thanks very much - appreciate the info. Had these things covered, but would not have except for all the previious excellent advice on this forum, and info gleaned from reading tours at crazyguyonabike.

I started out wanting to use an ExtraWheel trailer, ordered one (arrives tomorrow) and based on a lot of feedback here decided for first tour not to use it. Will use it for sure with my cross bike (an sworks tricross, no eyelets) and my road bike in the future for shorter trips, and possibly long ones.

and I'm taking the ipod. My load is around 50 pounds including pannier weight. this doesn't include my shoes, helmet or 8 or so pounds of water and bottles. does this sound OK? It did to by LBS guy who is prepping me for the trip.

and what a shop - They ordered two bikes, both trek 520, one a 19 and one a 21". Said he wants me to be happy. I get to pick the one that fits best, is letting be have each one overnight so I can ride it loaded a bunch, then we will pick and swap the crank for a MTB crank with different rings. what a shop. This is Aberdeen Bike and Fitness in Chelsea MI. Check it out if you are in the SE MI area. These guys absolutely ROCK.