[dhgeyer]

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you've learned a lot already.

From a long time tourer, a word or two of caution. Atlanta to Denver is fairly ambitious on any bike, much more so on a relatively small one like the GZ250. May I suggest putting in a few long day rides first, to get a feel for how far you can expect to go safely and comfortably in a day? Then I would suggest a couple of shorter tours - three or four days. What to take and how to pack it isn't something we're born knowing.

I only suggest all this because you say you've only done 2 to 3 hour rides so far. All day, day after day is a much different animal.

Some might say that the GZ250 isn't up to a trip like that. I can only say that I wouldn't do it, but I'm 63. Longer trips have been done on that bike, so I would say it's definitely doable if you are up to it. It will be physically and mentally demanding.

Oh, and I second the Spitfire for the GZ250. It's big enough but not too big.