The first question I would ask is, does the frame of this bike fit you? If so, it looks like a perfectly capable and actually a really nice bike. If you want to sell it, let me know.

Here's what I would do:

1: check out how well everything works first, especially the shifting. Do the shifters work smoothly? Do they need replacing? If not, hey, a friction shifter is a shifter is a shifter. Bar end shifters aren't much different from the shifters you already have. If you put some mountain style bar ends on the bars, at about the same width as your shoulders, you will have essentially the same hand position as a set of drop bars with your hands on the hoods. Which is where you'll be 99 percent of the time on a tour. So I would just keep the flat bars if the shifters work OK. You could maybe switch to a more ergonomically correct set of flat bars though.......

2. What kind of gearing do you have? I would go for at least a 24 or 26 small chainring and a 48-52 big ring. Maybe a 36-42 middle. Depending on the load you'll be carrying, you'll probably want a cassette with a 11-12 to 28-34 range. It's nice to have a small granny. Those are all suggestions. Gearing depends entirely upon what kind of shape you are in and the load. I've seen people touring across the country on fixies with crazy loads. If you are comfortable with the current gearing, I don't know why you would have to change it. If you wear something out on the tour, replace it as you go. A bicycle is not the space shuttle, you can generally mess with drivetrain components as you go. But I'd modify the drivetrain only to provide the gearing you feel you need, rather than change everything. It looks like your crankset is in fine shape, in the pics. A new, quality, chain and cassette is a good idea, before you go, once you have the gearing figured out.

3: How true are the wheels? Check out your hubs. I tend to agree with your decision to probaby just spring for some new wheels. A good, dependable set of wheels (particularly the rear wheel) is one of the most important things on a tour, or on any bike for that matter, in my opinion. Get some good wheels from a reputable builder, and spend a few bucks on some good tires. You won't likely regret it.

4: Check the bottom bracket for smoothness. Pull it apart and go over it. Is it OK? If it needs replacing, put on a good one.

5: You'll want a set of fenders.

6: I'd change all the cables even if they look fine. Housings too. Get a spare of both shifter and brake.

7: Replace the brake pads if they are worn.

8: spend a few bucks on pedals and shoes. Me, I use Look pedals. Most people use mountain pedals on tour. Whichever, that's another place to NOT scrimp. Figure out what you want and buy them.

9: Saddle. The importance of finding a saddle that works well for you cannot be overstated. There's a zillion threads on saddles. Good luck.

10: racks, pans, trailer, etc. No matter what bike you end up with, you have to find out what works for you.

All in all, I don't see any reason why this bike wouldn't work very well for a long tour. As long as the shifting works well and the frame fits you. There's so much more to touring than having a brand name "touring specific" bicycle.

I better slow down on the coffee this morning........