Okay folks, if you're interested in Endurance Rallies, here's one to check out
http://www.thebigskyrally.com is the website for the event.
Look around, check out the staff, click on the little dots under Bob Torter's picture and you'll see that this is truly an all star staff, very experienced in the rally scene, both organizing and riding. BUTT! Do not be intimidated by this! At all! Instead, feel confident that your money and time will be well spent on a quality event. The resort is extending the nights that the rally rate is in effect. This is a great spot to stay and take a few really nice day trips to the surrounding areas, including Yellowstone about 1 hour south. I stayed with Bob and Sylvie last summer and Yellowstone was an easy and pleasant day trip.
There are two 'classes' of riders for the event and folks new to rallying are most certainly encouraged to participate. This event will also have a bunch of people who are only participating in the RTV (Ride To Visit), so that's an option as well. But if you are curious about endurance rallies, head on out west this summer!
Details on the website and supercede anything I say here, but as I understand, there will be minimum points criteria to be a finisher, but not minimum miles. Several rallies have something like this just to make sure people who are actually going to ride the event are given the opportunity to participate.
My first rally out west was in 2008, Run What Ya Brung, out of Salt Lake City. I didn't know a soul there when I arrived. I now have life-long friends from that event, including Bob and Sylvie Torter, many of whom I met at RWYB. In other words, it's completely cool to go on out there by yourself, even if you don't know anyone. They have a 'forum' for riders to discuss 'stuff' so you'll have a chance to get to know some folks in advance if you're so inclined.
I'd be happy to try and help answer questions, but certainly, the best place to get information is on the website above - if it's not covered there, use the contact info on the website for more information.
Have fun!