well i learned that my NEW marathon supream's tires are not as good as there cracked up to be ,my rear tire split when i went over a small piece of rough tarmac now it's totally useless.
also i learned when cycling in hot weather (we do get it in ireland every now and again ) is not to forget to wear sunblock i came home from a 60 miler burned to a crisp ouch.
oh yeah a loaded touring bike is a beast on climbs.