Riding Levels

When deciding which riding level you ride at it is important to know that we measure our skills against our membership only.  For example, you may be an intermediate rider when riding outside of the club and an advanced rider when riding with the club

Beginner
Tailored to riders who are new to the sport or still developing their basic skills

• often slower paced
• stay on lower trails within the Hartland park
• smaller obstacles, wider single track, minimal elevation change
• average ride time: 1.5 to 2.5 hrs.

You will be able to walk around anything you are not comfortable riding. There will be plenty of breaks for you to catch your breath.

Experienced Beginner
For those beginner riders who are ready for a bit more challenge

• pace may be a little faster
• start to move up to the gentler higher-level trails
• expect harder obstacles, narrower single track, longer and steeper climbs and descents
• average ride time: 2 to 2.5 hrs.

You will still be able to walk around anything you are not comfortable riding. There will still be plenty of breaks for you to catch your breath.

Intermediate
For riders who are finding experienced beginner rides a little too easy.

• expect faster pace
• the ride will usually take you to the upper-level trails
• obstacles are more diverse, single track is more technical both in climbing and descending
• average ride time: 2-3 hrs.

You will still be able to walk around anything you are not comfortable riding. Depending on the posted style of the ride, there may be fewer breaks for catching your breath. Fitness is more important at this level.

Advanced
For those riders who are confident in their bike handling skills

• rides can traverse all over the mountain and will usually take you to the upper-level trails
• obstacles are more challenging; single track is more technical both in climbing and descending
• average ride time: 2-3.5hrs.

You will be usually be able to get around obstacles you do not feel comfortable riding. However, you may need to lift your bike and carry it up or down steep, uneven terrain. Depending on the posted style of the ride, there may be fewer breaks for catching your breath. Fitness may be very important at this level depending on the style of the ride.