You probably saw JJ's post on the FB page about a longer road ride this weekend. The other thing people do around here a lot is ride gravel. Those rides usually pop up a day or so in advance on the social networks.
Like OUWxGuesser said, there's a weekly cx practice on Wednesday nights at 6 at Lincoln Drive Park. We ride around in circles for a while, climb some hills, and jump some logs. You're welcome to drop by and say hello.
My wife is selling a 56 cm Surly crosscheck frameset if you think that might work for you, but yeah, a 58 would probably work better for you unless you have a short torso.
This guy (
http://grandforks.craigslist.org/bik/4079850936.html) takes good care of his stuff and might even have some drop handlebars laying around, but it's some more work if you don't want to singlespeed.