Mountain Biking Skills and Riding Levels Definitions

1 > New Riders

Easy-paced rides ideal for those completely new to mountain biking. Our goal is get on the dirt, get comfortable with our bikes, our gear and learn some basic mountain biking skills. We will re-group as necessary to rest, hydrate and answer questions. Trails will be mostly flat, dirt roads without obstacles. Distances will be up to 12 miles. Plan to be out for at least 2 hours. Pre-ride clinics may be available.

2 > Beginner 

Easy-paced rides suited for those who are familiar with their bikes. Our goal is to try some climbing and descending on moderate-grade, hard-packed fire roads or firm double-track. We will re-group as necessary to rest, hydrate and teach skills on the trail. Distances may be up to 12 miles. Plan to be out for 2-3 hours. Pre-ride clinics may be available.

2+ > Beginner Plus

Casually paced rides ideal for advanced beginners ready for some small obstacles, steeper hills, more miles and fewer rests. We will re-group as necessary to hydrate and teach skills on the trail. Trails may include steeper dirt road climbs and descents, double and single-track that introduce obstacles. Distances may be up to 12 miles. Plan to be out for 2-3 hours. 

3 > Intermediate

Casually paced rides ideal for riders who are comfortable with fast descending and single track climbs who feel ready to kick it up a notch. Trails may include moderately steep or rutted fire road climbs and descents, single-track, obstacles and technical features. Distances may be up to 15 miles. Plan to be out for around 3 hours. 

3+ > Intermediate Plus 

Ideal for consistent, faster riders, 3+ will be constantly moving, taking breaks only to re-group at major intersections. These are rides designed to build your stamina, as the pace will often be set by faster riders out front. Trails may include steep, technical climbs and descents, single-track, obstacles and technical features. Distances may be 15 miles or more. Plan to be out for 3-4 hours. 

4 > Advanced 

These rides are ideal for strong riders who prefer technical single-track downhills to fast climbing. These are rides designed to build your stamina, as the pace will often be set by faster riders out front. Trails may include very steep, technical climbs and descents; narrow, exposed, single-track, big obstacles, jumps and challenging technical features. Distances may be 15 miles, or more. Skills coaching on the downhill is usually available. Plan to be out for at least 4 hours. 

4+ > Advanced Plus

Fast-paced, intense and challenging, 4+ rides are extreme fun. They are still no-drop rides, but know what you're getting into. Be ready for super-steep, long climbs and descents; unpredictable terrain with a variety of technical features and a range of demanding obstacles; big jumps and narrow, exposed single-track. Expect breaks only for fuel and regrouping. Mileage can be of any distance. Plan to be out for 4 or more hours.