I did the Pittsburgh to Washington trip last month on an Aurora and it worked well (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/keith). It's definitely a great trip and you should do it the first chance you can.

Here are my thoughts about the Aurora:

-- The bike is laid out nicely and it's good quality overall but it's got quick steering so it's a bit dicey jamming on it out of the saddle. It was VERY unstable pulling a BOB trailer since the frame is pretty flexible. You'll need to adjust your riding style when it's loaded down (no standing).

-- The saddle that comes with it is passable but I put on a Brooks Champion Flyer (a B17 with springs) for the GAP/C&O trip and it was worth the extra weight. Definitely recommended for the gravel trails.

-- The Ritchey seatpost SUCKS and kept slipping in my training rides. Replace it with something heavier duty that clamps. I got a deal on a Bontrager post that clamps the seat more rigidly.

-- Same with the seatpost bolt. We had to replace that in the bike shop before I bought it to keep it from slipping. Get a bigger bolt on there.

-- The tires are decent and good for commuting but I upgraded them to Schwalbe Marathons (700x35) for the rail trails and haven't had a flat.

-- The gearing (as mentioned above) is too high for the Pittsburgh/DC area. I had a 26 tooth gear put on and it was still a bit too high for me (maybe you are stronger though). I'd go to a 24 tooth for the low gear if possible even if it means dropping the other gears down a bit as well. I never use the topmost ratios and unless you are a super athlete I doubt you would either.

Overall, I am happy with the bike but given that it's needed so many little upgrades it may make sense to spend a bit more for a higher end bike. I'll likely keep it for a few years unless I decide to do a cross-country trip or something.