HillSlug--It's only 25 miles, so why not come along? I'll invite my hybrid-riding husband so you won't be the only hybrid rider in the group (he refuses to let me buy him a road or touring bike and rode--suffered?--that hybrid in the Covered Bridge Metric).
I'm a morning person and the earlier you get out, the fewer people you encounter. Believe me, it's worth skipping sleeping in and you can always take a nap in the afternoon.
I'll do my best to make it, so long as weekend chores, etc. don't get in the way. If my ankle continues to feel strong, I'm going to do the Seagull on Saturday, but if my tendonitis comes back, I might not be able to join you, regardless (need to keep to pavement, if that's the case).