If you decide to ride the race...Major good luck and let us know how it goes. My only thought would be, don't do it for him but for yourself but then I've been divorced twice so obviously I don't know squat about hubbys! LOLOL
As for the bike: since I seem to be collecting bikes now faster than I can ride em - another bike doesn't even raise an eyebrow with me!........I'd say go for it, but then I say that for just about Anything! Heck ya only live once nah?