Well CC,
It sounds like you are off to a good start. You are familiar with the terrain, you are already riding a fair amount, sounds like you have a good attitude.....

Night riding...interesting situation. Have you done that yet? Whole new ball game. If you have not, get out and do some....

As far as getting faster. I am sure there are all sorts of training techniques that you can find online, and that other riders will chime in with, but what worked for me is simple...

Ride with faster riders. There is a pain curve involved...yep, sometimes it ain't pretty, but it has worked. The other night in training I posted the fasted time I have ever ridden, took three full mins off my previous lap time.
All as a result of spending the summer riding with my Lightening Speed Boys....They ride, I chase, and the gap gets smaller!!!!

Please keep us posted on your training and your approach.....