Hi Kumari, I'm from Raleigh too - lots of NCers riding lately I bought the same kind of bike - Specialized Allez Elite. I am in love with it!! Just bought a new computer because my old got really freaky on me so I'm trying to figure how to install the cadence stuff.

Haven't been on a tarwheel ride but I've seen them. I've only done two group rides - both were 23 miles and over some killer hills near the end. A lot of fun though!! They leave from Cyclingspoken here in Apex every Tuesday and Sunday. It's a really neat group with a no drop policy. They advertise 14-26 mph but you go 15-17 mph.

Good luck with all your riding, I'm sure we'll see you on the road soon!!