Finally! On Wednesday I ordered a New World Tourist. And am so very excited. The bike will be done by mid-May, and I plan to pick it up at Bike Friday as soon as I get to Eugene and ride it out of the store. Then I'll have a month to train and plan and contemplate my insanity....
Thank you so much, guys! Your advice was invaluable. And you've really inspired me to learn as much as possible about bike parts and mechanics. ("So THAT's what a crank is!" I fear 'tis going to be a steep learning curve. )

Leila