I've hit 35 on a descent WITH the brakes. Combine that and the crazy pavement on that hill and I was not a happy camper!

I don't like being in the drops/hooks/whatever on a long, fast descent, because while I can brake from there, it's a bit of a stretch and I'm not entirely comfortable with it. (Well, I might be now, but I haven't had a chance to find out.) I'll stay on the hoods but scoot back in the saddle. OP, practice the more "aero" position on smaller descents. Get a bike fitting, and work on your core.