The reason I have a lot of bikes is I have a yearly tradition. I ride this event every year.(I couldn't make it last year) Every year, I find an old steel C & V bike, rehab it, and ride that event on it. It only gets a shakedown ride to make sure everything works, some years the day before the event. I've even done stuff like new bar tape in the hotel the night before. It's the ultimate blind test ride to get to know the bike. Never been disappointed yet. Grins the whole ride while feeling out the bikes. Since I missed last year, last year's bike is this year's bike. The cycle continues. I've descended that mountain a couple of time on a early 70's bike with Mafac Racer centerpulls......in the rain. As long as you have enough gearing to get up the hills, it's all good. Exciting stuff!
https://www.ymcacva.org/storming-thunder-ridge