Hey velo, glad to have you aboard.

Yeah, the country side is great, this place is one of the bike-friendliest in the world, especially road bikes. As for winter, you will get plenty of time on the indoor trainer whilst looking out the window at the snow. All depends on your temperature tolerances. I generally don't like using an indoor bike trainer, so I either jog or use my Concept 2-D indoor rower when the mercury drops down low. But when spring arrives we know some great routes. All depends on how much you like hill-climbing!

I haven't had to the chance to try racing yet, but maybe when you get here get in touch with this bunch:

http://www.rcseebach.ch/

They might fill you in.