women's racing.

I fall into the "used to race" category (3 road/expert mtb). Too busy, poor, distracted, fill-in-the-blank, to race these days.

For those of you "thinking of racing". Go for it. Best way, in my mind, to make life-time cycling friends and really get involved 100% in the sport.

On coaches/teams: find someone local. Seriously. All the on-line stuff is "ok" but to really push your cycling to the next level you need training partners and a coach who can actually see you RIDE. USAcycling has a coach-finder.

On group rides: It's not just for companionship. If you are considering doing ANY type of road racing (other than time trials) you NEED those group-riding skills. If you are not comfortable bumping, rubbing shoulders and cornering at speed in a group you are not ready to race a RR or Crit. I have often found that Master's men make good training partners for women of any age.

Good luck and have fun out there...