Have you done a Google search for cycling clubs in your area? If that doesn't help, I agree that you should call your LBS.

As far as organized rides, you can go to active.com to find a plethora of those. I highly recommend that you click on the link that says "classic search" (it's in the upper right area ... you sort of have to search for it a bit). It's a much easier way to search.

I live in Rancho Cucamonga and have been on a few organized rides. One of my favorites is the Inland Express in Riverside. A little bit of a drive for you but worth it, I think. Nice scenery, which is a must for me. It's in October, so you have some time. I think it's about 50 miles, but there may be other distance options.

In September, there's the Amtrak Century, if you want to go for a full 100 miles. It's booked up for this year, but you might want to put it on your calendar for next year. You ride from the train station at San Juan Capistrano, ride around your area a bit and then down the coast to San Diego, then take the train back. They call it the "party train" that all the cyclists ride together. Its a great first century and you can't beat the scenery ... along the coast and all. Here's the website. http://www.ocw.org/Amtrak/Default.asp They open registration at 7:00 a.m. on a specific date in June and it fills up in a few hours. However, you don't have to take "their" train back, so to register for the ride without the train ride back doesn't fill up nearly so fast. You can get your own train ticket and put your bike on the train, as long as it's not a tandem. (I know this from frustrating personal experience!)

My friend and I are doing Cool Breeze on August 16th. There is a 60 something distance, a 102 and I think a 200. We're doing the century, my first on my single. It's in the Ventura area and also has great scenery.

As far as a cycling club in your area, again, I recommend talking to your LBS (assuming you've already searched the internet).

Welcome to the board! Now, go ride your bike!