Wow thanks Bike Momma - that is one of the kindest and most sincere responses I have ever received. Thank you all for the encouragement.

I will of course let you know how it goes in LA. The exact dates are August 10-13. In the meantime I'm preparing for battle this weekend at a local crit called Derby Days - with $80 premes! It should be a rockin' time. I'll post the results of course....