I don't know how bad the gravel is, but I ride my bike up and down a gravel trail on Mt-Royal all the time. I got more flats with cheap MEC Conti Ultrasports (cue rant from mcatano), but have no problem with my "nice" tires (Vittoria Tecnos and Hutchison Fusions). I'd say just ride it and bring a patch kit, pump and levers if you don't carry them already.