Much as I personally love road bikes, it doesn't sound to me like that would be a good choice for you. A comfort bike is fine for short, flat rides, but it's really more of a discomfort bike for anything longer. It seems like a hybrid that appeals to you would be right up your alley. I don't have any specific models in mind, but I would bet you would be happiest with a hybrid type of bike that is built around 26 inch wheels rather than 700c, or even a simple, unsuspended mountain bike (with the knobby tires swapped out for wide smoother tires such as Michelin Transworlds). Try to get one that has flat handlebars as opposed to motorcycle style "riser" bars, and then put bar ends on them. You will find those useful on your longer rides.

You don't want a bike that won't let you easily do at least 10 miles per hour for those longer, 25 miles rides.