welcome to the board mjv. sorry I'm not from your area but give it some time - I'm pretty sure we've got some NC ppl here. There's a thread under open titled "getting to know you" give you some giggles learning about us and if you're so inclined - tell us a lil sumpin about you.
As for riding alone, I ride just about everywhere alone including my first and second century! It was scary at first and I was afraid to ride on the streets but there is a peacefulness and solitude that you just don't get when riding with other people. Be like Nike - Just Do It!! You'll wonder after what the big deal was!!
oh.....and tell us all about it - we Love storys!
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming: "Yeah Baby! What a Ride!"