I have a sense of loyalty to the So Cal forum, but you will probably get more information from a forum that has a wider audience, such as those listed below.

Road
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...1-Road-Cycling

Touring
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/47-Touring

Tandem (Traveling with bikes is a popular subject here.)
http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...Tandem-Cycling

Good luck!