Activity Levels for Cycling Trips
Choose your ideal Cycling trip by using our Activity Levels – a grading that indicates how strenuous an adventure will be. To calculate Activity Levels, which run from Easy to Tough, we consider cycling distance, elevation gain (and loss) and the road surface; the availability of vehicle support does not affect the grading.
All trips have a cycling profile showing the daily distances and a description of the expected conditions. On occasion, a ride may exceed the maximum stated below; in these instances, we feel the correct Activity Level has been assigned based on the difficulty of the trip as a whole. With the support of our experienced guides, these rides often provide a fun challenge for the group!
Read on for a breakdown of what each Activity Level means.
Activity Level 1 (Easy)
Ideal for those on their first cycling trip. No prior cycle touring experience is necessary, but you should be reasonably fit. Expect two to four hours on the saddle per day, almost entirely taking paved roads.
- Average distance per day: 12.5mi-25mi (20km-40km)
- Maximum distance per day: 31mi (50km)
- Average elevation gain per day: 0ft-330ft (0m-100m)
- Maximum elevation gain per day: 985ft (300m)
Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate)
Ride from three to five hours per day, mostly on paved roads. Longer distances will be on good surfaces with limited elevation gain. Some prior cycle touring experience would be useful, but is not essential. We recommend you should be reasonably fit.
- Average distance per day: 18.5mi-37mi (30km-60km)
- Maximum distance per day: 50mi (80km)
- Average elevation gain per day: 330ft-1,310ft (100m-400m)
- Maximum elevation gain per day: 1,970ft (600m)
Activity Level 3 (Moderate)
We recommend you are a confident cyclist with good fitness and some experience of longer rides. You’ll be on the saddle for five to seven hours a day and should expect to tackle some bigger climbs or longer distances.
- Average distance per day: 25mi-43.5mi (40km-70km)
- Maximum distance per day: 62mi (100km)
- Average elevation gain per day: 330ft-1,965ft (100m-600m)
- Maximum elevation gain per day: 3,280ft (1,000m)
Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging)
An adventure for experienced cyclists with good fitness. Expect five to seven hours of cycling per day, with some big climbs and sometimes over more challenging road surfaces.
- Average distance per day: 31mi-50mi (50km-80km)
- Maximum distance per day: 68mi (110km)
- Average elevation gain per day: 660ft-2,790ft (200m-850m)
- Maximum elevation gain per day: 4,920ft (1,500m)
Activity Level 5 (Challenging)
Ideal for experienced cyclists with very good fitness. You should feel comfortable cycling six to eight hours per day, including longer distances or tougher climbs, possibly over tricker terrain.
- Average distance per day: 31mi-56mi (50km-90km)
- Maximum distance per day: 75mi (120km)
- Average elevation gain per day: 655ft-3,280ft (200m-1,000m)
- Maximum elevation gain per day: 6,560ft (2,000m)
Cycling Fitness Guide
Want some expert advice on preparing for your adventure? Check out our Cycling Fitness Guide:
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