I really like the idea of panniers. There is no way I can do it with a 32 spoke rim on my road bike huh? I was hoping for a "go with the road bike as is"
I have some light gear from backpacking and can keep the weight down some what. I think I can keep it under 30 lbs and most of that would fit in side rear panniers and a handle bar bag and maybe a trunk bag i think. I only plan on doing a 300 mile trip at the most as well. I have looked into wheels and dang, they are so expensive so i don't want to ruin my nice race wheels either. Still hung up I guess. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten rid of that bike from the 70's that would have worked just fine as a touring bike.