How do you get into bike racing?
I'm a pretty experienced runner and I race on foot quite regularly. There always seems to be an abundance of races of all distances to do by foot, wherever you are. (I'm in LA)
I'd love to get into bike racing - particularly, mountain bike racing. I'm much more of a climber than a downhiller (probably no downhill only races for me...can't afford to get injured), and I'd love to do some cross-country style races with moderately technical singletrack and big climbs.
With the great weather down here in SoCal, I'm sure there are races nearby - I just can't seem to find them or the community of people who race around here.
Can anyone help me get started? Groups/organizations/locales would be welcome. Also, what I should expect from a beginner race - anything special I need to bring?