I'm planning to ride down later today to catch the cat1/2/3 group. I was planning on racing but I decided not too. I'm down there a lot, and I've ridden the course a few times.
As for improvement- Ride 9W up to Nyack or Bear Mountain, or ride route 9 (this side of the river) up to Ossining or Tarrytown. (50+ miles from Brooklyn) Do FAST rides (Nyack, Gimbels, rides with the NYCC, etc.)