I wrote about the build I chose and why I chose it here:
http://forgivenick.wordpress.com/2011/07/31/el-mariachi-build/It may change to make it more "bikepacking friendly", suggestions are welcome for sure.
Here is my initial impressions ride report for week #1 after about 70 miles on the new bike:
http://forgivenick.wordpress.com/2011/08/06/el-desafio-or-el-mariachi-week-1-initial-impressions-ride-report/I am in San Diego by the way and looking for good routes for my first bikepacking trip. I have seen one route on this site in San Diego County around the Pine Valley, Noble Canyon, Cuyamaca area. That looks like a good option, but it would be nice to try some routes closer to home in the western part of the county. If you know a route and place to stay overnight, let me know.