Glad you had a good ride too - hope DH survived as well.
The hills really do make it interesting - now that they are becoming more manageable for me, and I have developed my momentum tricks, it is more fun. I think it's faster too.
I also think that flat riding in the same position for a long time is more stress-full on your knees than a variety.
I also discovered:
-Do not eat Peanut butter on a century
-Chamois butter works
-You can drink too much water
-I need to look into those energy drinks before I tackle 111 miles.
Sounds like you are more than ready to do amore demanding ride - hope your DH can find time to train too - you really do need company on the long ones! I wish my husband could find the time to train, it would be fun to do this together.