Sounds like a learning ride for sure. Inspiration for the blog post I have been working on about touring. I have to confess, even as a "seasoned" S240 I headed down the road this weekend and instantly remembered I was going to put some tape on the front low riders racks I was using because the rails are to narrow for my panniers and the panniers tend to bounce. Love the visual of your pannier as the cowboy
Another note to self and others with racks - check your racks, make sure they are still attached snugly before heading out. We were on an extremely rocky jeep trail and one of my bolts rattled loose. Fortunately I have spares on the ECR - gotta love Surly