ultraman6970 - I'm in the Portland, Oregon area. And you are correct about me being new to the sport and in need of learning how to ride my bike alone and in groups. I have a buddy that is a more experienced rider and I've joined the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association and the Portland Velo Club, just due to my work schedule and the fact that cycling is just one of many activities I do (wrestling, boxing, trail running, swimming, throwing, etc). I haven't ridden with the club yet. Since I've turned 40, fitness is my main goal in life and since I started cycling, I've dropped down to the 255-260 range from 300lbs.
I posted a "see me now thread" here (towards the bottom of the page) -
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...s-here!/page21
Velocity rims and HD hubs - somebody else mentioned that combo to me too, I'll check it out, thanks.
cbfight - Thanks for the suggestion on the chain watcher too, the shop said they'd throw one on for free once the new crankset comes.