THANK YOU and a couple of questions

[Geonz]

And mainly... don't let your attitude keep you down.

I, too, sometimes look back and know I would never have believed (and nobody with any sense would have either) that the nerd who was the old 'last one picked' soul who *still* ducks when the ball comes would end up averaging 16+mph for 200 km. on a cycle.
It didn't happen overnight... and since I was used to having my own agendas for physical activities (I just function better with exercise) and made a career of keeping swim team coaches honest (you mean you *really* don't make cuts? You *really* just want people who try hard? Yes, my times are *that* slow... now, if they had races on kickboards...) I was used to taking a long time and lots of practice to learn things and being at the back of the pack.
Okay, so you might not have the hidden strenghts... so don't try the 127 miles. 35, though, is totally attainable, and the technology is awesome on the new bikes. Plus, you won't be doing it in front of BF. Do it for YOUR reasons.

I don't do chammy butter either... a bike that fits and comfy shorts are fine for me (if it's only 35 miles I don't need padded shorts). But get a bike that fits, that YOU like to ride... I'm still not clipless-pedalled (too cheap; have toe clips, though) and ride an upright with small tires 'cause it's what feels good under my butt, and my butt's what I have to answer to :-)