No no, Robert, that is truly NOT a lame idea! LOL! In fact, it's one I seriously considered...and it may still be on the horizon as an option. I actually found a pretty decent one for less than $400. If none of the other options pan out, I'll look further into this. I would just need to know how sturdy these things are, and if I truly could do a good 50-miler on one without beating it to smithereens.

I really appreciate your suggestions! We seem to be on the save wavelength, coming up with the same ideas, huh?