That's great! thanks for the tour report. Definitely encouraging.

I gotta do a shakedown soon, also. I rode today with just my rear panniers loaded with crap and I definitely felt a different in how it rode. Made me think whether my 48-36-26 with a 12-25t drive train set up will be adequate. I might do a weekend tour instead of a S24O to prepare/practice for the real run.

edit:
I think I might need to do more loaded riding on my regular commute.