I'm in the planning stages of riding the northern end of the Natchez Trace next October since I will be in the area. The bike I currently have is a Trek 8.4 DS which in its current configuration weighs 31 lbs. I have Michelin Pilot Tracker 700 x 35 mounted on the rims for road use. I'm planning on doing from mile mrkr 444 to about 321 which is the hilliest section and riding about 55 miles the first day, rest the second day to visit relatives in the area then riding the remainder on the third day down to the Muscle Shoals area. I will have support so I'll just have my water bottles and energy bars with me. My main question is should I use this bike (which I know has the low gearing to do this) or look at purchasing something like a Specialized Tricross. Any info would be greatly appreciated.