Well you all are probably sick of me by now...sorry...
Went out for the club's Tuesday night race last night and had a blast. Rode with the C group (A,B,C flights totalling about 50 riders, which apparently is a low turnout) for about an 8.5 mile, flat-rollingish loop. People were very helpful teaching me how to ride in the peloton and once a few of us were dropped from the pack I traveled most of the race with an experienced rider, John, who was only in the C flight by way of a chest cold. We traded drafts most of the way, and finally reeled in an escapee who had been just in our sight for a few miles. He tried to escape again but I managed to bridge the gap he was opening, although I lost John in the process. I sprinted ahead at the finish to nab fourth from last (haha, probably 7th out of 11th?) but maybe that was a faux-pas in a relaxed club race? Most everyone goes for another lap but I was happy with one and took an easy ride back to the meeting point (about 5 miles from the race loop). Next week is a hilly course, only one lap, but at least I have a better idea of what to expect. I was worried that I'd be dropped immediately and be time trialling on my own but as it turned out I had a great time and finished well enough for me, and thanks to the nice help of others I learned a lot about etiquette and technique.
I am so happy with cycling right now! Tomorrow will be a slow ride and then the TT again on Thursday. Exciting...