I've done the Ride for the Heart three years running now. It's a great event, and very well organized. If you're in the Southwest and want to try an Iron Butt you can't find a better one to get your start! 
You could flog yourself with a 2x4, it'll heal more-quickly, and you could still surf the 'Net for pRon........Instead of doing the IronButt and going through all that, could I just stick needles in my eyes and call it a day? :-D