Hey roguedog-
Welcome to the forum! The women here in the Bay Area are great and incredibly patient with newbies (I was one too not that long ago). I am out of town for the summer, but when I get back at the beginning of October it sounds like we probably live really close to each other. I will be living on the southern boarder of Palo Alto right on San Antonio near Middlefield. We should get together and ride sometime, there are so many great rides right in the neighborhood without having to fight all the people on the paths at Shoreline.

I haven't ridden with any of the clubs that you mentioned, but have ridden with most of the women who have already replied to your message, and they are all great. I would highly recommend tagging along next time there is a TE ride in the area.

Good luck, and I will let you know when I get back into town.