[san rensho]

I used to race many years ago, but I still get out riding 2-4 times a week.

Find out where the group rides are in your area and then ride with them. The good riders in the group will be more than happy to coach a beginner. They will probably kick your butt in the beginning, but after a while you'll be able to keep up. Nothing more motivating than seeing a wheel up ahead that you have to catch or be dropped from the group.

As far as bikes go, you can get a good race bike for well under $2k new. My choice would be a Cannondale Caad 10, with a Shimano 105 group. The frame has great geometry for criterium or road racing and the 105 is functionally the same as the higher priced Shimano groups.

Have fun.