Can't you ask that in every thread?
This has me with a really really wide smile.. So the answer to my every cycling event in @8 years.. What gravel events have you done? And the real answer is, I have found that tequila and beer post event, as well as my signature bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich after the event make an almost perfect day. Combined with great people and plenty of funny conversations, bike events of most kinds are typically excellent.
With gravel, it's become apparent now that I am paying attention, because I wasn't before, the place that I am at, the event I am participating in, could do without if I had to is actually a life or death, means everything, trained for , would sacrifice a limb or family member race for many people. Don't know about Europe but in the US we are rapidly approaching the crossroads where the event needs to be clearly, deadly clear that it is a RACE or it's a fun event open to everyone, all ability and ages and acting like it's a race is strongly discouraged.
The promoters of the events have not probably thought making the distinction between fun and race was important. Easy solution is separate events or significant staggering start times... Sort of reminds me of the guy geared up on a $10,000 TT bike, complete w aero helmet, screaming " on your right " and making angry hand gestures and yelling obscenities at a fun ride to raise money for breast cancer.. We all know the guy..gravel is there.. Like the song says..
View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1jOk8dk-qaU&pp=ygUbb2Zmc3ByaW5nIGtlZXAgZW0gc2VwYXJhdGVk