I'd like to try a few races this summer. How fast do I need to be to survive/not come in last, at the beginning level? (I don't need to place but I don't want to be last). Cruising speed on a 35+mile ride is 18-22 mph, the fastest I've ever hit and maintained for any distance on the flats (with no hill assistance) is 27 (this wasn't for more than half a mile or so though and I was definitely working anaerobically). My cornering skills are not good at all. I'm trying to improve my shifting, i.e, actually using the big chainring, and generally doing a better job shifting during climbs.

Thanks for your advice...