Originally Posted by
axolotl
As to where to start, I'd say route planning and looking up weather data to pick the optimal time to begin. Included with route planning is checking elevation profiles. You live in a pretty flat area. Have you had any experience with some serious climbing? If not, that could be a major issue for you.
As far as food & water are concerned, it shouldn't be an issue if you are aware of what you're likely to need in the upcoming days and plan accordingly.
I ride in CO at 10K plus in in elevation every summer. Included in that are some Cat 1 and 2 climbs. I stop to "take pictures" on some of the climbs, but do pretty well.