Fair enough
But I see this forum as more "Car Lite" than car free.
And car lite could mean put as little $$ as possible into car -usually means fixing what you have and getting the best possible mpg out of it.
Everyone here rides in cars,so no one is car free-they just bargain for rides in various ways-fill tank or return the favor in some other way-
But calories fluids tools flat mitigation lighting suitable bag -all important
A comfortable riding posture-more upright might make more sense than the bent over aero position many favor- aero considerations not as important when doing all that climbing-and 4 hours a day in the saddle -he might find a more traditional riding position makes more sense
In countries where folks use bikes for transportation-china india etc-no one ride bikes with drops-everyone ride bolt upright so they can see where they are going and it is more comfortable.
Good slug of coffee-maybe in a thermos-for the trip might help too on cold mornings-or hot chocolate-sweet-for those less caffeine addicted