My first IBA ride, an SS1600, coincided with a FarRide to Mitchell QLD and while I nailed it, it was a true test of character. By this I mean there were a whole lot of 'firsts' that had to be dealt with.
Firstly, a midnight start, just because so many other LD riders did it so I thought I should try it. It won't surprise anyone to hear that starting a ride just after you would normally be retiring for the night is a bad idea and led to my being awake for 12 hours before getting on the bike!
Secondly, standard lights on a bike suck and mean using a lot of mental energy at night that could otherwise be saved. Especially when it's foggy!
Thirdly, that nagging "gotta keep going" feeling leads to stupid, fatigue induced actions/decisions on the back end of the ride because I didn't take the time to forward plan the next leg of the ride properly before getting on the bike, leading to roadside stops to eat, drink, adjust layers, etc.
Fourthly, all of the above meant that I found myself on the side of the road doing star jumps to wake myself up - I swore to myself that this would never happen again.
There is more but you get the drift...