Ditto what Maxine said - but I can add some more insight.

When you say "the Hawaii one" do you mean the Honolulu Century or something else? Your chances of doing Honolulu this year are not good since it was last weekend! However, as Maxine said, if you sign up for an event, you will do that specific event.

In terms of "group" riding, it is typically once a week, with progressively longer riders. Depending on your speed, you might be out til about 2 or 3 in the afternoon for your team's longest ride, which is generally 75 - 85 miles. During the week, you'll train on your own.

My husband and I have both coached for TNT for about 5 years now. We have a you child also, and often make the events a family affair by bringing her along (with helpful grandparents, etc.) So bring you husband and kids to the event.

I can also highly recommend the Tahoe ride, in June. It is a beautiful location. The Honolulu century was a great success, though it can be warm and humid. Being from the Gulf Coast, that's probably pretty usual riding weather for you! The terrain at Honolulu is pretty flat.

There is support for the fundraising. They make it as easy as possible for you and with the advent of the online fundraising sites (where you just go to a site to make your donation) it is a lot easier for people to donate than when I first started with TNT in 1999.

Good luck!