Each Bike North ride is given a ride grade for general guidance only. The grades are Easy, Easy-medium, Medium, Medium-hard and Hard. (see table below for details) These give an overall rating to the ride and are for many people the best and quickest way to assess which rides they would prefer to do.

Pace

The overall pace of a ride can dramatically affect how much work you have to do to complete the ride. Even on easy terrain, a fast ride can be quite taxing.

As a guide Bike North has assigned indicators which give an approximate idea of the expected average moving speed a ride will be run taking into account much faster and slower sections of the ride (not allowing for stops). In addition the ride information sometimes includes and actual speed, but many people prefer the word descriptions. The paces we use are: slow (<15), gentle (15 – 17), steady (17-19), moderate (19-22), brisk (22-25), fast ( >25)

RDI, REE

To assist in working out which rides might suit you Bike North has also uses several other ride indicators: The Ride Difficulty Index or RDI, the Ride Energy Expended or REE, and Pace

The RDI is calculated in a way which makes comparisons between rides quite easy.

RDI = CD/1000

where C is metres climbed and D is kilometres travelled. This is most useful for assessing how hard a particular ride will be for you at your own pace (not at the Bike North pace!).

The REE is more complex and takes into account the type of bike, the combined mass of rider and bike and the average speed the ride will be run at. You can calculate your REE for some of the Bike North rides by using the Calculate REE link in the menu. 

Please contact the ride leader to discuss your suitability for each ride.

You may like to check out our suggested progression through the rides or see a list of rides in order by RDI by using the links to the left.

Grades : One Day Rides

EasyFor any health person, little cycling experience necessary. The ride leader can instruct beginners with simple riding techniques such as use of brakes and gears. Distance to 25 km with slow or gentle pace and over reasonably flat terrain.
Experience with traffic and knowledge of road rules is necessary.
Parties stay together and regroup approximately every kilometre.
Rides typically last 4 hours including a rest or coffee break.
Typically paced at around 15 km/hr average riding speed.
Easy-MediumSlightly longer than Easy and requires basic competence with bicycle riding such as use of gears and brakes. Distance from 20 to 40 km with gentle short hills.
Experience with traffic and knowledge of road rules is necessary.
Parties stay together and regroup approximately couple of kilometres.
Rides typically last 4 hours including a rest or coffee break.
Typically paced at around 18 – 20 km/hr average riding speed.
Mediumcyclists with geared bikes. Distances up to 50 km.
Experience with traffic and knowledge of road rules is necessary.
Parties may break up a little according to ability but will regroup every 3 to 5 kilometres.
Rides typically last 5 hours including a rest or coffee break.
Typically these rides will be moderate pace.
Medium-HardFor fit teenagers and athletic adults. Distances up to 100 km per day.
Experience with traffic and knowledge of road rules is necessary.
Parties tend to get separated by hills and traffic. Regroup about every 10 kilometres. Every cyclist should be self contained for puncture repairs.
Rides typically last 5 hours including a rest or coffee break.
Typically the rides will be moderate or brisk pace.
HardFor experienced cyclists with above average ability. Distances may exceed 100 km per day over difficult terrain.
Experience with traffic and knowledge of road rules is necessary.
Parties may ride separately for long distances. Cyclists should be self contained for punctures and other minor mechanical repairs.
Rides last for 6 hours or more including more than one rest break.
Typical pace is moderate, brisk or fast and may include significant sections of riding at faster than 26 kms/hr

Multi Day Rides

For any multi day rides the following descriptions are likely to be used in addition to the ride grades above.

Supported TourThis ride will be accompanied by a vehicle which can carry some gear and provide support services during the ride. It may be possible for the vehicle to carry a bike and rider.
Un-supported TourCyclist are expected to be able to carry everything that is required for the ride on their bicycle. Usually panniers, rack top bags and handlebar bags are used.
CampingThe accommodation will be at a camp ground and will require the cyclist to bring clothes, tents, sleeping bags, cooking facilities and possibly water.
Rides last 2 days or more.
Non-campingThe accommodation will be in hotels, motels, cabins or bed and breakfasts. Cyclists usually need to only bring clothes and money.
Rides last 2 days or more.