Thank you all so, so much for your suggestions. You have thought of things I never would have. I suppose I was focused on flat bars for their (in my perception) easier bike handling. Perhaps I should just learn to increase my bike handling skills with the drop bars, particularly off road! Changing hand position is very important and I didn't think about the lack of opportunities with the flat bars.

I guess I was mistaken about the comfort of the aero bars too! Floyd looks so comfy in his "praying mantis" position! The TT bars sound interesting and I'll definitely have to check those out as well as all of the bikes you ladies suggested.

I think a cyclocross bike might be in my future! It is such an adventure to find the right one!