You only live like a mile and a half from me - that *was* us on that ride - remember talking to you. Give me a call if you want to go riding anytime - 817-492-9438. We'll definately do another big weekend ride from my house around that same time. The Tues/Thurs ride is a really fast group ride with some big hills, so it might be a little tough on you at first.
I ride a p-38, a tica lowracer, and a trek pilot. I dunno about how strong I am, but strong enough to ride these things and not die
Yes bents get to start before the main swarm of riders, and many of us will be there for sure. My best advice is just to ride as much as possible, of course. If you want to be a fast cyclist do intervals - if you want to be a good climber do hill repeats - that kind of thing.