Ha! Glad to hear I'm not the only one freaking out about the STP. This is my first one, too, and my concern is that I'm slower than others (10-12 mph) and struggle on hills. I have a cross-bike (is that the same as a hybrid?) that is 15+ years old, but has done the job for me (of course I don't know anything different). And I've only been training on my own, rather than doing group rides, which hopefully won't bite me in the butt.

I've been doing some strength training at the gym (and have definitely felt more sore after a long ride when I've skipped the gym for a couple weeks... so that helps). I hope to bump up to at least a couple of long rides in a row for the 4th of July weekend.

But I'm starting to get a little more excited than fearful about it, so either I'm delusional, or I'm starting to look forward to it! You are not alone, Zannabanana!