Is there anyone out there that has ridden or owns BOTH bikes and can
tell me how the ride between the two differs?

Is the Cross Check more nimble and quicker responding? Seem more "lively"?

I'm very interested in the previous post abt the guy who outfitted his
racing bike for overnight touring and how much fun it was.

I can only afford one bike and don't want a race bike so was thinking
of cross bike that could do what he has done and also serve as
commuting bike.... yet still feel lively and fast like his setup