1.Favorite Shorts: Voler (www.velowear.com). The women's and the Tri have nice minimal padding (good for tri and mtb) but the Canterra pad in the "mens" shorts is nice for longer road rides.

2.Chamois Butt'r: Just remember that "butt butter" is for chafing . It won't solve bike-fit or saddle issues. If chafing is indeed your problem, go for the lube. I find that I might need a little lube on longer rides at the beginning of the season. By May/June I have (close your eyes if you are squeamish )
sort of these callosous (sp?) on my sit-bones. Yeah TMI....

3. Aerobars: No opinions on brands. See what your LBS can do for you. Just remember to practice riding in them before your event. Make sure that you are smooth and steady. Use good common sense on the century...NO aerobar-use in the pace line please!

4. Food: I'm with you on the real-food thing. Gel is for racing. On a supported century eat whatever your stomach can handle. I like to stick with bland/not greasy too. Bananas, Fig Newtons, pretzles (salt!). Later in the ride, perhaps some fruit or 1/2 a PBJ. Carry a bar and/or gel "just in case" and be sure to drink something with sugar/calories (I like watered-down Gatorade).

5.Eyes: I use disposable contact lenses with cycling glasses. I have a few friends who have sprung for the sport-specific glasses...big $$$ but worth it in their opinion. Try to work with your optometrist on this. They may be aware of brands and deals that the popular cycling mail-order places are not.

Good luck and have fun!