OP - you'll never, never know, until you give it a go! There is no shame in being shelled - it simply makes you more determined!

On another note, do you have Handicap races over there in your road-racing? They are a great way to get into racing and everyone gets a chance.

For those who don't know, a Handicap works like this:-

Weakest riders start on Limit bunch at 0 minutes;

Strongest riders start on Scratch - which has a time gap of x minutes starting AFTER Limit.

Middle bunches are spread throughout between Limit and Scratch, according to ability.

If the handicapping of riders is well-planned and they ride to expecations, the bunch generally comes together in the closing part of the race, ie in the final 10-15% of the race distance. If the handicapping is a tad out of whack, anyone can get up for the win.

Naturally, all participants are properly licensed under our national cycling body's scheme, so it isn't a free-for-all, which could create issues regarding safety, etc.

Handicaps here that have developed strong reputations over the years are the Melbourne to Ballarat, Melbourne to Warrnambool, etc.

The Melbourne to Warrnambool Cycling Classic

Sorry to go OT, just curious as to whether such events exist in the US.

cheers