Required levels

TECHNICAL LEVEL 1

You’ve been mountain biking regularly and for about a year now. You’re able to control your speed and trajectory through forest paths and flowing singletrack trails. You’d be up for riding more often, or even taking a lesson, to prepare for your trip.

PHYSICAL LEVEL 1

You exercise regularly. You would be able to ride 3 to 4 hours per day, at a regular pace, for 2 to 4 consecutive days.

TECHNICAL LEVEL 2

You’ve been mountain biking for two or more years. You can go up and down on gentle singletrack trails and over rocks and tree roots. On steep, flowing singletrack trails, you can master your bike with no problems. From time to time, you can ride on slightly exposed paths. You know your limits, and when to get off the bike and walk through a difficult section. You’d be up for riding more often, or even taking a lesson, to prepare for your trip.

PHYSICAL LEVEL 2

You exercise 2 to 3 times per week, for at least 30 minutes. You feel good after a demanding workout with some high-intensity intervals. You would be able to ride between 4 and 6 hours per day, for 4 to 6 consecutive days, and don’t mind pushing your bike for long periods, over sections where the terrain is too tricky.

TECHNICAL LEVEL 3

You’ve been mountain biking for at least three years and you’re confident on all types of singletrack trails. You’re able to do small jumps and descend on rocky and rooty technical sections. You don’t have any problems riding on exposed paths. You clearly know when it’s time to get off your bike and walk through a difficult section.

PHYSICAL LEVEL 3

You exercise 3 or 4 times a week, for 40 minutes or longer each time. You feel good after a demanding workout with long periods of high-intensity intervals. You’re able to do long uphill stretches and periods of carrying your bike, and are happy to ride for about 6 hours per day, for 4 to 6 consecutive days.

TECHNICAL LEVEL 4

You’ve got over 5 years experience in mountain biking. You can ride on technical singletrack trails with jumps and extremely narrow sections. You’re confident on all types of terrain, even when it’s exposed. You clearly know when it’s time to get off your bike and walk through a difficult section.

PHYSICAL LEVEL 4

You workout at least 5 times a week, for 40 minutes or longer each time. You’re comfortable with long periods of high-intensity training, for 5 or more consecutive days. Perhaps you’re training for another sporting event.