[MENTION=453530]Bigcliff[/MENTION], take the fixie. Add some drop bars and Tektro RL520 levers that work with the v brakes. You may need to get a different riser and stem to get the fit right. I would also bring a few cogs and chainrings to dial in the gearing once I got there. I assume you have already put on a better saddle, wheelset and tires since you are running it fixed. Converting the 8 speed to drops will be a lot more complicated and expensive for little to no benefit on flat terrain. The only downside to a fixed gear is big hills. Since there aren't any where you're going that's a non-issue.