Since then, the decision was made. I'm using the Trek 7.5 fx, with cyclecross tires (on order) and a single wheel trailer. I have the tent - Columbia Lost Lake; sleeping bag, MSR Pocket Rocket stove, and assorted gadgets. I need to get a better sleeping pad, a handlebar bag for a flat bar bike that doesn't interfere with my cable routing or brakes, install my bar ends... and cross my fingers.

Since I've been asked what our tour schedule is, I thought I'd post it for comment, and so any BF members who wanted to ride with us could see where we were. From McKeesport PA to Washington, DC, most of the riding will be on the GAP trail and the C & O Canal towpath, although we will break off onto the Western Maryland Rail Trail and ride some roads to see the Sharpsburg battlefield.

May 31 - A couple of BF members are riding with us from a suburb of Pittsburgh into the city, then from the city to Boston, PA, where Neil and I are spending the night in a B + B.
June 1 - Boston to Connellsville - 39 miles. Camping near town.
June 2 - Ride to Ohioplye, visit to Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, ride to Confluence - 28 miles (we are getting driven to the FLW homes I've mentioned by a BF poster from the touring forum.) Camping near the lake in Confluence.
June 3 - Confluence to Frostburg, MD, 47 miles. Staying at Frostburg University, in the dorm.
June 4 - Frostburg to Paw-Paw, WV, 44 miles. Stopping for lunch in Cumberland, MD, where we hope to meet a BF poster. Camping at one of the hiker/biker spots on the towpath.
June 5 - 57 miles to Williamsport, MD, riding with a BF poster who is hosting us. Some of this will be on the paved WMRT instead of the dirt towpath.
June 6 - Williamsport to Harper's Ferry, WV, 39 miles. Staying at the hostel, or camping. Part of the ride will be through the Antietam battlefield instead of the towpath.
June 7 - Harper's Ferry to DC, 60 miles. We may ride to the Mall, bringing the final day to 63 miles.

Comments on any and all of the above would be helpful.