Originally Posted by
sactown
Do you suggest not attempting that race because of the length, or because of the difficult terrain?
You should do it. There's nothing like an epic race to encourage one to work hard. But you'll do better if you work up to it by doing shorter races and hard century rides. The shorter races will teach you pack positioning (something I am sorely lacking so I know what it is like to suck at it) and get you used to the intensity when the hammer's down. It sounds like this race doesn't have any serious climbs but there'll be a premium to being in the front when you get to the gravel sections, so good position would be important. The centuries will get you used to the distance and help you figure out your water (and food) intake strategies. Maybe throw some gravel road riding in there too. Doing whatever you can to learn what you need ahead of time can only help.