New to gravel!

Got into gravel recently cuz I haven't had time to ride MTB trails, but I live near a fairly extensive gravel trail system. Initially was more interested in just staying in riding shape. ~500 miles in now and it's growing on me

Random thoughts

• Got used to it faster than I was expecting after only riding full sus for a while. But at least for now, I don't personally see any overlap in function. Tried taking it on the _warmup_ to a fairly boring MTB trail and got bounced around on stuff i wouldn't even feel on a trail bike.
• Started w/ a Santa Cruz stigmata frame, then tried a bunch of odd combinations of spare MTB parts I had lying around. Spent a few days with flat bars and a suspension fork, but I think I prefer the current configuration.
• The saddle and pedal choice was intentional just to keep things consistent with the other bikes. Also didn't want to pick up another pair of shoes for riding clipless.
• Jumps feel sketchy af. Likely just a skill issue
• Not sure I like the ergon leafspring seatpost (it's kinda creaky), but I never really used the slim dropper that I put on it originally. Might end up going with a simple aluminum seatpost long term
• SRAM AXS integration w/ the karoo is nifty. It's making me consider putting a power meter on my trail bike to see the ride data

I really like how easy it is to cover distance. Opens up a lot more riding options overall, and keeps me sane thx to not having to stare at a wall on my stationary in the basement. Also makes me pay attention to my bad riding form more