Here's a race calendar pulled up on google:
http://www.nybc.net/clubs/calendar/2005raceevents.shtml

Ooh, and another:
http://spokepost.com/calendar/

I strongly suggest getting *some* group riding skills. A good start would probably be a circuit race, which tends to have a longer lap therefore a more technical course that breaks things up a bit, but without having the tedious miles of a road race. Go to the race site, check to see that they have Cat 4 women field, and do it! Show up about an hour before start time, register, warm up, and do your darnedest.

Heck, c'mon out to the Raccoon Rally, http://www.heartrateup.com/ and join the men's 4/5 group like I'm going to!