You say "adding a bike to the posse" like it's a bad thing.
Does your SS have cantilever brakes and enough clearance to run 32 mm tires? (SS not fixie)
It really is a lot of fun and intense. The injuries are usually less severe (slower speed + softer landing) and the crowd, while enthusiastic and full of some really strong riders, is very relaxed.
__________________
“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." (Churchill)
"I am a courageous cyclist." (SpongeDad)