There are some disadvantages to having a dual sided pedal, and that is it takes a bit longer to clip in (or put your foot on the platform), since you have to constantly flip it to the correct side. At least for me, I always ride with clip less pedals, so it would not be worth having the dual sided pedals. You might quickly realize the same thing. I did have a friend ride my hybrid recently, and it only took about 2 minutes to switch him to platform pedals. I don't want to convince you that dual sided pedals are bad, but they do have downsides.

As for the bike, touring bikes work great. Cyclecross bikes would work as well. For longer rides a bike with a endurance (relaxed) geometry works as well. I recently bought a felt Z85, which I love. Other similar bikes are the Cannondale Synapse, and Trek Domane. All these bikes have 25 mm tires, and a way to absorb a bit of road vibrations.

The Domane is nice in the sense that it has fender mounts as well. You could mount some fenders, find a way to mount a rack, and have a nice bike for a century to bravet. Then take that off, and use it in a race the next weekend. As with everything, Jack of all trades, master of none, but compromises can be made.