Thank you all for the input, it has been very helpful. I just want to use my current road bike to test the touring waters. Weekend trips to visit friends in neighboring town, ~160 miles round trip, and some regional camping trips. I have no intent to try a multi day unsupported tour with this setup. If I get hooked, then I will invest in something a little more suitable.

I started this thread with two main concerns:
1. Frame not being able to handle the stress, i.e. will it break
2. Stability at higher speeds

(I also have concerns about heal clearance, but started a second thread to discus it )

So far, no one has suggested that the strain will cause my frame to fracture.

lighthorse – Thank you for the input on stability.

Alekhine – Thank you for your detailed input. Everything you mentioned has been covered in this forum and I have given your points some thought.
1. Geometry and comfort: I have done some longer rides on my bike with no hassle, and will get a second stem with more rise if needed.
2. Gearing: Already tracked down compact crank and BB sets on eBay what will give me much lower gearing options. (I don't actually race, so losing the top gears is not an issue.)
3. Wheels: Although not touring specific, my wheels are built to be sturdy. They are not light race wheels.
4. Carbon: Wasn't planing on mounting anything up front.
5. Trailer: I would also like to use what ever rack pannier combo I get for commuting. So I am trying to avoid this option.