Check out the new Specialized "Tricross". It's seems to be adept at just about any type of riding and includes all the touring goodies. I have test ridden one and was suitably impressed. Reasonably light, efficient, stable, and damn strong. And, it'll take a nice fat tire for when the going gets tough.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12393