Hanging out and hanging on at Simi

I'll be heading out to do the well known SoCal Simi ride this Saturday. My legs need to get used to the burn again and this ride will definitely do it. It's described by Velonews as one of the toughest preseason rides in the country. The SoCalCycling site's description states, " This ride is famous for not only it's beautiful scenery but also for the riders it attracts. In the 80's riders such as Greg LeMond and Andy Hampsten were reported to have frequented this awesome ride. Today it's a who's who of National and International pro's especially in January when the ride grows to an amazing 250-300 riders.. "

The goal will be to finish with the lead group, but I know that's pretty lofty for my first time at this training ride. I'll hang on as best I can and save a little juice for the hilly sections in the latter half of the ride. I'll probably switch out the 21-11 for the 23-11 just to make sure that I don't blow my legs out too soon. That way if it does come down to me and a couple of the Discovery boys, who might be down from Santa Barbara, I can pull a Petacchi.