We ask that our bikers understand that our adventures are group rides, not a race. Therefore, it is important that riders are matched with biking tours appropriate for their experience, skill level, fitness level, and interests. In any group of riders, there will always be the fittest, fastest rider, and the slower rider. Please read the following skills and fitness guidelines below and ensure that the tour you are interested in, matches your skill and fitness level. If you are traveling in a group with a range of abilities consider booking a private tour. Every tour has a minimum skill and fitness level requirement which can be found on the tour description page.
If you have questions about which trip is best suited for you and your group please contact us.
1 – BEGINNER
I know how to ride a bike, shift gears, and use hand breaks. Controlling my speed and direction is easy for me on the pavement. However, I am new to mountain biking and have never ridden dirt trails or only ridden off-road once or twice.
2 – NOVICE
Some experience biking dirt trails and have been mountain biking several times. Smooth trails are easy for me as long as there are minimal roots and rocks small, gradual hills. Anticipating the terrain and knowing when to shift gears is something I struggle with.
3 – INTERMEDIATE
I have been mountain biking for at least two years and bike regularly. Anticipating the terrain, controlling my speed, and shifting gears is something I am good at on moderately steep and technical singletrack, including trees, loose rocks, and sand. Rolling over small obstacles is possible. However, my wheels need to stay on the ground.
I am confident and successful in executing the following bike handling skills on a variety of singletrack:
Shifting – anticipate the terrain and shift gears accordingly most of the time
Descending – I am comfortable and balanced standing up off of my seat and maintain level pedals for the entire descent.
Speed Control and Braking – momentum helps me climb rolling terrain and I use my front and back brakes independently when required.
4 – ADVANCED
Mountain biking for five or more years, I am comfortable climbing and descending steep, technical, exposed terrain, including rock gardens, tree roots, primitive trails, tight switchbacks, short drops, and jumps. Shifting early and often to anticipate the terrain, accelerating out of turns and burns, descending with minimum breaking makes for a fast and fun ride!
1 – Leisurely
My primary exercise is walking or light workouts once or twice a week. I prefer mostly flat or downhill terrain. Short, small hill climbs are doable, but less is ok with me. Forty-five minutes of light activity at a time for me is good.
2 – RECREATIONAL or MEDIUM INTENSITY
An active lifestyle is important to me, but working out isn’t my life. Bike commute to work, weekend warrior rides, or a spin class keeps me fit. Two to three workouts a week provide enough physical challenge for me.
I enjoy gentle rolling terrain and feel great after reaching the top of a moderate hill climb.
3 – ACTIVE
Fitness is central to my life. I ride my bike weekly, spin classes, or a Peloton Bike count! Four to five workouts a week is typical, and I enjoy being physically challenged. I want hills and like getting some speed. (Less than 1,000 feet of climbing)
7 – AVID or HIGH INTENSITY
Fitness is my life, and everything I do revolves around my workouts and nutrition. Bike rides can average one hundred miles a week, and I enjoy a fast pace for an extended time. Competing in races is a great motivation to continue to stay fit. Training is part of my lifestyle as I am an athlete who loves to improve, experience all types of terrain, and go out for long training sessions or fun rides with friends on the weekends.
