I got halfway there when...

[TheDaltonBoys]

sorry Dave B...its what OmahaNeb said, sorry for the misquote all.  Mark of the Dalton Boys

[DaveB]

sorry Dave B...its what OmahaNeb said, sorry for the misquote all.  Mark of the Dalton Boys

No problem.  Actually it's a pretty good comment and I wish I'd thought to say it.

[Sailariel]

You got some great advice from all your respondents. Knowing your gear is super important. My wife and I cruised on a sailboat for 80,000 miles in 14 years. There is very little we can`t fix on the boat--there is no AAA in the middle of the ocean. I have been a serious roadie for two years--since we moved ashore. Fortunately a good friend owns the local bike shop and has taken me under his wing teaching me. I have a complete shop at this point and am still learning. So far I have built 6 bikes--mostly classics--great practice. You can find some great bikes real cheap at garage sales and in swap sheets. I`ve given away four bikes and kept two. I have also accumulated some spare parts. Like everything-practice is where it`s at. Good luck. you are on the right track. For raingear, I wear a windbreaker and get wet--windbreakers dry fast. A shower cap like the ones they give you in hotels work great over your helmet. Alex

[DaveB]

Returning briefly to the Xtracycle discussion a few postings ago.  Sheldon Brown's write-up from the Las Vegas Interbike show had a paragraph about them as seen at the Surly display.  I think it's interesting.

The big deal this year was their dedicated Xtracycle frame. This is a long-wheelbase frame designed to act as an Xtracycle, using all of the Xtracycle rack attachments, but on a purpose-built frame. It is reputedly lighter and stiffer than an Xtracycle attachment on a standard mountain bike frame. This item is currently in the prototype stage, but was well received, and should be a fairly popular item. The biggest issue with it is shipping, because there is now way it is UPS-able due to its length.

[Mentor58]

Lots of good advice here.  

I have to second the one about a mirror.  I can identify with the "Semi behind you and RV coming at you" comment.  Sometimes a nice controlled bail off of the road is a good option.  

Along with all the good advice about taking training rides, shorter tours to build up your experence and confidence, I have to say one of the most important things is to "KNOW YOUR BIKE"

I would go so far as to recommend that over the winter (oh wait, Florida, never mind   ) to get some basic bike tools and a good book, I recommend "Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintence" or just the Park Tools Web site.  Learn how to take the bike apart, understand how the parts work, what is likely to go wrong.  That way, when the derailler starts to chatter, or a brake starts to drag, you are comfortable getting things back into spec.  Once you learn how to tune and adjust your bike to get it in top order (and no, they don't always come from the shop that way I'm afraid) you'll be amazed at how quiet and smooth operating it is compared to most of the ones you'll hear coming up on you.  

FWIW, I have a "Gumby" doll that mounts on my handlebars when touring.  It reminds me that I always have to be flexible when touring, that myh plans can and will change during the ride, that as long as I remember that the reason I'm riding for the Ride, then all is good.  

Steve W.
Who often asks "WWGD?" (What Whould Gumby Do?)

ps As for hills, the Spinervals "Uphill Grind" training DVD might be useful, as is just riding into the wind, the hill that never ends.

[Kelly]

My husband's first good bike was a Specialized Sirrus. He put many a mile on that bike and really enjoyed riding it. I wonder if it's the big brother to your bike? On our first loaded tour (camping, no cooking) Jacinto had multiple flats the first day and started breaking spokes the second day. We limped in to a bike shop. The mechanic said his bike was a great club bike, but the tires weren't wide enough nor the wheel strong enough to support the weight on the rear rack. I would suggest checking with your local bike shop about the wheels/tires.

No one has mentioned gearing. My mantra is that you cannot go low enough. I only have one set of knees and I'd like to keep them happy! I don't worry about the high end of gearing as I know gravity will take me down the hills. I do want to be able to ride up anything in front of me. No matter how slowly I climb, it's much easier to ride my bike than to push it fully loaded.

I agreed with the suggestions for fenders and mirrors. For added visibility I wear brightly colored clothes. I wear lightweight EMS orange gloves at all times. The hope being that drivers will see me signal.

Taking a 2-3 day 'shake down' tour is an excellent suggestion. It's much easier to make a change in gear while you're still at home!

Have fun,

Kelly