Ride Difficulty Ratings Explained

[ezraw]

Easier
An entry-level MTB trail. Minimal obstacles (roots & rocks) on the tread. Most climbs and descents will be gradual. A step up from the towpath.Cedarville and Cabin John are examples.

Intermediate
Assumes the rider has basic MTB skills. There will be obstacles which require the rider to get their front wheel off the ground to clear successfully. Short steep climbs and descents may be encountered. Many intermediate trails may be successfully ridden by more fit entry-level riders. Schaeffer and Fountainhead are examples.

Advanced
Assumes the rider has mastered fundamental MTB skills. Significant obstacles will be present (rock gardens, large and/or suspended logs, drop-offs). Climbs and descents will be long and/or steep. There may be sections where even experienced riders will need to portage their bikes. Gambrill and Elizabeth Furnace are examples.

Extreme
A mastery of fundamental MTB skills is required along with good fitness. Slow riding or "trials" skills may be required to "clean" some sections. Areas of trail may be "exposed" (i.e. large dropoffs to one or both sides). Even the most skilled and fit rider should expect to portage their bike through sections. Tibet Knob and East Massanutten are examples.

[drewdane]

This is helpful. In light of the current MORE poll, any info on rates of speed? How are Casual-Moderate-Faster defined?

[edseven]

What is the average trail rating for trails under MORE's influence?

[martin]

What is the average trail rating for trails under MORE's influence?

I'lll venture to say that most of MORE's trails are intermediate - HOWEVER - Trails in the MORE neck of the woods come in all levels. When posted in the calendar, the ratings will describe and rate the trails effectively.

[gaz]

Is there any chance that the list of trails in the "where to ride" section could be updated with a terrain rating, by some well-travelled fellow?

[robert pearson]

what is the best way to approach/handle log jumps. there are not too many in Texas. Do you pull up on approach or just gather speed and go up and over (so to speak)

[Jackson]

what is the best way to approach/handle log jumps. there are not too many in Texas. Do you pull up on approach or just gather speed and go up and over (so to speak)

I'm not an expert, so I won't pass on specific pointers. This is a good book w/ helpful info by the late William Nealy: William Nealy's Mountain Bike! (http://tinyurl.com/abfym). Also, the Bike Lane holds free classes every now and then - I went to their log clinic and it helped me quite a bit.

I'm sure others will chime in with some advice as well.

[dharma]

This is helpful. In light of the current MORE poll, any info on rates of speed? How are Casual-Moderate-Faster defined?

also interested in knowing what avg. speed/difference is between cas-mod-fast.

thanks!

[punga]

also interested in knowing what avg. speed/difference is between cas-mod-fast.

thanks!
Here's my classification of riding paces, others may disagree and sometimes the terrain will dictate the pace:

Casual= No drop rides where the leader goes at pace that everyone can keep up with. Frequent breaks depending on terrain to regroup and rest. Suited for beginners and up depending on how tough the terrain is. Everyone on the ride should expect that it will take longer as you'll always be waiting for the slowest rider. Average speed: 5-8 miles an hour depending on terrain.

Moderate= No drop rides in most cases although some may feel the need to drop if they feel like they're holding the group back. Fewer, shorter breaks, although most leaders will wait for the last person to catch up. Expect a decent workout and maybe a less socialable group since there is less stopping. Those who finish a climb first may keep on going and only wait at junctions for the others. Average speed: 8-12 miles an hour depending on terrain.

Fast= A hammerfest where everyone pushes each other to go faster. Expect to be dropped if you can't keep up. There may be few if any stops to rest or regroup depending on the distance, route and terrain. Average speed: 12+ miles an hour depending on the group.

[CRAIG2]

I would say that's pretty accurate. The only exception I have, personally, is that I typically ride fast enough (while still relatively casual) to keep the faster people in the group from getting too bored, while stopping at major intersections or after considerable TTF's to wait for the remainder of the group. Therefore, the actual speed and amount of stopping is somewhat of a variable.

I would also add that for the casual and intermediate groups, all riders should do their best to keep tabs on the rider BEHIND them to avoid dropping.

[dharma]

I would say that's pretty accurate. The only exception I have, personally, is that I typically ride fast enough (while still relatively casual) to keep the faster people in the group from getting too bored, while stopping at major intersections or after considerable TTF's to wait for the remainder of the group. Therefore, the actual speed and amount of stopping is somewhat of a variable.

