Randochap. Thanks for your words of encouragement.

As of right now i am nervous in traffic because i am a noob to this. I would assume as i keep riding i will get more and more comfortable in traffic. When i was looking at what i wanted in a bike the trek 2.1 is a perfect fit. It is light, quick and affordable. It is also a great short distance bike for getting to school and work because i can get it up to a pretty good speed and just cruises over hills. Plus if i wanted it too i can take it on a tour.

Also i am riding with a friend who has a trailer. Our plans are to take turns pulling the trailer between our two bikes. He has a specialized allez elite. I don't know what year though. We will be hooking up with a third who has a touring bike, not a road bike like us two that will definately help out alot with gear.

I am not worried about carrying gear on the actual bike. I will just put it on the trailer.