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Ride Designations

Novice Rides - These rides are meant to help beginning riders improve their skills.  The pace accommodates the slowest riders in the group.  Intermediate and advanced riders, who don't mind riding slow and giving tips to the new riders are welcome to join these rides.

Social Intermediate Rides - The pace is moderate and fun with more of a social element.  There will be more stopping and talking than a regular intermediate ride.  Stronger riders are asked not to ride ahead of the group.  Aggressive novice riders, who are willing to push themselves, are welcome to join these rides.

Intermediate Rides - The pace will be moderate to fast and more technically challenging.  Only intermediate or advanced rider should attend these rides.  Strong riders should slow their pace to that of the group.

Intermediate / Advanced Rides - Similar to the intermediate rides except the stronger riders are welcome to ride ahead at a faster pace stopping to regroup at turn points.  We may split the riders into two groups with the stronger group riding a faster pace and adding optional trails.

Advanced Rides - Only advanced riders should attend these rides.  The pace is fast and completive and the terrain is usually more difficult.  These rides do not accommodate slower riders.

Determining Your Riding Level

Choose the statement which best fits you.  The number in front of it will determine your riding level.

1 - 3 = Novice rider
4 - 6 = Intermediate rider
7 - 9 = Advanced rider

1.  Level one rides are the easiest.  Anyone with an appropriate bike and a spirit for adventure should be fine.
2.  You have attended several MTB rides which you enjoy and feel you would like to improve your riding.
3.  You feel like you are starting to get the hang of mountain biking and you are getting a little more aggressive at it.
4.  You're new aggressive riding style has caused you a few humbling spills, but your are hooked now.  You may feel intimidated by the harder rides, but you go anyway.
5.  Now you have that "if they can do it, I can do it" attitude and you can do it more often than not.  You no longer worry that the ride will be too hard.
6.  You can make it up, down or over most technical difficulties.  When you find something you can't make you may try it several time in a row to see if you can master it.
7.  You look for the hard stuff now.  You consider level 1, 2 or 3 rides social events.
8.  You are checking out this page just t see someone else's Idea of different levels.  You know you can do any ride and be one of the better rider there.
9.  You ride as often as you can, you are the one willing to try anything and are always one of the best riders with any group you go with.


A word about "Rider Level" and "Aerobic Condition"

The "Recommended Rider Level" for each ride takes into consideration the technical and aerobic demands of the ride.  A ride which is difficult technically and moderate aerobically may have the same rating as a ride which is moderate technically and difficult aerobically.  Someone who is in good aerobic condition may not do well on the former, but be fine on the latter.  Someone who is good technically, but out of shape, may find the opposite to be true.  Consider all the variables when choosing which rides are right for you.