One of the stores used frequently as a control here is famous for its clam chowder. Creamy, New England style clam chowder. While I love soup on a brevet, I can't even imagine clam chowder on a ride of any length. The randonneurs here love it - it is legendary. That store also has some awesome pork tamales, which are my choice for a snack when I'm there.

It's funny trying to compare distances on events. Every ride is so different that it would be hard to say categorically (as we both have just done) that we prefer X distance over Y distance. I had a crazy fast and fun 400k this year on a very similar course to the 600k. The 600k we had issues arise with a friend who tagged along with us and it caused our sleep stop plan to go completely out the window. It seems like you have really nailed (and been able to be consistent about) the sleep stop issue. For me that's been harder.

And it's also really hard for me to do rides that go more than one day. I only have 3 years til my kid is off to college. She actually enjoys spending time with me - I spent much of this weekend's 600k feeling sad that I wasn't with her. I can bang out a 300 or 400k and be home the same day if I choose a local event. For even a local 600, that's not possible. I was considering the RM 1200 for next year, but I have pretty much ruled that out. Maybe PBP 2015.

ETA: Don't worry too much about the 22 hour 400k you need for your 1000. The weather should be MUCH better, you have a lot of good quality riding under your belt since your last 400k and you should be fine. I just can't wait to read the ride report!