Hey Newcomer,
Welcome to the club.
Here are a few answers to initial questions you have:
Get the shoes
Bibs too
Road bike, not gravel bike
The MOST IMPORTANT THING you can do right now is ride your bike as much as possible. I’d love to help if you feel I can be a resource.
We can set up a call to talk anything bikes, or go for a ride in the park. $100 for a call, $250 for a ride.
And don’t forget - ride your bike AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
Max
P.S. - You can submit your name if you’re interested to find a group to ride with. I’d like to start coordinating a regular ride for you all.