I've got a few good things you can do and I can be specific since you are local -ryanspeer said:I don't see myself really wanting to do time trials. I want endurance races with the pack. Mano-el-mano. In 2 or 3 years I'd love to be racing cat 4 or cat 3. You can't get there by playing safe and hoping someone will wave you on through to the lead pack. I just don't see how avoiding a learning situation will help you learn. It doesn't sound rational to me at all.
1. Meet the team rides start in September - the exact times and teams will be posted on the WSBA web site soon www.wsbaracing.com
They all leave from Perts Deli in Leshi (thats on Lake Washington in Seattle) I know its a little far for you to come, but there are plenty of guys from your area who are on Seattle teams, but mostly train up north. Not only will you get to ride with teams and meet experienced racers, but people will give you tips for safe riding too.
2. Take a skills clinic at Cycle U http://www.cycleu.com/Services/Road.aspx
There are several road skills clinics coming up and they run racing specific clinics that can earn you your CAT 5 to 4 upgrade. (5 to 4 can be earned through experience or clinic work - you don't have to win anything to get this upgrade)
3. Go on more group rides - you could try some of the Cascade CTS rides. Though I really don't think that these will prepare you for racing, they will however get you started with safe pacelining. www.cascade.org