Hi Zen! I am in Austin (actually 20-30 miles NW of the city). I normally ride really long training rides with the husband on Sundays, but he wants me to find some people to ride with on other days so he can train for racing. So I might be able to ride with you some when you get here (and I won't hold it against you that you are heading to UT).
The ACA rides are good if it is the right ride. Sometimes I end up dropped and riding by myself which stinks. This time of the year is a pretty good time to join them though, the turn out is better and less likely you will end up all alone.
Amanda
2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er | Specialized Phenom | "Marie Laveau"
2007 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road | Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow | "Miranda"
You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great. -Lee J. Colan