Jimbojonez, I love your pictures! Thanks for sharing. I am not in anyway prepared to ride that kind of distance unsupported, any rides I do over 60 miles or so will be organized with support and sag because I am a nervous wimp so I don't think I will need to carry so much. Probably just my seat bag and 2 water bottles.

I am debating between trekking bars and the ergon gc3 grips with bar ends. I am leaning towards the ergo grips I just can't find them locally so I will have to pull the trigger and order them. I am also planning to try slimmer tires, probably 700x32 but maybe even 700x28. There are so many tire choices I am a little overwhelmed. Next week hope to extend my hybrid riding to 50 miles for the first time. So far, as I have added distance I have been comfortable and happy with my hybrid. I think if it can do 50 or so miles on it without wishing for my road bike I will be good for the whole thing in septemeber.