jwave, check out this race at wawayanda
http://www.nyara.org/nyara_races/2010/mn_may_day.php
its a sprint race (6hrs or less) and is aimed towards people getting into the sport. NYARA puts on a good race too.
Malibu -
this year i did the frigid infliction 9 hr race in VT...i learned how to XC ski just for that race..it was awesome,
and last month i did the fools rogaine at bear mountain. it was my first rogaine, and was pretty cool.
Im really looking forward to the longest day. the rappell should be alot of fun, and id much rather canoe than use those damn sit on top kayaks.
our team name is "gears are still for pansies" last year we were "gears are for pansies" (we were all riding SS bikes) so this year will be a fun return of that name.