I have a friend who (in a nice way) pokes fun at me every time he sees me in biking garb. He and his partner ride everywhere. They have one car, and barely use it. He's done lots of long rides, just bought a Rivendell Atlantis (drool), and you know what - I don't think he owns a pair of bike shorts. And I know for sure there are no clipless pedals at his house or bike jerseys. All of his bikes have kickstands too But he RIDES. That's what matters. Get on your bike - in whatever is comfortable for you - and enjoy it! Who cares what others think??? You have the bike, and what you need for safety. The rest is just personal preference

CA

PS - I can virtually guarantee that you won't be the "least technical" one on your big ride. On the MS ride year before last, there was a guy on a bent with no biking garb and crocs. He had a basket (with flowers on it) on the front of his bike, and a little boom box. Guess who everyone wanted to ride near??