I've got some Gravel to Grind

On the 22nd of September I am planning to ride the Rampart Rumble Gravel Grovel 170/125 mile Gravel Grinder.
The R2G2 is part of the Colorado Endurance Series that has both Gravel Grinders and long off road mtb style races.
This will be a pre-limb to the Ring the Peak race that I'm riding on Oct 6th.
The R2G2 starts in Woodland Park just up the hill from where I live. Actually about 2800 ft up the hill from me. So we will be riding at 9,000 ft for most of the day.
Gravel Grinders are becoming very popular in the cycling world. So much so that some manufactures are creating bike designs to accommodate this type of riding.
The bike will have a bit wider tire much like a cyclocross bike but with room for fenders. Some are light weight and the frame materials can be steel, aluminum, carbon or titanium. The geometry is a little more lax and upright to make the longer days in the saddle more bearable.
Some racers are converting 29'ers by adding drop bars with a riser stem and thinner tires.
This is what I have done and it seems to suit me fine. I have mine configured as a single speed with a gear combo of 30 x 16 and running the older V brakes. I'm thinking that disc brakes will be the next change I make but for now the V brakes work.
Other than that my setup is pretty simple, I use a camelback to carry water, tools and rain gear. I have a Snack Shack from Timbuk2 mounted to my top tube for carrying food and my blackberry that is being used as my GPS and no longer has service.
The Blackberry is mostly used for tracking my route using the Mapmyride app and then logged on the Mapmyride site. Once I get home I can see all of the details of the ride on they're website.
I store the GPS track of the ride on my Android phone that has cell service so I can check it if I miss a turn and need to get back on track.
Before the ride I will read the posted ride details, look at the maps and created a turn by turn ride sheet that I carry on the ride.
So far this has worked well for me and most of the rides I'm familiar with the route so it's really just a reminder to keep on track.
Most Gravel Grinder routes are configured so that you can find supplies on course. This helps you keep your load lighter and gives you options on food and drink.
The routes can take from 6 hours to several hours after dark so lighting is needed at times. Because the R2G2 is late in the year and the distance is long and demanding most riders will be back well after dark.
Does this type of riding sound like fun? If so look on-line, there are new rides popping up monthly. Start out with a few short rides and see if you like it. The fun of going down that unexplored old dirt road will reward your efforts.