I believe there is also a "team" type event that is around 200 or 300 km. Basically, you have 3 or more teammates and you all have to do the ride together and finish together, or within a certain time of each other. I forget the exact name of it, but I want to say it's called a fleche, or something like that. It's one of the events that qualifies when you are going for the super rand medal.
One thing that wasn't mentioned (I don't think) is that you are responsible for the navigation yourself. You are given a map and a cue sheet, and it's up to you to follow it. I've heard some pretty horrible stories about people getting off course and having to backtrack big time. It's not a marked route from what I understand.
Also that big ride in France (Paris-Brest-Paris) you have to qualify for in order to ride it. It's only held every two years.