Project Touring Bike?

If you ride long enough, you will come up with a project bike.  Some people think of all the things they would add to their mountain bike.  Others go-go-gadget on their road bike and become Mr. Dashboard.  Some people go back and build the replica of their first bike (a co-worker of mine rebuilt a Chopper).  Some people go and make a custom mountain bike with no seat so that they can jump from object to object like a circus rider.  I've got dreams of a touring bike. 

No that is not the touring bike of my dreams.  That is the same model Chopper my co-worker rebuilt.  Here is my Cannondale that I'm thinking of adding the touring components. 

Nice start I think.  It has a heavy frame and the wider tires, 700/35c.  There is a seatpost shock and a shock on the head of the front fork, nothing major just will quiet some bumps.  The previous owner (dad) put the super-cushy seat on it already, clipless/regular combo pedal and added a odometer.  Now before I go gear happy I need to think about what and where I would actually ride this thing to.  There are two possibilities in my head, subject to change between cups of coffee of course, overnight to Red Rock Canyon and FreeWheel. 

I want to find out if I should take Route 66 or Highway 152 to Hinton if I choose to go out to RedRock.  I know along Highway 152 people are flying @ 70 MPH.  So I am a little bit against that.  I think that Route 66 is 55 MPH and goes through more towns so the MPH average of other vehicles will be a bit more in my favor. 

FreeWheel would be a cool event for 2011.  I can't squeeze it in this year.  The wife has already planned all my vacation time for the year.  Plus I need time to figure out all the touring stuff. 

Hmm.... maybe an overnight trip to Lake Thunderbird and back. 

What would I add to the bike?  Panniers, frame bag, lights, the usual.  (Courtesy Nashbar)

Any feeback from anyone is much appreciated. 

Fun website

Cheers,