Out-of-shape-ness

I finally got the OK to ride a bike (finally being after not quite a week... I guess its not that long), so I rode in to work today. I want to go mountain biking in the afternoon, and its a lot closer to work than to where I live, so I rode in on my Aegis. As I was peacefully pedalling up a [the only] hill, a guy on a road bike goes by. Kind of fast. End of "easy ride" plan. As I actually put some power into the pedals, I realized that I really want to race. It doesn't matter how out of shape I am. I want to race! I guess this means I can start the skiing year. Mentally, I'm ready. Its time to start training.