BayBUG wants riders to have the information they need to help them choose rides that they are suited to. Our ride grades describe the level of difficulty of all our rides. It is important for riders to think about their own experience and fitness when selecting a ride from our Rides Calendar. If you choose the wrong ride, you could be dangerously overstretched – or alternatively, unchallenged and disappointed!

Pace is the speed the ride leader intends to maintain on the level sections of the ride.

Average speed is the expected speed over the full length of the ride, including uphills and downhills.

The description of the ride in the Rides Calendar will indicate whether there are hills or other significant issues affecting the level of difficulty.

BayBUG Ride Grades

Easy Easy-Medium Medium Medium-Hard Hard

EASY

Pace is typically 15-18 km/h and the average speed is less than 15 km/h. Distance will vary with specific rides; see ride description.Requiring basic ability to ride a bicycle including use of brakes and gears. However, little cycling experience is necessary. The ride leader may advise beginners about simple riding techniques. Easy rides are over mainly flat terrain, mostly off road, on shared bicycle/pedestrian paths. Any on-road sections are lightly trafficked. Groups are small and ride together, stopping briefly every kilometre or so. Rides will include at least one longer rest break.
EASY-MEDIUM

Typical pace is gentle, low 20s km/h and the average speed 15-17 km/h. Distance usually from 20 to 40 km. Routes may be on both trafficked roads and shared paths. Terrain may include small hills. Requires competence with riding as part of a group. Riders regroup approximately every 5 kilometres. Rides will include at least one rest break.
MEDIUM

Typical pace is relaxed or moderate, low to mid 20s km/h and the average speed 18-22 km/h. Distance up to 50 km. Routes are over variable terrain on trafficked roads including hills. Riders may be separated and regroup every 5 to 8 kilometres. Rides will include at least one rest break.
MEDIUM-HARD

Typical pace is moderate or brisk, mid to high 20s km/h and the average speed 22-27 km/h. Distance up to 100 km.Routes are over variable terrain on trafficked roads including hills. Riders may be separated and regroup about every 10 kilometres. Rides will include at least one rest break.
HARD

Typical pace is brisk or hard and may include sections riding at faster than 30 km/h. Average speed will typically be 25-30 km/h. Total distance may exceed 100 km.Routes may proceed over very hilly terrain. Rides will include more than one rest break.