I just joined this forum and am not sure where to post so here goes: I'm in my late 60's and relatively fit. I have a number of bikes, mostly older but have been a bike rider all my life. I want to get into touring but being retired, I am on a limited budget and don't want to make too many mistakes in this adventure. I have been an avid backpacker and am familiar with roughing it. Now that I have more time I want to see more, only from the seat of a bike. My latest acquisition is (roughly I'm guessing, I bought it used) 2017 Raleigh Merit. l am wondering if I can make a touring bike out of it? What would I need to change on the bike? I'm not familiar with tire sizes etc. and would need advice as to what changes would I need to do? I'm willing to make some investments but not having toured before I thought I could get started with this? Any suggestions would be appreciated.