Even though it is a "race" I'm not trying to race. My goal is to just finish in the allotted time, which is 3 hours for 26.5 miles. Here in Houston it wouldn't be a problem, but from what I've been told it's very hilly there and that's something I know nothing about. I figure clipless will give me more power and I'll be able to use my "pull" muscles on my legs along with my "push" muscles. That's my main goal.