nebill- I can only speak from my own experience on this. My club has recreational to roadie components. It also has rides for "newbies."
The biggest reason for me joining is the advocacy the club does on the local governmental front. It is well worth my $20.00 bucks a year.
I don't know if this is PC on this forum,but to get an idea what clubs are about check'em out.
WWW. KCBC.org.
I know some clubs lean toward MTB, some toward Road, just have to find the one that is right for you. In my experience it has been very worthwhile, and positive. anyhoo, that's just my opinion, of course I could be wrong!! Stan