1. Rigging for randonneuring seems front big bag, likely on light rack (I have), maybe just a handlebar bag (I have) and big saddle bag (I have). Opinion? Current tires 38 mm Pasela - considering jumping to Continental Speed Ride 42 x 700 (which I have, look great, very supple) - opinion? I also have paniers that will snap onto the rear rack, but that seems for heavier weight trips. [770 grams/27 oz rear rack has me pondering]
   
2. Currently set up like a mountain bike as to brakes and shifters. Has a not quite straight bar. I'm used to drop bars, and might need to change. Considering: Velo Orange - Crazy Bars (velo-orange.com) but own butterfly trekking bars (I have some up in the zombie bike part shed). Opinions? Suggestions? [The near straight bars on it now typically aggravate my tennis elbow and thumb issues - need more sweep, and do well with riding on road bar hoods].
   

Just got the bike. Haven't picked it up yet. Used. Very orange. Deore 3x9 (my favorite), flat pedals (we'll see), bend deluxe bars ( Bend Deluxe | Salsa Cycles at least as a I recall). Mechanical disc brakes seemed to stop it pronto. 38 mm 700C Pasela tires (but I have low knob Maxxis and some aggressive knob in 42 mm, which will fit). Salsa rear rack.

Intended uses: Mostly along easy Potomac River routes, asphalt with root bumps, some gravel, C&O towpath gravel. Some easy woods trails and MTB routes as short cuts, but minor. Secondary use is long rides / bikepacking / touring on C&O, gravel roads, and in the mountains (3x9 caught my eye). [I'm pretty sure I can match the bike to anything I'm likely to want to do among the lots of knobs 42, little knobs 42, and normal tread 38). I'm specifically looking to get dropped off or take train somewhere and ride back over mixed terrain.

NOTE: I am calmly excited, my current rougher stuff bike simply doesn't make me happy, and a half block on this one did.