We’re half way across now and it’s been, almost without exception, great. Funny, though- I was only on the road a few days before we started to encounter the Tour Divide challenge riders and I began to wish for new bikes and new places to see (n+1).
Although we did a lot of research and training and so on, we’ve realized there are lots of insights about touring that only touring can provide - what our rhythms are, what short and
long-term rest we should probably take, how best to consume the calories needed etc. Very interesting and very rewarding. I see why you tour veterans do them frequently.
I recall the conversation on calories, types of nutrition, etc. I take it as a good sign that you have not been back asking about other hardware issues.
There is a reason that I have three touring bikes. It is good to hear things are going well.