Estimated Reading Time: [read_time]

 

Mountain biking is all about having fun! While it’s great to push yourself to improve your fitness and technical skills, it’s just as important—for your safety and enjoyment—not to book a tour that’s beyond your current capabilities.

If you’re unsure, it’s absolutely fine to start with one of our intermediate tours and build your confidence from there—this is exactly what I did! We all start off at the level we’re at, and I’m always trying to improve my technical skills and fitness, too!

Please note: We do not offer cycling tours for beginners. Our adventures are designed for those with some Mountain Biking experience to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved.

If you’re interested in getting into Mountain Biking but not sure where you start, take a look at a great video from GMBN here, outlining how to get into the sport.

If you think one of our trips might be outside your current fitness or skill level, don’t worry! We offer a variety of hiking and trekking adventures that will still leave you with that sense of adventure you’re craving.

As much as I love Mountain Biking, sometimes I find myself going on a long hike instead!

With all that said…let’s get into it!

 

Fitness Ratings

We have three different levels of Fitness Ratings:

3/5 – For riders who have a Good General Fitness and experience of longer rides.

4/5 – For riders with excellent overall fitness, capable of tackling long and physically demanding rides.

5/5 – This level is designed for riders with exceptional endurance and strength, prepared for the toughest physical demands.

Remember, you may not be the recommended fitness level right now – but that’s ok! You can view our post on How to Physically and Mentally Prepare for your Mountain Bike Adventure.

Let’s break these down even further…

Fitness Level: 3/5

Fitness requirements include:

• • Moderate Endurance: Able to ride for 3–4 hours per day with breaks, including climbs and descents.

• • Climbing Capability: Comfortable with sustained but manageable climbs on fire roads or singletracks.

• • Recovery: Fitness level allows for quick recovery between sections.

• • Consistent Riding: Regular weekly rides or activities that build stamina and strength.

 

This fitness level works well for adventures with moderate climbs and shorter, less intense riding days.

 

Fitness Level: 4/5

Fitness requirements include:

• • High Endurance: Able to ride for 5–6 hours per day, including prolonged climbs and descents.

• • Steep Climbs: Comfortable with sustained, steep ascents.

• • Strength & Stamina: Possess the strength to maintain consistent performance on challenging terrain, even after a few hours of riding.

• • Active Recovery: Quick recovery during rest stops, enabling you to sustain multiple days of riding.

• • Cross-Training Base: Likely participates in regular cross-training activities, such as running, gym workouts, or other endurance sports.

This fitness level is ideal for those who are used to full-day rides with a mix of climbing, technical descents, and minimal downtime.

 

Fitness Level: 5/5

Fitness requirements include:

• • All-Day Riding: Capable of riding 6–8 hours a day over consecutive days, with limited rest.

• • Steep & Sustained Climbs: Fitness for long ascents at altitude, with minimal fatigue.

• • High-Altitude Adaptability: Physical readiness for reduced oxygen levels and harsh environments.

• • Cross-Training Foundation: A strong mix of endurance, strength, and recovery ability, backed by consistent training.

 

This fitness level is essential for riders aiming to conquer the most challenging trails and terrain.

–

An important note here is that our guides are highly trained professionals with the necessary experience and qualifications to adapt and modify routes, within reason, if you’re struggling. Again, we want to make sure you have the best possible time!

 

 

Technical Ratings

We have three different levels of Technical Rating:

3/5: This level is for intermediate riders with solid experience on mountain biking trails. You’re confident on most off-road terrain but may find highly technical features challenging.

4/5: This level is suited to advanced riders with strong technical abilities. You should feel confident and in control on a variety of challenging trails with more demanding features.

5/5: This level is for expert riders who thrive on the most demanding technical trails and thrive in unpredictable conditions.

 

Again, lets break this down further…

 

Technical Rating 3/5

Key skills include:

• • Confident Trail Navigation: Able to handle typical singletrack trails, including moderate rocks, roots, and small obstacles.

• • Descending Control: Comfortable on moderately steep descents, with good braking and cornering technique.

• • Tight Switchbacks: Can successfully navigate tighter turns and hairpins on trails.

• • Trail Obstacles: Able to ride over smaller features like drops (up to 1 foot), rollovers, and rock gardens with control.

 

This skill level is ideal for riders who are confident on varied terrain but may walk short sections with highly advanced features.

Technical Rating 4/5

 

• • Rock Gardens & Roots: Able to ride smoothly through extended sections of uneven, rocky terrain and tangled roots without losing control.

• • Steep Descents: Confident on steep and sustained downhill trails, using proper braking and body positioning techniques.

• • Tight Switchbacks: Easily handles tight, technical turns, including both uphill and downhill switchbacks.

• • Drops & Features: Comfortable riding drops of 1–2 feet and tackling larger rollovers or technical features.

• • Line Choice & Flow: Quickly identifies optimal lines on the trail, maintaining flow and control through varied terrain.

• • Unpredictable Surfaces: Skilled at adapting to loose gravel, wet roots, or other unpredictable trail conditions.

 

This skill level is suited for riders who thrive on technical singletracks and natural trails but may find some extreme expert-level features challenging. Riders should be comfortable riding in a group on advanced trails with a only some dismounting.

Technical Rating 5/5

Key skills include:

 

• • Rock Gardens & Drops: Confidently handle large rocks, big drops, and highly uneven terrain.

• • Steep & Technical Descents: Flow down steep, challenging sections with full control and speed.

• • Advanced Line Choice: Ability to read trails quickly and choose optimal lines on the fly.

• • Complex Features: Confidently tackle large obstacles such as jumps, tight switchbacks, and exposed ridges.

 

This skill level is for those who feel at home on the gnarliest of trails.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found this useful. Its all about ensuring that you are prepared for the trip ahead and not pushing yourself too far out of your comfort zone. Gradual steps is the way to go!

Feeling ready? Take a look at our Mountain Bike Adventures here and get ready for your next adventure!