There is an STRA event in Shooting Creek, NC (located between Franklin and Hayesville, NC on hwy 64) on July 14 and 15. This is a very Novice-friendly event in the mountains and offers shaded sections along and in a cold mountain stream.
Here is a link to the flyer:
http://setrialsriders.org/2007_Event_Info/...Creek_flyer.pdf