Local bike shop experience

I knew when I purchased my novara touring bike a couple of years ago that I might actually use it someday. I just would have never guessed that it would be to ride it across the US. Until now it has been an amazing dust collector in my garage. After I was accepted to ride with southern tour I took my bike to a local shop to get "fit" for my bike. The day before I had bought some riding shoes, cleats and clip in pedals. That night I was only able to get one of the pedals on the bike and was not having much luck clipping in. So going to a bike shop the next day with one pedal on the bike, no idea how to clip in, and really no idea about the bike made me a little nervous. Also being 6'3" 255lbs I wouldn't look at myself as someone who looks too serious about cycling. After the guy who fit me for my bike realized I was being serious that I was about to start training to ride my bike across the US, he was more than helpful and I was very relieved. I am starting my training this week, and am excited to start riding, not so much about wearing spandex but I assume I will get use to that. I read a post earlier about fundraising which was very helpful and hope to start that soon. Hopefully Texas realizes I live here because I dont like the cold and it gets a little warmer.