Thanks Mike. I have to add that to my list of things to do before I head out on this trip. This morning my brand new pannier (the left one) let loose from my rack and got sucked up in my spokes... very ugly. What did I do wrong? Maybe my rack and panniers are not meant for each other. A moot point perhaps since it's badly bent, like my rim and a few spokes. I really am concerned about the dogs and fully intend to be armed with a spray to keep them away. Maybe I'll conduct a few drive-bys on my mailbox for practice, give my neighbors something to laugh at.