Cyclocross Racing - So Cal courses, what to expect?

Hey there. I'm building up my first CX bike and plan to race this season. What can I expect from the courses here in Southern California? Any specific recommendations you would give a noob based on type of courses most commonly used. Mud? Hills? Pavement? All of the above?

I'm most likely going to run a mix of Sram Rival and Force. At least for my first season I plan on running a 36/46 up front and 12-27 in back. Any other suggestions. Thanks.

Based on last season, not much mud. Hills really depend on the course, but are never all that big, I ran 36/46 12-25 last year and never needed a lower gear. There look to be a couple locations this year that weren't in the series last year, but I'd imagine much of the same. Also, pain is to be expected if last season was any indication, though that may just be me.

You should try to make it out to one of the preseason clinics, you can get an idea of what other people are running and some remount practice before the first race. Highly recommended.

August 13th - Thurs, Montrose Bike Shop - Glendale/Montrose
August 23rd - Sun, 8am CX Clinic then 2 person, MTB-CX Team Relay Race - Simi Valley
August 27th - Thurs, Rock N Road-Laguna Niguel
September 6th - Sun, San Luis Obispo
Sept 9th - Wed, Jensen USA - Ontario
Sept 13th - Sun, Women's Only - San Diego

Grass, dirt, pavement. Dirt is mostly dry either loose or hardpack, some courses may have more moist stuff but rarely is there any significant mud. I raced just like... 5 races last year and I believe 4 had significant hills but if it's too steep for the gearing you're planning you'd want to run it anyway.

There's lots of grass, too much damn grass. I think a race out at long beach is partly in the sand, too.

The Oceanside race is called "Storm the Beach", so guess what that surface is? :)

There is a new race in San Diego this year that is run in Florida Canton in Balboa park and will finish on the San Diego Velodrome....

Oh yeah, Oceanside. Can't believe I forgot about that one. The sand's not as bad as the breaking waves in my opinion. Took days for my shoes to dry last year.