Greetings. It has been a while since I've posted (probably a year). Anyway, I've didn't ride as much this year as in 2008, but still was on the bike a decent amount. The only organized ride this year was RSVP (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver BC & Party). Always a good time. I have found myself curious about traveling/touring by bike, so last year I bought the book, Bicycling the Pacific Coast. I mentioned it to my neighbor and she borrowed the book. She's a recent retiree and decided she is going to ride a portion of the course (starting on Whidbey Island and riding to Northern California). Her husband will SAG using their Casita trailor. She is leaving in about two weeks, but he won't be able to SAG until the following week. So, I have offered to ride the first 4 days with her (due to my work schedule). She hasn't been doing much riding, so I'm not sure how many miles we will ride each day (my husband will pick me up where we end up at the end of day 4). Her husband will meet up with her in Astoria regardless - so she may have a day on her own? She has a Trek 1800 (?) and a BOB. I will be riding my Bianchi Veloce with a light rack and BOB. I have never toured before, but she did some touring up the east coast with her husband about 10 years ago. I talked to my LBS about whether I should try panniers or a trailer. She recommended a trailer unless I wanted to upgrade my wheels. So, I'm borrowing her husbands BOB and axel.
I have been wanting to try touring for several years and figure this will give me a good idea if I really like it and whether I should invest in a touring bike. I love my Bianchi, but realize it is not appropriate for real touring. We plan to camp along the way, but I will still pack lightly to avoid too much strain on my bike. I have to return to work after the 4th day, so my husband will come pick me up wherever we end up at the end of day 4.
Any guidance or words of wisdom from the experienced tourers? Do you think I should be okay trying to use my Bianchi (steel frame with carbon fork?) She has been a great bike so far....I hate to abuse her.