Asking here as I don't care for some of the peanut gallery chat.
I want to try out a gravel event. I'm not saying race, but event, but realize folks do go out to get done as quick as they can.
Anyway, in general I notice the gravel scene seems to value duration over intensity in these events. Like, 100mi+ events with 6, 7, 8+ hour ride times. If there are events with a "short" distance of say 30 or 50mi, is the expectation that the novice riders do that one and you shouldn't show up to that shorter distance and hammer the crap out of it? I just don't want to be "that guy" coming from time trial and cyclocross acting all dumb.
I just don't have time for training or attending 8 hour rides. But I feel it would be fun if I could jump into a 35 to 50mi event. I routinely train gravel almost out my back door for 2 to 3 hour rides. I'm literally just not interested in riding for 6 or 8+ hours for an event.