SELF-ASSESSMENT GUIDE
EXPLANATION OF THE VARIOUS LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY
At PADBIKEwe strive to make sure every rider is placed on the perfect trip for them. It's not an exact science nor an easy task, but over the years we've developed many little ways to get the information you need to figure out which tour will be best for you.
The beginning of this process is by reading the skill levels and physical preparation required for each adventure, which you will find under the "Full Details" tab on each tour page of our website.
However, so that you can get an idea of what we mean by skill levels and physical preparation, and to compare each to see which best represents your mountain biking or e-mountain biking experience, here is the complete guide to our levels of skills and physical preparation.
In any case,this is the minimum requirement and you can expect to be challenged technically and/or physically at certain timesduring your mountain bike tour.
SKILL LEVELS
Beginner+
You have experience (at least one year) of riding an off-road mountain bike/e-mountain bike. You own a mountain bike/e-mountain bike and use it at least once a month.
You know how to shift gears, brake and pedal efficiently.
Travel on dirt trails (both uphill and downhill) such as gravel trails, forest roads, wide trails and occasionally singletrack .
You like to rack up the miles and feel comfortable spending 3 to 4 hours in the saddle at a time.
The '+' part of 'Beginner+' means you aspire to tackle more challenging singletrack and terrain during your adventure with us .
Interme god
You have been mountain biking regularly for at least two years.
You know how to brake, use gears and take corners with confidence.
You have good bicycle control skills and feel confident riding on wide, rough trails and narrow, non-technical trails (without obstacles) .
You are able to tackle routes with moderate climbs and descents, on both wide and narrower trails, but you may be able to get off the bike and walk more technical trail sections.
Go mountain biking (or e-mountain biking) about once a week during your season .
Intermediate+
You are generally comfortable riding on many types of terrain and in different conditions: singletrack, wide trails, muddy, dry, loose.
You know how to brake , use gears and take corners instinctively.
You are willing to try moderate technical features, such as small rock gardens, short descents with steeper sections, but you may get off the bike and walk some technical features.
Do mountain biking/e-mountain biking twice a week during your cycling season.
The '+' part of 'Intermediate+' means you'll be willing to tackle more of those moderate technical features.
Advanced
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You have a lot of confidence in handling most types of courses and obstacles,including drops (up to 30 cm), rocks, logs, sharp turns, rock gardens and technical singletrack with steep gradients.
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You know how to brake, use gears and take corners instinctively.
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You have excellent bicycle control skills and are able to make small jumps, negotiate curves, go up and down steep paths.
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You have considerable experience riding on a wide range of technical terrain, including rocks, roots, mud, unstable terrain, fast singletrack, exposed trails, rock for extended periods.
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You ride at least three times a week and rarely get off bikes. You are able to comfortably climb and descend technical singletrack for as long as you need.
Advanced+
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You were born on a bicycle! You can tackle anything the trail throws at you and have experience riding on all types of trails and obstacles (large loose rocks, roots, drops, logs, elevated paths…).
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You take advantage of every opportunity to get out on your bike (4-5 times a week), in all weather conditions, and are happy to cycle all day.
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Lapart from the '+' of 'Advanced+' it means that you will be ready to tackle routes on foot pushing the bicycle and long technical descents, potentially in difficult weather conditions.
These are generic skill levels, but you'll notice that on each tour page, under the levelsof skills you will also find a descriptionof the types of trails you will find in that specific adventure. This way, you can add context to explanations of skill and fitness levels.