Last year, one of my former students took on the challenge of riding across the country over 48 days with the American Lung Association. There were about 40 riders in all and he had a blast.

I'm starting to plan to do this very ride next summer 2012. It is a supported ride, but I'm not sure my Trek Pilot 5.0 is really going to be the most comfortable bike for the trip. I won't be schlepping gear, but I am looking for a new bike that will suit this tour and future tours (some loaded) that is between $2000-$3000. Recommendations would be wonderful!

I was thinking about a Salsa Vaya or possibly-- if I could squeeze the funds a Rivendell Atlantis. If Mariposa is still making frames, I may have them build me a custom one. Still, ideas, ideas, ideas!

The training required will be built into my coaching schedule as I will already be riding about 150 miles a week with the kids and I can easily tack on more over the weekends and by biking home after rides. I'm pretty thrilled about this prospect. I was also delighted when my mother (often one of the first naysayers for this sort of thing) reacted with "You could do that!". It really warmed my heart to know that she'd support me and she said she'd come down to D.C. for the finish.

Has anyone ever done a similar ride (~80 miles a day for multiple weeks, supported)?

I know I saw one girl post who is about to leave. I am looking forward to hearing about her experiences on her blog!

Any and all advice is welcome. I think this would be the adventure of a lifetime!