Again thanks.
I will use Brooks B17, Aero bars.
My ambition is to consistently do 100 miles in 6 hours and possibly in 5 hours on black top and reasonably flat, no wind.
The Treck Hybrid can do 100 in 6.5 hours on lime stone and under 6.0 hours on black top. Therefore I am going to test ride a Specialize Road bike to see the difference.

I agree with you that the weight of the Hybrid can be reduced but I am told by serious bikers that the Specialized Road bike is "awesome".

The ABB Fast south trip starts April 23, 2006, in Irving Ca
I agree that it is a grueling trip. That is the idea. Some people climb a mountain, etc.