Welcome Ellen! I am excited for you. (And these Townies look fabulous! What color did you get?)

I don't know about the Riding Hood course but if it's fairly flat I'd certainly try it if I were you. You will want to buy appropriate shorts/capris whatever though to make it more comfy. There are TONS of training plans and advice available on this web site (try from the Team Estrogen home page the various articles available too) and others too. Drinking LOTS of water is important, and so is eating properly before, during and after rides. Even if you have weight to loose. (Which doesn't mean you should pig out of course.) Read on this too (check out the nutrition section of this web site).

I'm glad you feel hooked already. Just have FUN, the rest will follow...