@flashesbuck come on down not all of us are stoners that think you are not a good rider (is that enough smileys to know I'm half kidding around?)
Here is the story, first and foremost make sure your equipment is in tip top order especially tires and brakes and ppe but really all your ducks need to be in row. Second and equally important "ALWAYS, RIDE YOUR RIDE". That includes all miles for this trip including the ones getting there. Plan your trip with what ever you want to do ..BUT. Always have a way to opt out or and alt. plan. If your tired, STOP. If your over your head on a technical road, slow down. Shit happens and time tables get fucked and the last thing you need is to feel your on a set deadline to get some where. Same goes for the roads down around the gap they are a different beast than stuff up here but ANYONE can ride them just not at the paces some of us do. If you have to do half the speed limit to be safe, do it. Just keep they guy that just rode up behind you in mind at the next turn out or strait. If you give yourself plenty of time and don't have the mind set that you are going to "slay the dragon" you will be fine. And if someone invites you along on their journey, rules need to be laid out and they should be informed of what you are comfortable with.
My wife may be taking her bike and she has ridden less than 800 miles in the last 2 years and 600 of that was one trip. I have no fears of her going down there and getting in over her head because I know she's a smart rider that could care less what pace she's riding at or what time the clock says.
I'll take a smart rider over experience any day. Obviously a smart experienced rider is the perfect scenario. but even a stupid experienced rider is dangerous.