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.
A shorter distance in the series, still ridden self-supported. Elevation and terrain matter as much as kilometres.
Have experience riding for several hours on similar terrain. Plan navigation, food and repairs.
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