ARE OUR TRIPS FOR YOU?

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). With the exception of our mountain bike skills camps, all of our tours are designed for experienced mountain bikers with at least 2 years of regular mountain biking experience under their belts. If you have less than 2 years experience, but are adventurous, fit and willing to learn you may also be suitable for some of our trips. 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 in British Columbia or Ontario.

Please read the following ability guidelines carefully, and if you are unsure if a trip is right for you, please contact us.

Each trip's ability level is the minimum level required for that trip.

SKILL LEVELS

Level 1
You have never ridden a mountain bike before. This level is restricted to our skills camps.

Level 2
You have limited experience with off-road mountain biking, but you may have done some road riding. You are physically fit, adventurous, and want to learn more about how to mountain bike properly. This level is also restricted to our skills camps.

Level 3
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 4 You have been mountain biking for at least one year or have decent general riding skills and good fitness. You are capable of controlling bike speed and direction on moderate singletrack. You ride at least 2-3 times/month during the summer and are prepared to train to prepare for your trip.

Level 5
You have been mountain biking for about two years, and have solid intermediate-level skills. You can handle undulating terrain, have good control of your brakes, and know how to shift gears appropriately so that you don't get off your bike too often. You can handle terrain that is slightly technical, with smaller rocks and roots and can climb on singletrack as long as it is not technical. You are adventurous and want to develop your skills with the encouragement and guidance of an expert coach.

Level 6
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 7
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 to 1-foot high), and low-level obstacles such as bridges. You are comfortable with most advanced level trails (although you may walk a few sections).

Level 8
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.

Level 9
You are a mountain bike god(dess). You can handle the most technical terrain imaginable, eat up steeps for breakfast and can ride stunts up to 8 feet high (freeride trips)

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.