Recommendation for a decent bike for under $1000
I'm new to the hobby and looking to take my first (long?) tour from RI to DC in sept 2018 (some hotel, some camping) with panniers (unsure about a trailer) hopeing to average abt 40 miles or better per day on mostly pavement with some dirt roads.....with smaller tours (2-3 days) before.....I'm looking to buy first touring bike (new) for under $1000 (maybe a little more)....At this point I am not confident enough to buy used as I am not quite sure what I should look for, so I feel that an out-of-box bike (with a few early follow on upgrades i.e.: brooks saddle, etc) is the way to go for my first bike....my current weight is abt 250 lbs but I am on track to get down to abt 200 by late winter (does this effect why bike to get or when to get it?)....anyways any bike recommendations (or other tips) would be greatly appreciated....thank you in advance.