Ride Levels

Novice

These rides will be for slower riders and riders new to the sport (except road bikers, you’re probably too fast and belong in the beginner category). If you say you don’t want to slow others down, this is the group for you. Expect the pace to be slow with lots of chances to chat while we regroup. You should be able to shift gears and brake. The distance and amount of climbing will be less than other rides and these rides will usually be 1 to 1 ½ hours. Ride leaders will usually be beginners themselves who know the trails or more advanced riders looking to go on an easy ride (usually between big rides).

Beginner

These rides are on green and easier blue trails. Most of the riding will be on singletrack, but there still will be some doubletrack (dirt roads). You should be comfortable shifting gears and braking. If you are a road biker starting to ride on dirt this is the group for you. These are no drop rides and we will stop at all intersections. When these rides are in area with lots of trails like Round Valley, the ride leader will adjust the trails based on the group. If you don't go on rides, because you think you'll hold everyone up, these rides may be for you.

Intermediate

These rides are for riders that have been riding for a while and are comfortable riding singletrack with some technical features like rocks. You should be able to do rides with 1000 ft of climbing and descending with no problem and brake, use gears and corner with confidence. There may be occasional spots where you may have to walk some technical features. Most of the time the ride organizer will post the amount of climbing and distance of the planned ride.

Advanced

These ride include a wide variety of technical trails including: rock gardens, roots, mud spots, loose, drops (up to 1 foot), switchbacks, larger rock. There may be section where you have to walk or carry your bike around sections that are too technical. Definitely read the ride description for the details about how much climbing, distance and technicality. You should be able to brake, use gears and corner instinctively.