Preparation for this ride will mean a little bit of Carbo loading for a week before the ride, so why limit the Italian to just one meal?
Attempting a ride like this after only 4 months is brave, and I mean brave. Don't mean that I do not think you can do it, but it is a big step to undertake a ride like this. Your fitness will be there, but your backside and Brain may not be. Remember when it starts to hurt, there are many 20 year olds that cannot do a ride like this and you will get through. Pity You will not be doing it on an organised ride, or will you? as then you can show the youngsters that you do not have to be young to do a ride like this.
All it takes is determination, attitude, good fitness and a poker face that does not show the pain you will feel at some part of the ride. You imagine the faces your comrades will pull when you tell them about the ride. Still 6 weeks- time to lay a few bets to get a few beers in after the ride.
Only warning is that long distance riding is addictive. It also hurts the wallet as you then want abetter bike to do the LONGER rides on, and then theres the clothing, Oh and then theres the special food, Like Italian, Indian and Chinese, to give you the energy to do the next ride