I would also add that for the casual and intermediate groups, all riders should do their best to keep tabs on the rider BEHIND them to avoid dropping.

thanks for clarifying.

one note though... if you're always in the back like me, then there's really no stopping or resting. as soon as you catch up to the rest of the pack they're off again :rolleyes:

in all seriousness tho - kudos to all lead riders I've been with! I've never felt left behind or like I couldn't keep up. Also, the sweepers are always extremely helpful, encouraging, and patient, which makes all the rides a much more pleasant experience.

[CRAIG2]

one note though... if you're always in the back like me, then there's really no stopping or resting. as soon as you catch up to the rest of the pack they're off again :rolleyes:



Seriously, if you need a minute longer to rest, speak up! We don't mind waiting. If you don't say anything, my assumption will be everyone is good, and I'll keep moving.

[punga]

thanks for clarifying.

one note though... if you're always in the back like me, then there's really no stopping or resting. as soon as you catch up to the rest of the pack they're off again :rolleyes:

in all seriousness tho - kudos to all lead riders I've been with! I've never felt left behind or like I couldn't keep up. Also, the sweepers are always extremely helpful, encouraging, and patient, which makes all the rides a much more pleasant experience.
If you're on a casual ride and bringing up the rear (BUTR), you should speak up to the ride leader and say "Give me a minute" or something along those lines. The casual rides are just that, casual, and everyone should get an equal chance to rest. It's not fair to punish yourself by catching up to everyone, only to have to start pedaling again. If people want to go faster, they should go ahead, but there shouldn't be any pressure on you to start moving again after you just got there. When I lead a casual ride, I keep that in mind, as does Craig.

punga!

[Buddylee]

[QUOTE=dharma]
one note though... if you're always in the back like me, then there's really no stopping or resting. as soon as you catch up to the rest of the pack they're off again :rolleyes:

QUOTE]


This should always be a consideration of the ride leader. Its hard, but its easy to forget that the person in the back ends up never getting a breather and sometimes the group takes off so fast from the top of a hill that said person is immediately fighting to keep up.

I like to try to slow the whole ride down and have people try to keep a more consistent pace, sometimes there is no other option but to wait. But if you can keep a consistent pace for an hour of riding, no matter how hard it is, it's better for your fitness and over all experience to learn to stay on the bike longer. Sprinting to the top of everyhill might work sometimes, but sprint-rest sprint-rest is not a good way for a learning rider to advance. Being on the trail for 2 or 3 hours but only having a 1 hour ride time... just not really benificial. Can be fun, but if you really are looking to advance...


Of course, i haven't lead a MORE ride in a lonnnnggg time. So feel welcome to tell me to shut up!

[Squirrel Girl]

Definitely. The problem is me on those rides. I'm the weirdest person ever. I just don't go fast compared to fit people. But I also don't need "rests." I might need to catch my breath, but I almost never "rest." This makes me perhaps the only person on the planet who rides in this style. I can't help it, it's just the way God made me. I also like to squeek the squirrel as soon as I can so I don't have to unclip and can keep riding.

The "regulars" are used to me like that. I'm used to me like that. You should absolutely say that you would like a breather. There's no problem in that at all. Everyone has to start somewhere. You are HARDLY the first person on the casual rides who needs a rest now and again. And the more you ride, the fewer you'll need.

So don't feel bashful. Besides, it'll give everyone a chance to talk about gear or make Mark Foley jokes (ewwwwww!). Please speak up!

[Squirrel Girl]

Casual= No drop rides where the leader goes at pace that everyone can keep up with. Frequent breaks depending on terrain to regroup and rest. Suited for beginners and up depending on how tough the terrain is. Everyone on the ride should expect that it will take longer as you'll always be waiting for the slowest rider. Average speed: 5-8 miles an hour depending on terrain.
I often ride about 3-4 mph at a casual pace (gad, no wonder I call my rides "pokey," and for me with almost no rest breaks. Though I will always stop if a group needs or wants a rest.

Moderate=Average speed: 8-12 miles an hour depending on terrain. Sounds about right.

[dharma]

If you're on a casual ride and bringing up the rear (BUTR), you should speak up to the ride leader and say "Give me a minute" or something along those lines. The casual rides are just that, casual, and everyone should get an equal chance to rest. It's not fair to punish yourself by catching up to everyone, only to have to start pedaling again. If people want to go faster, they should go ahead, but there shouldn't be any pressure on you to start moving again after you just got there. When I lead a casual ride, I keep that in mind, as does Craig.

punga!

