We will be heading out at 0830 tomorrow morning. See y'all when we get there should be there between 1030 and 1100. Let's us know where you want to meet.
You will have no issues with being able to enjoy your food on a cruise, I suggest you do the sit down dinner and breakfast. You can still have as much as you want but they bring it to you.
I did a cruise last year with a bunch of other riders, it was my first (non-Navy) and I enjoyed it but if I had been by myself I am not sure I would have.
Sure sounds like the fuel pump, try bypassing the fuel pump and see if it runs. You can replace the pump with an aftermarket for around $50 if you do not want to shell out the money for an OEM.
There are several VR members in your area and I am sure one of them would be glad to look at your bike with you. If it is it the sound that is keeping you from going over 70 I would not worry about it since the rev limiters on these bikes are set well below the point where you will do any damage. I have hit the rev limiter in each gear (just to see for myself) and 75 is really nothing for these bikes. On my bike 75 is a sweet spot and it quiets down and just purrs.