if you can ride the x-check for 50 miles/day, day after day, with minimal discomfort, then why not? OTOH, as this is somewhat an epic tour, you deserve the most comfortable ride you can afford and are willing to be seen on. They are not necessarily the same: bent vs DF.
"maybe more race-y". Go with 28 mm tires. Lighter, more responsive than say 32's. I've toured my loaded DF on 25's with no problem.