Wow,

Very informative stuff! Thank you. I'm beginning to feel like I'm understanding this now. Velo-girl, I am interested in the Tuesday night ride, but isn't it in Woodside? May be a bit far for me to negotiate. Petra, I can't imagine someone next to me asking me to take it slow for her sake while in a race!
I've seen the Tri-Flow thing, but I think I missed the signup deadline for the next one, (I'll have to check out the website again). I do know I definately want to get some skills before considering if racing is even for me. I do love hearing about all this though, because it's wonderful inspiration to take to the road and to improve.