To Overthehillmedi,
Follow your dreams. Even if they find your ossified remains Out There. You may be reasonably assured that your bike will probably still work. :D

Well the bike showed up at the end of March and it was worth waiting for. I've been busy for the last while putting all the toys on Silent Sam(antha) in honor of her builder Sam Whittingham. The name changed after taking one look at the beauty.Now I just have to get the engine on better shape to power the girl on my trip.I was in the local auto parts store and saw a can of engine tune-up in a can and thought great then found out it was for car engines not bicycle engines,drats. She can be seen at http://www.fortebikes.com/images/globetrotter%20013.jpg

Buy a very sturdy bike, with standard, easy-to-find components. Ride it lots. Learn how to fix every part of it. Take it completely apart and put it completely back together... if you do a ride like the one you're talking about, there will be many occasions where you're glad you can do this.

If you've got inner voices telling you not to try such a ride, then listen to what they have to say... you know yourself best. But pay no attention at all to anybody who doesn't know you who says not to do it. One thing for sure is that if you do decide to do it, you'll be the subject of admiration and envy here... I already admire you for just thinking about it.

Good luck!!

Man that thing looks bomb proof! Having said that, I should also add that it is a good looking bike too. You should be able to go where ever you want to.

Ready! Set! Go!