Jessica,

You are in Tampa- which race are you looking at?( Ocala stage race I assume from what you described).

I would advise going out on some group rides in your area- like San An. They will give you a feel of what the race will feel like. Especially since the 1st day of Ocala is hilly and San Ann is in the hills and will give you the race speed and group feeling.


the faster A group rides will get you ready for what racing feels like