well i guess iherald isn't riding the hairshirt so i needn't impart any wisdom about it. i'd love to do it again this year but i fear i haven't put enough training miles in yet. in my experience you should be able to do a 100km ride painlessly by mid-april if you don't want to suffer. or be mitch. either one... joining the randonneurs is a good idea as they will teach you to ride sensibly and know your own pace.
if there was enough interest in riding as a group i could be motivated....