I am planning a cross country bicycle adventure and am looking for advice from anyone who has ridden cross country before, or done long tours. I intend to go offroad, so most likely want some kind of mountain bike or hybrid rather than the usual touring road bike. I'm looking for advice about bikes, gear, routes and I want to hear about your experiences.

I am moving out of the Bay Area later this summer, will be outfitting myself in Boulder, CO, and taking off from there. Any info about Boulder or Denver bike stores and connections would also be helpful. I'd love to meet for coffee and talk. Thanks in advance for any input.
Anneke