FWIW, I race Cat 3 ( which is a bit more competitive than Collegiate D) with a 50/34 and 11-23. I've never ran out of gear with that setup, including descending in Colorado
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.