Noooo! Please don't use your Ruby for touring!!!

I have a Ruby and I would not even consider it for touring. It is not built to carry stuff at all. I don't take my Ruby anywhere that I cannot have a hand on it at all times.

Touring bikes go through heck. They get rained on and full of grit, leaned on things, layed over on the ground.

You can get a good touring bike set up for $1000 or less. It would also be a great rainy day ride bike or commuter bike.

REI has a touring bike called a Randonee for around $900. If you are a member they will have a 20% off sale coming up soon.

A complete Surly Long Haul Trucker is nicely set up for $1000.

I've heard of a touring bike from bikesdirect.com for ~$600.

Even a hardtail mtn bike with slick tires would be an ok touring bike.

Nashbar has been having some good sales on their panniers, less than $100 for front and rear. If I was just starting out with panniers I'd certainly try them out.