I have signed up to my first gravel event. I won’t be racing and probably won’t be going as fast as I can, because I’ll be with friends who are not as fit as I am.
It’s a 58km route. I’m planning on just enjoying the day for the reasons above - but what are the top tips anyone is willing to offer? I’ve done a bit of bikepacking with my rig but I don’t do loads of gravel really. Want to get the most out of the day without making any rookie mistakes (despite being fairly gravel rookie)
Stay on top of your nutrition, choose the right tire pressure and enjoy the day!!
pretty simple, really. 
Use a tire pressure calculator to make sure you have proper pressure. Make sure you have tools, and knowledge, to repair a flat if needed. Make sure you’ve got some hydration and fueling, although at 58km and not pushing race effort, shouldn’t be a major issue.
Enjoy the scenery. You’ll be with a group which is enjoyable, but I also enjoy the moments where I’m grinding away in isolation and solo.
I was a runner for a long time but only did 3 races over the course of 5-6 years and many thousands of miles training. I did my first gravel race a year ago and have done two more and some big charity rides since. I always do them alone but usually meet people along the way and really enjoy the gravel race environment. I’ve committed to doing many more races in the future. 2024 will be 3, and hoping for 6+ in 2025.
I’d say one of the most typical rookie mistakes (haha, everyone’s guilty, no matter the experience) that usually gets the least amount of attention is: check your god damn equipment. Seriously, check the bolt torque here and there, wash and lube your drivetrain, inspect tires. All that will take you a long way. Tire pressure can make your day slightly better, but this stuff if not taken care of can ruin it for good.
Enjoy this opportunity to look around, take in the scenery, and actually enjoy the ride. When “racing” these events, they often end up feeling like several hours of staring at wheels and looking forward to being finished. It’s nice to go a little slower and take in how beautiful and fun gravel is when you aren’t stretched to your absolute limit.
This and get your bike dialed in and do the shakedown ride the day before. Give yourself some time to relax before the starting gun. Don’t be rushing around beforehand.
If you are primarily riding with friends and not focused on racing for best result, I’d consider playing it safe/easy at the start. The start of most gravel races can be pretty rowdy at the front until the race rips apart and groups form. It’s an easy way to end your day early getting caught up in a crash.
One of the biggest challenges in a race compared to riding gravel solo or in small groups is line choice. It’s easy to get buried in a group and follow the wheel in front of you, but that’s also a good way to hit a rock or hole and have a puncture. For chunky sections in particular, my positioning in gravel races prioritizes owning/seeing my line (even if that means taking more wind). Getting a flat from blindly rolling over something is a common mistake (rookie and experienced racers do it, just takes a second of lapsed concentration).
But yeah, mainly just enjoy the day and feel it out. Most gravel races have something for everyone whether you are pushing it at the front, partying at the back, or somewhere in between.
Thanks Sean, I will certainly be doing my best to do this.
Yep, fair enough. I am becoming a bit of a maintenance geek. I am pretty good at keeping on top of things, but I know I need to sort a few little bits before the event.
Totally get the point about line - but I’ve never really ‘raced’ so I’ve always played it safe rather than risk a better line for a few seconds. I do like hiding from the wind, but again without the actual race mindset I don’t think this will be a problem.
Thanks to everyone for the comments. Looking forward to it and hoping for an enjoyable day.