I have converted my HT for road duties as cannot afford to buy a road bike and while i cannot compare it to a road bike it is pretty good. Swapped bits over a few months.
I have narrow slicks on it, 24/36/48 chainrings (24 never gets used and 36 hardly does either, swapped my 44 for the 48 too), rigid forks and bar ends.
Definitely get fast rolling tyres, makes a huge difference.
Agree with glasgowdan, put a big ring on there.
As for bar ends, go for it. I was skeptical at first but bought a cheap set and they are great. Different hand positions, stretch your back out while riding, pull on the bike while climbing etc etc.
If it is for one ride you can always take them off again after.
Good luck with it.