Trail Grade Specifications

Mountain bike trails are graded by difficulty, allowing riders to choose which trail is most suited to their own ability. Below you will find information on these trail grade specifications. These grades will be highlighted at the start of each trail and it is strongly advised that you adhere to these recommendations and always cycle within your ability.

 

Trail Grade - Green/Easy

Suitable for: Beginner/novice cyclists. Basic Bike Skills required. Most bikes and hybrids. Some green routes can take trailers.

Trail and surface types: Relatively flat and wide. The trail surface may be loose, uneven or muddy at times. May include short flowing singletrack style sections.

Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s): Climbs and descents are mostly shallow. No challenging features.

Suggested fitness level: Suitable for most people in good health.

 

Trail Grade - Blue/Moderate

Suitable for: Intermediate cyclists/mountain bikers with basic off road riding skills. Mountain bikes or hybrids.

Trail and surface types: As “Green” plus specially constructed single track. Trail surface may include small obstacles of roots and rock.

Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s): Most gradients are moderate but may include short steep sections. Includes small TTF’s

Suggested fitness level: A good standard of fitness can help.

 

Trail Grade - Red/Difficult

Suitable for: Proficient mountain bikers with good off-road riding skills. Suitable for better quality off-road mountain bikes

Trail and surface types: Steeper and tougher, mostly singletrack with technical sections. Expect varied surface types.

Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s): A wide range of climbs and descents of a challenging nature will be present. Expect boardwalks, berms, large rocks, medium steps, drop-offs, cambers and water crossings.

Suggested fitness level: Higher level of fitness and stamina.

 

Trail Grade - Black/Severe

Suitable for: Expert mountain bike users, used to physically demanding routes. Quality off-road mountain bikes

Trail and surface types: As “Red” but with an expectation of greater challenge and continuous difficulty.

Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s): Expect large, committing and unavoidable TTF’s. Sections will be challenging and variable. May also have “downhill” style sections.

Suggested fitness level: Suitable for very active people used to prolonged effort.

 

Trail Grade – Orange/Extreme

Suitable for: Riders aspiring to an elite level of technical ability. Incorporates everything from downhill riding to big-air jumps.

Trail and surface types: Severe constructed trails and / or natural features. All sections will be challenging. Includes extreme levels of exposure and / or risk. Jumping ability obligatory.

Gradients and technical trail features (TTF’s): Will include a range of small medium and large TTF’s, including downhill trails and mandatory jumps.

Suggested fitness level: A good standard of fitness, but technical skills more important