Ride Grades

In order to grade the club spins and let riders know what to expect on the rides we have come up with the following categories

Level Name Description
1 Beginner Suitable for riders with no experience of mountainbiking or with a low level of fitness. Riding is mostly on level trails or broad forest roads with a minimum of climbing. The group will always go at the pace of the slowest rider and there will be frequent rest stops. Technical advice and help (e.g. puncture repairs, brake adjustment, recommended equipment) will be provided.e.g. Phoenix Park, Leadmines forest paths
Duration: 1-2 hours
2 Easy Suitable for riders with basic experience of mountainbiking or with a low level of fitness, hills and basic trails are introduced. Pace will be set by the slowest rider. Advice on bike maintenance and techniques will be available.e.g. Hellfire Club, Masseys Wood
Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours
3 Fun Suitable for riders with uphill and downhill experience of mountainbiking or with medium levels of fitness. Technical riding abilities and confidence with basic bike maintenance required.e.g. Kindlestown, Djouce, Ballinastoe
Duration: 2-3.5 hours
4 Awesome Suitable for riders with a good level of fitness and who are comfortable riding technical trails.e.g. Sugarloaf climb and descent
Duration: 2-4 hours
5 Savage Riders should be completely self sufficient and able to look after themselves in all conditions. They should have a high level of fitness and technical ability and be able to deal with the unexpected. If riders cannot keep up with the group they may be dropped. The pace will be constant with a minimum of stops.e.g. Yellow House to Ballinastoe and back, Kippure+Cloon+Crone (and back)
Duration: As long as it takes (commonly >5 hours)