Here’s another basic ratings guideline. Most riders can easily tell where they best fit in:
Easy Trail
Short distances and smooth surfaces. Suitable for novice riders including kids. Kind of like a sidewalk, but made out of dirt…
Beginner Level
Still pretty smooth and easy, but the trail may have a few rocks, some tight and twisty sections and maybe some steep ups and downs. Nothing too hairy, though…
Intermediate Level
Tougher than Beginner. These are ‘real’ mountain bike trails. The trail will have a combination of one or more of the following: rocks, tight, twisty stuff, steep ups and downs, drops/ledges and hard climbs…
Advanced Level
Tough trail for more experienced riders. Expect lots of rocks and drops, the possibility of extended climbing, fast down hills and plenty of opportunities to inflict bodily and bike damage
More detail:
Easy and Beginner Rides
Geared for people looking for conversational paced riding with stops to regroup and/or discuss technical sections and/or offer riding advice. Also good for new comers to learn trails and meet people to ride with. All Beginner rides have a ‘Sweep’ - an experienced rider that rides at the back of the pack to insure that no one gets dropped. The rides are usually 5-10 miles in distance and can last 1.5 - 4 hours. Some of these rides will also incorporate ‘Skills Clinics’, where we’ll help new riders develop the needed skills to tackle more difficult terrain.
Intermediate Level Rides
Geared for the more advanced rider capable of a fairly fast pace with good technical skills. Good for experienced riders new the area to learn the local trails and meet people to ride with. Fewer stops to regroup but usually wait at trail intersections. These rides often split into smaller groups of faster and slower riders. There are no sweeps on intermediate rides, so it is possible to get dropped. This is rare, but it has happened - so be prepared. Ride length and time vary greatly depending on terrain.
Advanced Level Rides
Same as above but “on steroids”. Very technical, longer distances, slower riders may get dropped. Feel free to drop the ride leader as well!