Good idea Chris, could also help with arranging transport.
As a relative newcomer to TTs myself the best advice I can give is just to give it a go. There's nothing to fear, people of all levels compete and with all sorts and standards of equipment.
I found the thing that makes the biggest difference (apart from hard training) is using clip-on tri bars. Definitely helps get a better aerodynamic position but important to practice with them lots before the event.
Also they are not very inexpensive when compared to deep sectioned wheels, aero frames etc
