Great info, Russ, thanks! Was tinkering with my bike trailers last night (Burley Nomad and Croozer Dog) and organizing bike stuff and then was inspired to research a bit on the 'net. Found this bike forum below and a highly-praised panniers retailer.

Bicycle touring is a new realm to me and the cargo capacity using front and rear panniers, handlebar bags and seat bags is phenomenal.

http://www.thetouringstore.com/

http://www.bikeforums.net/


Go whole hog with a Surly Big Dummy:

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/big_dummy_complete/

The Big Dummy was a natural. It’s designed to carry a lot of stuff easily, and that’s just what it does. It was designed in conjunction with Xtracycle, whose modular plug-ins make it easy to carry groceries, garden supplies, tools, and just about anything else you’d normally carry with a car. It’s got an upper limit of 400 pounds (180kg) total rider and cargo weight, which is more than you’ll probably need, but not so much it’s impossible to pedal. It does ride a bit different than normal bikes, due in large part to its long wheelbase, but a couple of trips to the store is all it should take to convince you that this bike is not only exceptionally useful, but fun too. We include Xtracycle's V-Rack bags and snapdeck, but you'll find more options for attachments, like Wideloader platforms, on Xtracycle's website, http://www.xtracycle.com.

Colors: Military Green, Black
MSRP:$2450


Had two very happy pups racing on the Mall this past weekend. Four miles alternately sprinting and trotting with a few lengthy breaks.