Triathlon - Good source for upcoming Tri's in So Cal? (and other newbie questions...)

I looked at Active.com and Cooltri.com and found completely different events listed. Is there a 'one-stop' site for tri events? What are the best ones to use for planning out your calendar. Also, an advice regarding joining USAT or other organizations? Thanks. Looking forward to my first Tri!

Look here: http://www.raceplace.com/
There is a mulit-sport section.

Also check out www.trifind.com.

Good advice so far. Where in So Cal are you and what distances are you planning to race?

The Strawberry Fields Tri in Oxnard is a lot of fun (sprint). You can't be afraid of waves though. Check out this thread http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=92776&highlight=strawberry+fields and look for post #10 to see pics of the waves. It is held in March.

I also enjoyed the Desert International Tri in Palm Springs in April. If you want to step up to Half IM, there is the Ralph's event down in San Diego...actually lots of sprints and Int'l down that way as well (spring and early summer).

I joined USAT...it pays for itself if you do three or more races per year...plus they keep rankings. I've had good luck with the events that are sanctioned...and some not so good luck with ones that weren't.

Thanks Roadie Gal and Heresy. CJ, I'm in Costa Mesa (we've PM'd, remember?) I'm an avid bodysurfer so bring on the waves. I'll be doing sprints for the first part of the year but hope to do an Oly - maybe in September or so if my knees cooperate.

Oh yeah...sorry, I guess you really do start to lose your mind in your late 30's...

Sign up for Oxnard (Strawberry Fields)...it's on a Saturday and the race doesn't start until 9 AM (I think) so you can get a good night's sleep. On the way home, you can stop at the In N' Out in Camarillo and have a double-double...the preferred food of triathlon!

Last time I stayed up there at the Embassy Suites...will probably do that again.

Working on updating the listings on trifuel. Let me know what I'm missing...

http://www.trifuel.com/races/California/

thanx.