I lived in Texas for 5 years. Riding in Washington is wetter and hillier, but with lots less wind and lots less heat in the summer.
Here's a link to some more routes around the state. This is a directory of routes fomr a Seattle-based club, but they do have some routes in your area:
www.seattlebiketours.org/members/library.html
When you get ready for basic wet-weather gear, try one of the REI stores in the area (like the flagship store in downtown Seattle). They stock a lot of wet-weather riding gear, esp. in the winter. On many group rides you'll be expected to show up w/fenders or Race Blades, unless you want to ride at the back...One other thing to consider -- you might consider riding w/a blinky if you don't already; we have a lot of gray / gloomy days in the fall and winter, when it's perfectly OK to be out riding but you might want a little extra visibility.