Ride Ratings Guide

Key to the rating codes used in the ride list.

Key

Pace / Technical difficulty / Mileage / Approximate elevation gain

Pace

A – Slow; social or introductory ride. Riders need not be experienced or fit.
B – Moderate; recreational ride.
C – Quick; fun and fitness ride with multiple hours of strong riding.
D – Sustained, fast; sweaty, intense training ride.
E – Hammerfest; riders should have their heads and knees examined!

Pace generally reflects climbing speed; downhill speed in most local areas is limited to 15 mph.

Drop policy: A, B, and C rides are "no drop" rides with regroups as needed. Rest breaks appropriate for weather, terrain and pace. D and E rides may drop riders who cannot maintain the pace; the drop policy may be stated in the ride listing, or check with the ride leader.

Technical Difficulty

Technical difficulty is based on the hardest significant portion of the ride, e.g., if a ride were ten miles of fire road but one mile of singletrack, the ride would be rated based on the singletrack.

EASY – Smooth singletrack or fire road; obstacles such as rocks and roots might exist but are not numerous.

INTermediate – Steep, rutted fire road; singletrack with extended sections that can include medium or large rocks and roots; stream crossings; exposure; long singletrack descents.

DIFFicult – Singletrack with very steep and/or rocky sections; narrow trails; exposed sideslopes; downhill-side-sloped sections.

EXTreme – Singletrack with extended steep climbs or descents over rough terrain; many tight switchbacks and turns. Portions may require portage.

Where to start?

For your first ROMP ride, try one of our monthly A, B, or C rides to get an idea of pace and technical difficulty.