I had (have, actually) an '84 Raleigh Alyeska. It was my favorite bike I've had out of the dozen or so I've had over the years. I in was a nasty crash that wrecked my knee, the handlebars and the fork beyond straightening. I never got to take it on any long tours, but tons of over-nighters and a few fully loaded 2-3 day test runs (my accident happened a few weeks before a planned 2000 mile tour)

It lacked some of the comforts I like in my modern touring bike like more braze-ons and longe chainstays but the handlebars were the best ever, and it was just a comfy, cushy, laid back ride. The only thing mechanical I updated were the 27" wheels to 700c so I had a better selection of tires. It takes 700c wheels easily, changing nothing but the brake pad position.