I don't live near you hun so I"m not much help there. and Someone will post what you need for training. What I CAN help you with is: I ride alone! I do all my riding, running, hiking alone and Love it! There are several clubs here in town but I just haven't seemed to have the motivation to try out any of them. Because so many women here have had such wonderful, positive things to say about group and/or club rides - I may try one of the clubs this weekend (if Snow doesn't take me MTB'ng!!!) but I really do enjoy my time on the bike so we'll see. I'm sure someone will suggest riding with people that are better than you once in awhile to help you build up, so maybe the club ride in your area could be used as a gage to how well you're doing! Whatever, have fun and ride!.....it's more than a lot of people are doing!!