Grade 1 – The “Gentle Annie” – 🌶

If you are new to the world of gravel riding, or your fitness is a little closer to “daily commuter” than “I-ride-200km-before-breakfast”, then this is the grade for you. Expect wide, non-technical trails with a smooth, hard packed surface. And each day will be a leisurely 30-60 kms of gentle riding.

• At-home training load: 2-3 hrs per week 
• Daily distance: 30-60 km 
• Daily elevation:  0-500 m
• Daily hours: 1-3 hrs

Grade 2 – The “Flow Feeler” – 🌶🌶

If you’re a semi-regular gravel and off-road enthusiasts whos starting to feel the flow (perhaps looking to level-up your fitness and skills), this grade is you. You’ll be cruising on rolling trails with occasional moderate climbs to keep things interesting.

Expect gravel with a bit more “personality” – patches of loose gravel, sand, and stones, but nothing too technical. Aim for tyres at least 35mm wide, and get ready for 50-70 kms of daily exploration.

• At-home training load: 4-5 hrs per week 
• Daily distance: 50-70 km 
• Daily elevation:  0-1000 m
• Daily hours: 2-4 hrs

Grade 3 – The “Gravel Grinder” – 🌶🌶🌶

If you’ve got decent fitness, intermediate off-road skills, and a taste for (some) hardship, this is your level. The gravel comes in all shapes and sizes, from wide hard packed “highways” to the occasional stretch of moderate singletrack. 

You’ll need to pick your line carefully, shifting left and right to find the smoothest route. You’ll also need to be comfortable cranking out 2-6 hours in the saddle each day (with plenty of breaks for food and coffee en route).  

• At-home training load: 5-8+ hrs per week 
• Daily on-trip distance: 30-120 km 
• Daily on-trip elevation:  500 – 2500 m
• Daily on-trip hours on bike: 2-6 hrs

Grade 4 – The “Top Gun” – 🌶🌶🌶🌶

For the gravel and off-road die-hards with stamina to spare and a solid fitness foundation, welcome to Grade 4. The gravel here has teeth; it can be loose and includes larger pebbles and rocks. Picking the right line is crucial, especially when tackling steep climbs and sketchy descents at speed. You’ll also encounter patches of smooth singletrack, but don’t expect a cakewalk. This is serious gravel riding for the experienced bunch. Your tyres should be at least 38mm wide, and be prepared for 65-120+ kms (6+ hours) of daily action.

• At-home training load: 10+ hrs per week 
• Daily distance: 65-120 km+ 
• Daily elevation:  500-3,500 m
• Daily hours: 5-8 hrs