Skill and Fitness Ratings
None of our trips feature so-called 'mountain biking' on roads and gravel paths: they are singletrack (i.e. trail) based adventures, with a challenge component: challenging climbs with moderate to technical descents (depending on the trip). If you are interested in taking part in our holidays but aren't quite ready yet, consider signing up for one of our mountain bike skills camps.
Please read the following ability guidelines carefully, and if you are unsure if a trip is right for you, please contact us.
SKILL LEVELS
Level 1/Beginner
You have never ridden a mountain bike before or have limited experience with off-road mountain biking, but you may have done some road riding. You are reasonably fit, adventurous, and want to learn more about how to mountain bike properly. . This level is restricted to our skills camps and Explorer Riders.
Level 2/Intermediate
You have been mountain biking for a year or so, and are hooked but still lack the skills to tackle terrain beyond beginner level. You know how to use your gears and brakes properly but when the terrain gets technical you have to get off your bike and walk. You can handle singletrack as long as it is smooth and with few rocks or roots.
Level 3/Strong Intermediate
You have been riding for at least two years, are confident in your climbing and descending skills and can handle moderately technical terrain such as roots, small logs (up to 1/2 foot high) and rocks. You have good control of your bike on intermediate and slightly more advanced terrain, and are comfortable climbing non-technical singletrack.
Level 4/Advanced
You have been riding for at least 3-4 years and are confident in almost all aspects of mountain biking. You can handle most technical terrain, include rocky and rooty trails, along with features such as switchbacks, medium logs (1/2-foot to 1-foot high), and low-level obstacles such as short bridges. You are comfortable with most advanced level trails (although you may walk a few sections).
Level 5/Expert
You have been riding for over five years and are confident riding all types of terrain and distances. You ride as often as possible and can handle technical terrain and medium-level stunts, such as large log rollovers and small bridges. You can descend steeps, climb technical singletrack and can ride multiple days in a row. You are comfortable with exposed trails (i.e. there is a dropoff on one side) and rarely if ever get off your bike to walk sections except on extremely technical terrain.
FITNESS LEVELS
Level 1
You are somewhat of a couch potato. Even small climbs are challenging and you cannot ride for more than an hour on flat terrain at a time.
Level 2
You have average fitness and are capable of riding 2-3 hours a day, and can handle one or two easy climbs of up to 200m (600 ft). You exercise once a week for minimum 45 minutes.
Level 3
You are capable of riding 4 hours a day at a moderate pace, and can handle one or two climbs a day up to a total of 300 m (1,000 ft). You exercise regularly throughout the year, at least twice a week for an hour.
Level 4
You can ride 5-6 hours a day, and handle two or three climbs of up to 500 m (1,600 ft) in a day. You exercise at least 4 times a week for at least an hour.
Level 5
You can ride up to 8 hours a day, and tackle almost any climb the mountain throws at you. You can handle sustained climbs of up to 1,500m (5,000) ft., and up to 3 hours (with breaks). You train regularly for endurance events.
