VVCC Trip Grading Levels for Club Trips

Introduction

Choose your ideal cycling trip using our five-tier grading system, ranging from Easy to Challenging. The grading system forms part of a wider risk assessment process that we are developing and is intended to help members identify trips that best match their fitness levels, cycling ability, and experience.

 The overall trip grading takes account of the following factors:

  1. Average daily cycling distance

  2. Maximum daily distance

  3. Average daily elevation gain

  4. Maximum daily elevation gain

  5. Length of climbs

  6. Trip duration (number of consecutive days)

  7. Terrain and road quality (required technical ability)

  8. Other relevant factors, such as seasonal weather conditions

Grade 1 (Easy)

Suitable for those who are new to cycling or do not yet have a high level of fitness. Routes consist of an easy combination of mostly flat and gently undulating terrain. Ideal for riders seeking a relaxed touring experience.

Expectations

  • 2 to 4 hours of cycling per day

  • Consecutive days of cycling

  • 20 to 40 miles (30 to 60 km) per day

  • Average daily elevation gain of up to 1,000 ft (305 m)

Grade 2 (Easy to Moderate)

Features undulating or rolling terrain with occasional moderate or challenging climbs. There may be the odd short, steep ascent, but no high-altitude climbs. Designed for semi-regular riders and relative novices looking to build experience and fitness.

Expectations

  • 4 to 6 hours of cycling per day

  • Consecutive days of cycling

  • 40 to 60 miles (65 to 96 km) per day

  • Average daily elevation gain of up to 2,000 ft (610 m)

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Suitable for confident and experienced riders with a good level of fitness and cycling ability. Most days include one or more significant climbs. Expect some long days, along with occasional steep or very steep sections. Not suitable for beginners.

Expectations

  • 5 to 7 hours of cycling per day

  • 50 to 80 miles (80 to 128 km) per day

  • Consecutive days of cycling

  • Average daily elevation gain of around 3,280 ft (1,000 m)

Grade 4 (Moderate to Challenging)

Designed for adventurous cyclists with strong stamina and a good level of fitness. Expect long and demanding days featuring multiple tough or high-altitude ascents, often with extended steep sections. Descents may be long and technically challenging.

Expectations

  • Full-day cycling

  • 60 to 80 miles (96 to 128 km) per day

  • Occasional longer days of up to 100 miles (161 km)

  • Consecutive days of cycling

  • Competent descending skills required

  • Average daily elevation gain of around 5,000 ft (1,524 m)

Grade 5 (Challenging)

Designed for experienced cyclists with excellent stamina and a high level of fitness. Expect consecutive long and demanding days with multiple serious or high-altitude ascents. Routes frequently include steep or very steep climbs, sometimes over extended distances, along with long and technically demanding descents. Serious road cycling for the committed enthusiast.

Expectations

  • Full-day cycling

  • 60 to 100 miles (96 to 160 km) per day

  • 6 to 10 consecutive days of cycling

  • Competent descending skills required

  • Typical daily elevation gain of 5,000 to 7,500 ft (1,525 to 2,286 m)

  • Occasional days with elevation gains of up to 9,842 ft (3,000 m)