Sonya, that sounds so wonderful. Please keep us updated on your plans. My new hobby is living vicariously through the lives of adventurous souls like yourself.


That's an excellent point that Irulan made about the Cannondale. Also, most Terry's have different sized front and rear wheels which means you'd have to carry spare tubes in 2 different sizes.

While I think Rivendells rule, you might want to check Heron too:
http://www.heronbicycles.com/index.html

Also, if you don't already know about it, there is a wonderful website at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com which is chock full of touring info and journals. I went to the search page and typed in Trek 520 and got a ton of hits, including this one which I think you might find helpful:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/journ...20040114221959

You might want to check some of the journals written by women on that site to get a feel for what they ride.

I had looked briefly into the Trek 520 myself, but I wound up with a Rivendell Romulus instead. The Romulus is not as beefy as the Atlantis (or the 520) and I'm not sure if it's as suitable for fully loaded touring as the Atlantis is. (But I honestly don't see myself carting around a tent and sleeping bag - I'd prefer a nice comfy bed and a hot shower, but that's just me, I'm a wuss that way).

But that said, I've heard very good things about the 520, even though it's not a woman-specific design. I hope you can manage to find one in your size to try out.

Best of luck, - Jo.