I appreciate your research and zeal for the sport. I am such a novice on the concept of touring. I can relate to doing the research; picking people's brains and gathering different opinions. I, also dream of long distance touring. I have done many large rides (RAGBRAI) and have enjoyed it. I have also ridden across Iowa in a day. That wasn't touring obviously, but it was a challenge to determine what I needed in my bag and what I didn't. Have a blast! Thanks for your post.