One of my friends bought last year's model of that bike, and has loved it. She went from not having ridden a bike since grade school to doing 20-30 mile rides on it by the end of last summer.

I also saw someone doing a 2-day, 200-mile ride on the same bike last year. I first saw her early in the first day, and then I saw her roll into Portland at the end of the second day.

*I* wouldn't attempt something like that, but apparently it's doable. (With a smile even, as she was grinning ear-to-ear when she made her way across the finish.)

I agree that you should go to the shop and try out some other types of bikes, and then decide what you feel like fits your needs best. It could be this bike, or it could be something else entirely. You won't know unless you check out what else is out there.

Good luck!