Hello, and welcome!
You have a bit of time before departure, so now would be an ideal time to take a course in basic bicycle mechanics...things that would apply no matter what bike you used, covering topics such as...
= How to repair a flat innertube and change a tire.
= Brake adjustment
= How to properly secure a hub quick-release (despite what I see so often on parked bikes, they don't screw shut by spinning the handle!)
= Basic bicycle adjustment
I used to teach basic and advanced courses in bike mechanics, and nearly everyone starting fresh built from the basics above.
With all this, you'll also need to assemble a basic toolkit to go with it....
<nods> Yes, the local bike shop will be a valuable resource, and talking with them in-person will help immensely. If they don't offer a brief course in bike mechanics, perhaps they can recommend one. There's not a lot to learn, and the basic skills are transferable, but it would really help to have some hands-on experience with your own bike, particularl in advance of such an ambitious trip.
That said, all best wishes on what surely be the trip of a lifetime! The Andes! The Himalayas! The stuff of dreams and legends, and you'll soon be seeing them! 6 months is a wonderful period to really learn about such places on a bicycle, and I want to offer every encouragement. Looking forward to learning more details and seeing photos as you ready for departure and again on your return. You've certainly chosen a fine bike for the trip!
For the Nomad, I would suggest some Rohloff-specific skills as well, depending on the distance you plan to travel...advancing and securing the bottom bracket eccentric for correct chain tension, using the cog remover, perhaps changing a shift cable. This is an immensely helpful forum, and others will soon weigh in with suggestions of their own.
Best,
Dan.
