See if you can find a friendly bike club to ride with. Some clubs can be a bit snobbish and testosterone laden, but the club I joined is very Noob friendly. Even the heavy hitters (25- 29 mph riders) are willing to coach and encourage noobs. "No one get's dropped" is the motto, and a senior member will stay with someone who can't keep up. The club is very social, and club riding really keeps you on your toes. It has really helped me a lot.