When I did not know better back in 1972, I did that. Cool Lemon 26" frame with stock saddle.
I was 18, in 2nd yr of college, 6'4" and 220#s, only road bike a store would sell me. Two friends from school both road cross country with Wondering Wheels on Schwinn Continentals, so i did my best and finnished in 8:43, and I wore that bike seat (or ghost of it) for the next two weeks.

Upgraded when full time employment secured to a Continental, fitted with a Brooks B15 look alike, and the saddle comfort was much better, and I enjoyed distance rides, and had two sub 7 hour rides for 100 mi tours. This bike was liberated from my home one evening and never seen again.

Saddle selection is important, bike frame and fit is important, knowledge of your weaknesses is important, and love to ride is most important.

never do because some else asks, do it because you want to complete it.

Do select a comfortable saddle.

Carry enough hydration supply, Camel pack, seat post read dual bottle racks are options. Also, if I recall, RAID expects you to provide own SAG support on the road, (not rest stops).

If the case, one or two bottles will have you covered.

I still like the Schwinn frames, have 1 road ready Continental (80), set with bars even with seat, and a 87 Traveler set more aggressively, (stem does not have enough length). But for me today it is about comfort.