Wow, that's a gorgeous bike! I'm sure you are going to enjoy it, particularly on the longer rides.

I too am getting used to drops, it's kind of a painful process, but they definitely have their benefits. Biggest of which, I think, is the whole "getting into the drops and hammering past a roadie on your 30lb touring bike" .

I also dig the reflective sidewall tires! That's one thing I wish Surly would have done, gone with Marathons with reflective sidewalls instead of Continentals (which, in their defense, are great tires).

Fine looking bike, I look forward to your touring pics/reports!