Wondering how challenging your cycle tour will be?
Our grading system makes it easy to see!
New Zealand’s great outdoors offers a wide range of experiences for those eager to explore on two wheels. Whether you’re after a relaxed ride through scenic landscapes or a more challenging off-road adventure, there’s something for everyone.
So, where do our Sidetracks Women cycle tours fit into this?
What to expect on a Sidetracks Women cycle tour
First things first – we’re not about extreme adrenaline-pumping trails. Our tours are designed to be fun and enjoyable, with options that cater to different fitness levels. We offer a variety of experiences, from easygoing rides for beginners to slightly more challenging routes for those with off-road experience.
To make it easy to see which tour will give you exactly what you’re looking for, we’ve developed a simple grading system (based on the grades used by AA and NZTA). This system considers trail surfaces, how hilly the route is, and the amount of traffic you might encounter.
Remember: Our grading is designed with standard bikes in mind, so if you’re on an Ebike, those uphill sections will feel much easier with the extra power!
The Sidetracks Women Grading System
Grade 1 (Easiest) - Perfect for beginners.
The trails are smooth (firm gravel or sealed), flat, and wide enough for two people to ride side by side. On-road sections are usually on quiet roads with little traffic.
Grade 2 (Easy) - Great for occasional cyclists.
The trails are mostly flat with gentle climbs and smooth surfaces (firm gravel or sealed). There’s plenty of space to cycle comfortably, and the roads have minimal traffic.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Ideal for regular cyclists with some off-road experience.
Here, you’ll encounter narrower trails, hills, and maybe a few small river crossings. The surfaces can be firm but might also include some muddy or loose sections, with obstacles like rocks or tree roots. On-road sections may have moderate traffic and hill climbs.
Grade 4 (Advanced) - For experienced cyclists.
Expect steeper climbs and unavoidable obstacles like rocks and tree roots. Trails can be narrow and include muddy patches. On-road sections might have more traffic and bigger hill climbs.
Grade 5 (Expert) - For very experienced cyclists.
These off-road trails are challenging, with steep climbs, tricky descents, and hazardous obstacles like river crossings. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but a great adventure for those with excellent off-road skills.
How Do Sidetracks Women Tours Measure Up?
Our tours fall into the easy (Grade 2) to moderate (Grade 3) range, which means they’re accessible for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. And remember, with an Ebike, those climbs are a breeze!
Examples of Our Tours:
Explore Otago
Cycling Grade: 2 (easy) to 3 (moderate)
Most of the trail is easy, with wide, flat gravel paths. The Roxburgh Gorge section is a bit more challenging, with steeper parts (Grade 3). The Clutha Gold Trail offers a mix of easy and very easy terrain.
West Coast Wilderness Trail
Cycling Grade: 2 (easy) to 3 (moderate)
This trail is mostly easy with gentle gradients and wide paths. The on-road sections have a few moderate-grade challenges, but nothing too tricky!
Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail
Cycling Grade: 2 (easy) to 3 (moderate)
The terrain is varied, with some steeper sections, but the overall gradient is downhill. The surface ranges from gravel to tarseal, with some moderately technical parts.
Lakes, Fiords and Mountains Cycle Trail
Cycling Grade: 2 (easy) to 3 (moderate)
The terrain on this route is diverse, with mostly gentle gradients but some steeper sections to challenge you. The surface varies between smooth gravel and tarseal, with a few moderately technical areas requiring a bit more focus. Overall, it offers a good mix of easy cruising and slightly more demanding stretches, perfect for riders with a moderate level of fitness.
Weather Matters
Keep in mind, weather conditions can affect the difficulty of a trail. Rain or strong winds might make a normally easy trail a bit more challenging – but don’t worry, we’re always there to guide you!
Need More Info?
We take regular breaks during the tour, and if things get tough, you can always hop off and walk – it’s a great way to enjoy the views!
Still unsure about which tour is right for you? Give us a call on 021 228 3912
– we’re happy to help and can talk you through it!
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