Silksheets is a great ride, we did that route on the last Tour de cure and had a blast. My job was letting Emil (Team type one pro rider) draft me for the entire time so he had fresh legs for his race afterwards.
I went up to the Gaps again on Saturday to suffer on the climbs, that is one ride you need to do once you are ready. I'll be at the Covington century drilling it up front as usual so be sure to say "hey". You can't miss me, I'll be the big guy in the apb kit. You will enjoy the century, it's a fast one!
-Scott