I agree about a Touring section all on its own! I've really been excited about doing some touring this summer (after spending all winter reading journals on www.crazyguyonabike.com). I think I'm addicted and I haven't even done one measly tour yet (my first will be a 4 day in early June). I've bought an older Trek set up for touring, have rear panniers and a ginormous handlebar bag (I'm in the same quandry as you, skierchickie). I bought a headlamp for my head in camp, and I can put it on my helmet should I find myself out after dark. It wouldn't be ideal, but would work. I'm toying with putting trekking bars on my flat bar tourer. I need more hand positions, but need the upright sitting position.

Anyway- I could get carried away. I was just thinking the same thing the other day about wishing there were a touring topic on TE! Thanks for voicing your wishes (as there are surely many of us out there who would love it as well).