Just for a bit more feedback...

I've played competitive team sports all my life. I played soccer as a child, soccer and volleyball in HS, and volleyball in college. When I started cycling, I think what really held me back from racing initially was because I thought I was too weak of a biker to race. I'm competitive and I like to do well in what I do. I biked with guys only and I was terrible compared to them causing me to think I would be humiliated racing. Don't get me wrong, they were supportive and said I was doing well, but I compared my beginner skills to their advanced skills and did not think I was capable of racing. Now, after riding with girls a couple times and advancing my skills, I'm more confident and hope to start racing next season.