Our Cycling Levels

KILI BIKE ADVENTURE ACTIVITY GRADES

 

Please remember that it is impossible to be absolutely precise about how hard a bike ride may be, as there are many contributory factors. The main benefit of grading is to provide you with an overall indicator to compare one cycling trip against another. We therefore look at the following:

  • Length of ride and length of cycling day
  • Level of vehicle support
  • Average altitude and height gain and loss
  • Temperature range and likely weather conditions
  • Road/trail conditions
  • Remoteness of services and general level of comfort
Vehicle support

On the majority of our cycling trips, a support vehicle accompanies the riders. This carries tools and spares, refreshments, your luggage and even, on occasion, yourself. If there is a high level of vehicle support you can confidently book a certain grade in the knowledge that there is back-up should you get tired. Equally, this means that friends or couples of different fitness levels can still enjoy the same trip together.

 

Activity Level grading system (formerly Grades)

If you want to push yourself, we can provide the challenge, but most of our cycling tours are exactly that – holidays. In response to customer feedback, we’ve introduced a new grading system to help you select the perfect trip.

The activity level dial offers an immediate illustration of just how challenging the trip will be. Ranging from Leisurely to Tough, the grading takes into account the daily cycling distances and terrain, as well as any technical riding skill required. We also consider the number of cycling days, as there can be a cumulative effect from tiredness on a longer trip, and the type of accommodation used, as this can also influence your day-to-day recovery. The activity levels are equivalent to our previous grading system, so if you’re used to B-grade cycling you’ll be perfectly at home on a Level 3 (Moderate) trip.

Leisurely Adventures

If you can ride a bike and enjoy gentle exercise, these trips are an ideal introduction to a cycling holiday. No routes are entirely flat, so expect some short climbs and descents. Maximum daily height gain is approximately 950m and daily distances rarely exceed 25kms – any longer days are often optional.

Moderate Adventures

Most people who enjoy a weekend riding at home will enjoy a Moderate trip. You need to be in good health and reasonably fit. Ideal for occasional cyclists, or as a more relaxed trip for fitter riders. Moderate off-road trips require no previous experience. Distances rarely exceed 30km to 49kms

Challenging Adventures

For any ride at this level, fitness is important. Challenging trips require confidence in your ability and physical condition. They are equivalent to an extended period of cycling at home. Previous Mountain biking experience is essential for Challenging off-road trips, as they will involve some technical riding.

Tough

Previous experience of the cycling style or surface is a must, as these routes have long cycling days and tougher terrain on both on-road and off-road trips. You need complete confidence in your fitness and technical ability to cope with difficult or steep terrain, rough surfaces and longer distances. Ideal for those seeking a challenge!