How serious are the Gatineau/Ottawa Fondos?

I'm new to cycling as a sport and want to give organized rides a shot. The Gatineau Medio Fondo (May 21) and the Ottawa Medio Fondo (July 15) both look like the right level of challenge for me, but I can't tell if they're appropriate for relatively inexperienced riders. Based on last year's results, it seems like all the riders have team affiliations and/or there may be a minimum time for completion.

Anyone have any experience with these rides? Would I be better off starting with events like the MEC Spring Ride (also May 21) before jumping into a Fondo?