i just started riding again about a month ago after nothing for the last decade. i did my first race last weekend(cyclocross race), came in last place in the cat c.- but finished, didn't puke, and didn't get in anyones way. it was about the hardest 35 minutes of my life, i was like a zombie the rest of the day, but it was totally fun. next one is this weekend.
the only way to get experience is to do it!