You might want to contact some of the local SoCal racing clubs...there's an index online. Might be a training series going on near you with Clyde Cat. 5...easy intro.
that mountain clyde sounds fun as hell, But I think attampting it with standard gearing would be foolish. Your such a nice guy bob, I should get you some shimano stuff....Snicker TY for the info though
Don't tell anyone, but one of my track bikes has a Dura Ace crankset on it.
"TY for the info though"
No sweat. The locals will know a lot more. the racier bike shops will point you in the right direction.
Cali has enough of a racer base that they can give the Clydes their own fields, finishing positions, awards, etc. Here in Ohio the fields are thinner and Clydes normally are just field filler...unless it's a flat crit and they are 225 pounds and 6' 4" of muscle.
If you are fit, Lurch or not, you may just crush a Cat. V or IV field in criterium races.