as a do it all bike a cross would make sense. the axis can take a rack with fenders so as a commuter it is fine (I own one). That said, if you are thinking centuries I wouldn't chose a CX bike. I have riden the axis 100 in a day and the al frame starts to show its colors around mile 60 ... but don't get me wrong it would be fine. I have also upgraded the brakes and crank from stock. For a road only brake I wouldn't chose a canti braking system.
good luck on the ride, Travis