Thanks everybody for the nice welcome! This website is an incredible find and I've learned a lot already!
Biking Chick - I definitely plan on "just doing it", and can't wait to start!
Nuthatch - I just recently moved to Illinois from Wisconsin, and although WI is a nice place to ride, I am LOVING Illinois and all of the rides are a fun way to keep pushing myself further! I think that I'm going to sign up for the Arlington 500 (although it's truly only 68 miles - not 500) next!