SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURES

OUR GRADING SYSTEM

Anyone who has ridden a variety of mountain bike routes will know that each one feels different.  Some days that look really long on paper pass with ease.  Others that appear relatively short and straightforward turn out to be anything but.  Because of these variables, it was thought important that you should have a reasonable idea of what you'll be likely to encounter on the routes described. 

The information supplied is  based on the questions most experienced riders will ask when sizing up a route they've never ridden.  Everything supplied assumes dry trails, fair weather and riders making an honest assessment of their capabilities.

Distance

A rough guide to within a K or so of the day’s total. Speaks for itself really doesn't it?

Ascent

Total height gained and, don’t forget,  descent which follows (Tip : Learn to love climbing!)

Skill

Four simple to understand subjective grades that correspond roughly to the colour coded system used in skiing and  now being adopted at riding centres. 

Easy

Ordinary, sound  bike handling skills.

Intermediate

Enhanced skills in braking, cornering and weighting/unweighting wheels.

Advanced

Trails with a variety of obstacles requiring the exercise of some technical skills               ;                              Includes steep climbing/descending, front & rear  wheel lifts and moderate drops in a variety of conditions and on variable trail surfaces.

Expert

Only for those who possess a full range of handling skills allied to the strength  fitness and confidence to tackle sizeable trail obstacles.

N.B. The grade refers to the skill needed to complete the bulk of the route .  Short sections may be harder and may need to be carried in ascent or descent.

OVERALL DIFFICULTY

Length and total height gain are not the only factors in the demands a route will make on the rider. Steepness, roughness and many other factors affect the amount of effort expended.  Each route has been given a rating according to how demanding it is likely to be on fitness levels.  This is based on ideal conditions with reasonably dry trails and fair weather.

Moderate

Should be doable by any person of moderate fitness who rides regularly.

Challenging

Longer or steeper days that may stretch those who have yet to toughen up.

Hard

Usually long, demanding, days that require strength and stamina.

Epic

Serious days for those with the resilience to keep going when other peoples’ tanks are empty.

Getting there

 

Road, rail and other travel directions. 

Route text

In this part of the information we have attempted to bring a little of the flavour of each of the rides and presented it in a manner we hope will inspire you to get out and tackle them.  Significant trail hazards will be highlighted ; in particular river crossings.

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