suspension forks or ridge?
 

what would you all say? touring with suspension forks or ridge forks????

Given the choice I would avoid suspension for on road touring. Off road probably too, but some prefer front suspension on tours like the Great Divide.

Even the Divide Ride was fine for me on a bike with a rigid fork. Other riders on suspension forks had a variety of problems.

Proper tire size and air pressure can go a long way to compensate for lack of a suspension fork in my experience. I view it as one less complication to worry about on a tour.

Ridgy didge all the way. But, when they develope a no-maintenece (at all) suss fork, I'm there.

Rigid. I don't miss what I've never had.

Did you use panniers or a trailer, and is that choice tied to the suspension vs rigid choice in any way?

On the Divide Ride I used 2 front panniers and a rear rack dry bag stuffer. I have always found that I have more precise steering control with a rigid fork.