Thanks for the suggestions! I bought the rack with the intention of getting my backpack contents off my back. Any particular brand of trunk bags to look at? Should I just bungee cord/cargo net my backpack to the rack?

I have a front light I forgot to picture. That mounts easy enough but what do I do about rear blinkies? I figure if I load my rack, a blinkie on the seatpost won't be visible.

I take back the touring thing. If I do ride far, it'd be for an unsupported century or a weekend in which I ride, camp, and return the next day. Nothing hardcore.

I have some pretty nasty hills in my area and clipless helps me get over them faster. I thought about carrying my shoes in the trunk bag or bungee'd backpack. I prefer look pedals over spd pedals because they are wide enough to use as platforms for short rides.

The handle bar tape is worn. Should I stick with black or match the seat with white? Cork or gel?