So I geared up this morning and did a local 2.5 hour (32 mile) ride, no farther than 6 miles from either my house or my local bike shop. With all that gear, I am surprised how comfortable it felt. We really don't have touring people around here, unless we see someone doing the ACA Atlantic tour along Federal Highway, so I got quite a few looks. My wife said I looked like a homeless guy with some bling (she likes my matching helmet, jersey, panniers and handlebar bag). BTW the panniers are Ortlieb Hi-Vis rollers.

There was only a 4-5 MPH wind, but it is certainly exaggerated with all those panniers. I usually commute to work twice a week with this bicycle and one pannier, but don't normally feel the wind like I did this morning. Now, this evening, I can feel my legs as if I pushed a 4-5 hour ride on my race bike.

I think I'm ready, but I think I will reverse my right and left panniers as stated in my immediately previous post. I'd love to know what you would discard if you think I have too much stuff for my simulated week plus tour.