I did this ride two years ago. Beautiful course and a lot of good opportunity for racing. I know some guys from my team are going to race it this year. 2 years ago when i did it, I didn't know what to expect from a gran fondo so I stopped for the first aid station to refill bottles. Big mistake. Front group rode away without me even trying.
Truth is.. these rides are super fun and just as competitive as any race I've ever done. I'd be doing it this year if I could, but it's the same day as the biggest gravel racein Utah that was one of my A-priorities for the year.