Sooo did the full set up, rewrapped the rims with tubeless tape (DT Swiss) and changed the valve stems, mounted tire back on and I couldn’t get it to seat. I used an air compressor (don’t even attempt with a pump). The culprit, I think, is the fit of the tire. The stock tires just aren’t that tight on the rim, and even with using a compressor, there isn’t enough air volume to overcome the spacing.
This tire isn’t listed as tubeless ready, so it’s not a huge surprise. I did leave the tubeless rim tape installed, and I put back the stock rim liner to protect the tube. I patched my old tube (pin hole), and put it all back together, and put 30 miles on the bike no problem.
I think I am going to go the foam tire liner route (tannus) on the back wheel for protection. And then when this tire runs out, switch to something that’s tubeless ready and try again. I really really never want to have to change that rear tire on the road.