OUR RIDE GRADE SYSTEM

GRADE ONE Grade 1 rides are 99% paved roads generally in good condition and reasonable altitude. We may at times ride winding coastal and mountain roads. It must be remembered that driving styles in many of the regions we ride through can be somewhat different to those that we may be accustomed to and as such a certain amount of care is of course required.

GRADE TWO Grade 2 rides are mostly paved roads that are generally in good condition, however on a very few days (2 or 3) we may ride on dirt surfaces that can be loose in sections. These rides also cross high altitude passes. It must be remembered that driving styles in many of the regions we ride through can be somewhat different to those that we may be accustomed to and as such a certain amount of care is of course required.

GRADE THREE Grade 3 rides are mostly on paved roads; however these road surfaces can be in bad condition with large potholes and can be heavily trafficked at times. On a very few days (2 or 3) we may ride on dirt surfaces that can be loose in sections. These rides can also cross high altitude passes. It must be remembered that driving styles in many of the regions we ride through can be somewhat different to those that we may be accustomed to and as such a certain amount of care is of course required.

GRADE FOUR Grade 4 rides are a mix of paved and dirt, the paved roads are generally in good condition although can be narrow in sections and potholed. The dirt sections can be long and consist of loose gravel and be rutted, however a lot of dirt is hard packed. The wind in Patagonia (on our South American rides) can be ferocious and this makes riding tiring at times. On some grade 4 rides we cross a number of small shallow creeks and contend with very limited sections of sand, some of these rides can be at altitude. It must be remembered that driving styles in many of the regions we ride through can be somewhat different to those that we may be accustomed to and as such a certain amount of care is of course required.

GRADE FIVE Grade 5 rides are not extreme and are with the right kind of support are achievable by anyone. These rides have some long days with a lot of gravel and a little sand, in some very remote areas of South America, Australia and on our major expeditions, they are not rallies though and we ride at our own pace and are suitable for those with limited off road experience. Some off road experience IS required to participate in a grade 5 ride. It must be remembered that driving styles in many of the regions we ride through can be somewhat different to those that we may be accustomed to and as such a certain amount of care is of course required.