Outstanding stuff all, thanks very much! I like the "room" organizing thoughts and technique. I agree that the best thing to do is to just get on it - that's why I went ahead and bought the starter touring bike but it's always fun to talk to people here on the forums and hear their thoughts, makes me feel like part of the community

Set to go in the gearing dept I think, running *shudder* triples on both rigs. Block is geared for hills. Great advice on the shoes as well, I was already thinking about going to the recessed mountain bike style clips for this, and I know that there are a few mountain bike shoes out there with good ankle support.

Solid advice on the clothing - layers are key, for sure. I always carry an ultralight mini windbreaker with me because except for right now when we are next door to Hades, the mountain passes can cool you off pretty fast. I do some multi-day rock climbing and back country stuff, so I am pretty good with shutting the smell-factor off when needed, haha