Can I use my old Specialized Expedition for Transamerica?

[Poodlehead]

Hi,  I did a lot of touring 25 years ago and still have my old Specialized Expedition.  I'm planning to ride Transamerica in summer of 2012 and would like to use it.  I LOVE this bike.  It fits me.  The gearing is perfect.  I still have all the racks and panniers that fit.  So, why shouldn't I use it?  Are there some components that are likely to fail that I won't be able to replace?  Thoughts?  Thanks!

[FredHiltz]

King got some good advice about this here: http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=7573.0

Fred

[Bicycle Rider]

That's what it is made for. I would like to add that in addition to the necessary pre ride checks mentioned above, you may wish to carry a few replacement parts, like bearing balls and cups for hubs, for example. This is actually an advantage your bike has over newer machines: It's user servicable. Blow a bearing on one of the newer hubs and you are [fornicated] unless you happen to be near a bike shop that carries replacements.