Jamis makes some very good bikes. The Aurora will be good for most road riding and long rides.

It won't be super-fast, but a bike built for pure speed a) won't be particularly comfortable, b) won't work well for touring, and c) won't get you any more or less fit than a touring bike.

The LHT is really more of a pure touring bike, by the way. If touring is a minor concern, and the Aurora fits, go for it.