Yes, PBP is special, and while it is very expensive, it is blast. I highly recommend riding it. It is more of an international cycling experience than a bike ride. Take a look at the long distance forum, people are already starting to figure out how to ride it in 2011. There is a very good reason why, it is the best cycling event for an amateur rider on the planet.

Normally, I try and maintain things between rides, and AndrOid is correct by saying that there is no need to grind up things needlessly.