New to forum and race

Just wanted to say hello and thanks for all the great information on this forum. I will be doing the Tour Divide this year (2013) on the GD date. Most likely southbound, but also considering Northbound to take advantage of possible better weather. I have been riding/racing for about 20 years, but never any serious endurance stuff like this. I am really excited about the race. I just haven't figured out what bike to use yet. Thinking rigid niner or possibly a cross bike. Has anyone ever raced this on a cross bike? I am a little worried it would be too "fragile" to hold up. I'm in the process of selling off most of my other bikes to fund this, so have some options on a new bike. I'm looking forward to meeting the other racers where ever I end up starting.