Jeff.When I posted 'WHAT A BUMMER' , it was for the fact that you are so far away and people didn't respond to your post for a while.People genuinely want to see you do well in the sport . Think of this - if you had success in the comps , sponsors would look at your travelling expenses , . What I am trying to say is if you are that dedicated to riding these comps , it might be cheaper to spend the season living in Europe .
We have similar problems here in the UK with the the bicycle Fed's and recognition of the sport.Catch 22.