I ride the Cannondale T2000 which, if memory serves, is not _vastly_ different from the 800. I used it primarily for commuting at first. The ability to throw on the panniers, load it with clothing, lunch, and the laptop and still retain excellent stability on the 40mph way-home downhill was great.
Now I'm logging a few purely recreational miles -- 50-60 mile rides a few times a week. Invariably, I come up on some (incredibly beautiful) Merlins, Hollands, Sevens, Treks, etc. I'll always hang comfortably with them on the flats, then get dropped on the hills -- unless I choose to work pretty hard (I always do!). No matter. Two minutes after the crest of the hill, I'm right back with them, and this with three bottles, lunch, my lock (way too heavy for serious roadies to carry!) and a portable cd player all in the bags.
I've also taken the 35c tires on miles of non-technical trails. It's very much at home here. Stable handling, poised, sure-footed, and with gobs of braking power provided by the canti's.
Do I want a road bike? Ohhhhh, yeah! But I bought the right bike for the time and will happily keep it for the forseeable future, adding some low-budget credit-card touring to the activities.
Best,
Neil