Start with your usual rides, then consider elevation, terrain and your self-supported experience. The same distance can demand very different effort from one event to another.
Accumulated fatigue changes the experience. Depending on your pace and start time, you may ride at night.
Plan lighting, food, batteries and options if you become tired or have a mechanical problem.
Gravel combines trails and road sections; the road option follows paved roads. Check bike requirements, elevation and time limits on the event page. Some events offer other distances, including 80 and 600 km.
Understand self-support and prepare your equipment