BC reliability rides (see the BC website) are probably your best bet, and you don’t need to be a club member. They are pretty much raced at the front, but are great for learning group dynamics at all levels.
Proper racing opportunities for newer riders are few and far between unless you want to race crits. Time trials and hill climbs are your best options for competition but of course are solo efforts. If you want to race with group dynamics, gravel is probably you’re best bet. 3/4 road races have a high cost of entry (well, the racing and BC membership fees) and are a crazy high level (as there are rarely enough opportunities for riders to move up to 2nd cat).