Tips for the next van-supported Southern Tier riders

I asked some Spring 2013 van-supported Southern Tier riders what tips they have for future riders, regarding bikes, clothing or gear. Many thanks to the riders for making time and their thoughtful suggestions. Answers follow:
Bob G: ship cold weather gear home after reaching warmer states (don't carry all the way to Florida); GPS is a plus; dog whistle or horn; carry 2 bottles, 2 tubes, and spare tire; tire pump with gauge and stand; trunk bag big enough to hold these plus lunch, snacks and jacket.
Andre: air horn for dogs.
Terry: most important is having the right gear ratio for climbing - Adventure Cycling recommends mid to low 20s ratio - divide number of teeth in smallest front ring by number of teeth in biggest cog in rear cassette, then multiply by tire size - in Terry's case is (30 / 32) x 27 = 25.3; Topeak Road Morph G tire pump (has foot pedal and gauge and 120 psi and hose); REI Navara handlebar bag; read "The Complete Book of Long-Distance Cycling".
Bob Pedersen: full leg warmers for riding and in camp; 3 pairs of gloves (heavy and light long finger and no finger); doo rag or equivalent; trunk bag for lunch, clothing, cable lock and snacks; Gerber foldable pliers / screwdrivers; top tube kit with spare and tools; QT Bean rack for trunk bag.
Linda: Bike computer; trunk bag to carry tools, snacks, lunch and rain gear; 2-3 water bottles; Blue park tool with hexes and screwdrivers; enough to change flats: use Adventure Cycling's list; Pearl Izumi gear; wool socks for cold and hot; down jacket for night and in camp; fleece.
Carol: SpeedTool tire remover; bed sheet to place on Thermorest and use sleeping bag as comforter; Bento Box for munchies while riding.
Bruce: Blackburn tire pump, Camelbak, daypack, child's pillow.
Flynn: Camelbak 2 liter bag to carry camera, lunch, phone,fluids, snacks and multitool; don't go cheap on gear; rack and trunk bag; do your homework (read reviews and ask multiple people).
Rhodri - Topeak pannier (it locks on to rack; no tying panniers); Topeak oversize cage for 2 liter water bottle: disc brakes; good quality tent, sleeping bag; pillow.
Hope this helps!
Bruce