Oh, I know! I was being partially sarcastic. Craig's never made me feel like he wouldn't wait for me to rest. If I do feel that I'm struggling to "BUTR" I'll defintiely let the ride leader know! It's just that this past Tuesday I had SG behind me... and she has a scary whip :eek: bwwaaahahahahahaha :D (again - sarcasm!)

[allencb]

if you're always in the back like me, then there's really no stopping or resting. as soon as you catch up to the rest of the pack they're off again :rolleyes:
There's a good reason we take off as soon as you roll up... :p

The problem is me on those rides. I'm the weirdest person ever. I just don't go fast compared to fit people. But I also don't need "rests." I might need to catch my breath, but I almost never "rest."
I'm much the same way. On my own, I tend to ride at a slow to moderate pace (for me), but stop infrequently and then mainly to enjoy the scenery.

So don't feel bashful. Besides, it'll give everyone a chance to talk about gear or make Mark Foley jokes
Absolutely. Heck, maybe we can talk about the gear Mark Foley uses. ewww, I think I just disgusted myself. :eek:

Chris

[Jackson]

Here's my classification of riding paces, others may disagree and sometimes the terrain will dictate the pace:

Casual= No drop rides where the leader goes at pace that everyone can keep up with. Frequent breaks depending on terrain to regroup and rest. Suited for beginners and up depending on how tough the terrain is. Everyone on the ride should expect that it will take longer as you'll always be waiting for the slowest rider. Average speed: 5-8 miles an hour depending on terrain.

Moderate= No drop rides in most cases although some may feel the need to drop if they feel like they're holding the group back. Fewer, shorter breaks, although most leaders will wait for the last person to catch up. Expect a decent workout and maybe a less socialable group since there is less stopping. Those who finish a climb first may keep on going and only wait at junctions for the others. Average speed: 8-12 miles an hour depending on terrain.

Fast= A hammerfest where everyone pushes each other to go faster. Expect to be dropped if you can't keep up. There may be few if any stops to rest or regroup depending on the distance, route and terrain. Average speed: 12+ miles an hour depending on the group.

I think this is a great description.

[pabiker]

Don't think I've ever been on a mtb ride where riders were intentionally "dropped" - that is a particular type of road ride. In mtb folks will self-select themselves out, but even the fastest riders will make sure the group regroups at intersections or, if practical, will try to split the group by ability levels.

Riders who've had enough will mutter something like: "Jesus, you guys are killing me - I'm heading back" or "I've got to cut this one short today fellas - I have a Yoga class." or simply "how the hell do I get back to the cars - I've got IPAs in the cooler."

[eloach]

Don't think I've ever been on a mtb ride where riders were intentionally "dropped" - that is a particular type of road ride. In mtb folks will self-select themselves out, but even the fastest riders will make sure the group regroups at intersections or, if practical, will try to split the group by ability levels.

Riders who've had enough will mutter something like: "Jesus, you guys are killing me - I'm heading back" or "I've got to cut this one short today fellas - I have a Yoga class." or simply "how the hell do I get back to the cars - I've got IPAs in the cooler."

I think, as a general policy, MORE rides don't leave folks on the trail alone. At least that's the way Scud learned me. :D

However, not every ride posted here is an OFFICIAL MORE ride. Someone may just post that they are going to be at a location and state they are going fast. That would indicate that they will not wait for you... at least to me.

Personally, I think when most of us are planning a hammer fest, we only invite folks we know can keep up, better us, or at least stay close. That's one reason why there are not as many rides posted on the forum as members actually participate in.

But I would agree with you -
Generally, I don't want to leave anyone out in the woods. Now, places like Wakefield, it's not in issue, but if you get out in GWNF, the Shed or trails where people can get in trouble, it's just not a good thing.

[tsunayoshi]

While this was an old thread, I beleive it was meant to explain the regularly scheduled local rides during the week (Wakefield, Schaeffer, Rosaryville) where there are usually multiple groups going out.

Like eloach said, a fast hammersfest dropping people at a place like Wakefield is not that big a deal since the dropped rider can just get back on their own or hook up w/ one of the more casual groups that are out at the same time. I would personally never ride with a random group I didn't know that advertised a "drop" ride somewhere backcountry.

Edit: I am referring to Punga's comment to dharma, not the original post.