I've had a blast riding 50mph+ on these things, but I agree, its only fun as I look back while still in one piece. Any time I get above 30 around cars it's more fear than fun. I worry that my front tire might overheat and blow while riding. That's happened twice as I pulled into a gas station after long rides, excessive rim brake use heats the tires up tremendously and makes the psi spike above max pressure. I ride about midway between min and max now, no issues since. Not sure why it didn't fail while riding other than the wind cooled it off, sitting still had no wind... my best guess. Holy crap is it scary riding next to a bus or semi truck at high speeds, their turbulence has me wrestling the handlebars to continue in a straight line.
I'm honestly about to do like you and gear for 35ish just for the sake of the bicycle components and my health while riding on the street, till race day at least. Wonder if i can just force myself to ignore 3rd gear?