I know I'm chiming in late, but there was an on going blog last summer in the NY Times from a reporter who successfully biked across the country. He had a custom Independent Fabrications Ti frame, it was a credit card tour - I.E. motels and restaurants, but the bike carried a tent and sleeping bag, but no cooking gear. I recall about the only thing the author wished for differently was a drop handlebar instead of flat bar, for different hand positions.

Still, expensive bike and not really needed. My Miyata steel tourer is 14 years old this year, lot's and lot's of commuting and touring, where as my Lemond titanium racign bike had a crack develop that Trek would not warranty (I had had the bike painted). I'm all for steel in this application especially as there are so many, many great choices and options not found in titanium, unless custom.