These levels will help you choose the right cycling trip for your fitness and preferences. If you need any further information or advice on how to choose, please contact us – we’ll be happy to help!
Levels of difficulty for off-pavement journeys
Level 1
Basic Adventure
Technical complexity:
Minimum. The trails are well maintained, mostly flat, with gentle ascents and descents. Surfaces include hard-packed gravel or hard dirt paths with no major obstacles. The terrain is 100% rideable, regardless of technical knowledge, and does not require advanced technical skills.
Description:
Designed for beginners and those who want to explore gravel paths in a relaxed way. The ideal choice for an introduction to unpaved adventures where you can relax and enjoy nature.
Level 2
Research challenge
Technical difficulty:
Moderate. The terrain is 100% passable and includes a mixture of hard-packed gravel, fine gravel and occasional natural obstacles such as roots, small rocks or crossings over shallow watercourses. It requires some basic technical skills to control speed and manage short descents.
Description:
For cyclists with some experience who are looking for slightly more rugged terrain with occasional technical challenges. Suitable for nature lovers who want to actively explore less well-maintained trails.
Level 3
A technical adventure
Technical complexity:
High. The terrain is 99% rideable with adequate technical skills and includes longer and steeper climbs and challenging descents on rough gravel, rocky sections or softer ground. Natural obstacles such as roots, large rocks and technically challenging sections requiring good bike control are expected.
Description:
For experienced cyclists who enjoy technical challenges and challenging terrain. Endurance and technical skills are required to successfully negotiate more rugged and less predictable trails.
Level 4
Extreme expedition
Technical complexity:
Very high. The terrain is 97% rideable with adequate technical skills, but the trails may contain technically very difficult sections where you may have to push the bike alongside you. Expect long and steep climbs, technically tricky descents and challenging surfaces such as rough gravel, large rocks, roots and natural obstacles.
Description:
For the most experienced and endurance riders looking for the ultimate technical and endurance challenges. These tours are for those who are ready to push their limits and overcome the toughest terrain.
Security
Our cycling trips often take place in remote and inaccessible terrain, where an escort vehicle cannot be with the group at all times. The escort vehicle waits for the group at predetermined points along the route, while the participants follow the route with the help of our guide and/or GPS tracks on navigation devices or mobile phones.
For extra security, each group is equipped with GPS transmitters that receive satellite signals. These allow you to monitor your group’s movements even in areas without a telephone signal. The transmitters have a text messaging function and an SOS button to ensure fast communication in the event of unexpected situations.
It is also very important that you take out adequate medical insurance before you go. This is especially true for Level 3 and 4 tours, which can take place on terrain that can often be inaccessible to vehicles. Having the right insurance gives you extra security and peace of mind, so you are prepared for the unexpected.
Conclusion
Cycling on unpaved routes often takes place in natural environments and in remote areas where there is no regular supervision by local infrastructure services. As a result, certain parts of the route, especially when the weather changes, can experience significant changes such as path damage, softer ground or natural obstacles. It is important to take these situations as part of the adventure and an opportunity to explore the unpredictable beauty of nature.
Make your cycling journey your own
Don’t delay – our cycling trips are designed for small groups, so places fill up quickly. Book now and set off on a cycling adventure that will become an unforgettable part of your life.