on with additional research. Based on the kind of riding I will be doing in addition to this first tour I have ordered the Topeak MTX DXP bag and Topeak Explorer with Discs rack.
I picked spring based on my local weather but I am retired and can go anytime I feel ready. Looking at both trails, I think the FL Coast to Coast and the Silver Comet in GA-AL will both be enjoyable and logistically convenient. I now think the biggest remaining challenge will be a reasonably secure place to park my pick up truck for several days. I will probably post a separate thread for that but any info on parking will be most appreciated.
I know this is very tame for you experienced tourers but am getting pretty excited about this.