Understanding Your Skill Level

LEVEL 1: NEW TO MOUNTAIN BIKING

You’ve never ridden a mountain bike, or you have only tried it once or twice.

LEVEL 2: BEGINNER (GREEN)

You can ride the bike on basic gravel roads, double track or wider green trails. You can operate the bike, but are still learning and improving in the areas of climbing, descending, shifting and cornering. More technical aspects, like roots, rocks and tight switchback may require walking.

LEVEL 3: INTERMEDIATE (BLUE)

You are proficient at braking on descents, shifting through gears, and have the ability to maintain and progress through controlled climbs and descents. You have the ability to navigate through a variety of technical features, such as rocks, roots, and tight switchback. You prefer a more slow and controlled pace of riding.

LEVEL 4: SKILLED INTERMEDIATE (BLUE/BLACK)

You are a comfortable and confident rider, with the ability to navigate variable terrain at a consistent pace. You can ride singletrack trails and easily navigate rocks, roots, water crossings and sand. You can maneuver your bike over obstacles (front/rear wheel lift) and are fairly confident on steep climbs and descents. You may walk certain features on trails that are rated Black.

LEVEL 5: ADVANCED RIDER (BLACK)

You can handle technical terrain at high speeds, and are skilled at navigating features such as rocks, roots, mud, sand, and water crossings. You are skilled at shifting, braking and adjusting your weight on the bike to navigate challenging climbs, descents and all trail features. On a trail, you can confidently handle small obstacles, jumps and ride the apex of berms with ease.

LEVEL 6: EXPERT (DOUBLE BLACK/PRO LINES)

You are very advanced in all skill areas of mountain biking. This includes navigating all aspects of terrain and trail conditions at high speeds. You’re comfortable with jumps and maneuvering your bike with ease on the climbs, descents and wide array of trail features and challenges.