Hey, DB.
I was wondering how your tour went (it didn't occur to me to check the "Touring" forum! D'oh! ).
Glad to hear you did okay.
Brave of you to wear bibs on a tour. I tend to lean towards shorts when I know I'll be ... um answering calls... on the trip. I do agree with their comfort, however, and for long hours in the saddle, of course they make a lot of sense. I'll have to re-think my hang-ups. Literally.
So it seems like your only major issues were thunder and food. That's great. My vegan friend, Susan, is never far from a case of Larabars. Food in a pinch that fits in your pocket.
As for camping vs. hotels. Well, I'm glad you are still one of us muffins!