No expert here, but perhaps a fairly inexpensive steel cyclocross bike would be in order. I doubt you would be unhappy and it might be a fairly cheap route to learn what you really want in a bike, so when you are ready to drop $2K, you are better informed.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fantom_cxx.htm
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...17_-1___202339

Might give you a smoother ride and more rugged than an aluminum cross bike at around the same cost. Probably a little heavier though. Both have braze-ons for fenders and rear racks I think.

The other option I would second is a nice steel MTB with slicks. I have a 1993 Mt. Shasta with 1.75" slicks and it's a lot of fun. Definitely a bulletproof with enough quickness that it's more up to you as the rider at that point.