Since 10 Wheels posted up a photo, I'll do the same.

This is a photo that a friend of mine took when we did the Anthem "Moonlight Ride" in Richmond, Virginia. It is a really great charity ride through Richmond in the evening after dinner. One ride is 8 miles and the other is 17 miles. Everyone from all ages can ride. I clipped on the Topeak MTX trunk bag, so I could stash my stuff in it while riding.



Also, regarding the choices of a true road bike, a hybrid bike, or a cyclocross bike, here are some photos of a beautiful "rail trail" that is out in Farmville, Virginia that they opened up last year. It is all 100% crushed pea gravel and dirt. Even though there are no bumps or any hazards on the trail, I don't know if a true racing road bike would handle it too good.

The start of the "rail trail" from the road and parking lot.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q...RdEntrance.jpg

Here's the rest of the photos in a slideshow format:
http://s137.photobucket.com/user/but...Bridge%20Trail

So as you can see, I enjoy light trail riding besides 100% true dedicated road riding. Heck, I just love getting out there and riding no matter where I go! Like I mentioned before, I am 210 lbs and want to lose a little weight, and have found that bike riding is an excellent way to do that.

What type of bike can do anything (within reason) and go on crushed gravel "rail trails" and also be able to keep up with the high end racers out on the streets?