Ride challenge ratings explained
See the table below to understand our ride challenge ratings as specified for each predefined Full Carbon holiday in our availability page. The values for time in the saddle are approximate, depending on your average ride speed.
Does this mean you’ll have to ride these figures every day? No – we’ll build the challenge as the week goes on to give you time to adapt to the altitude and challenge. And our van is always close by if you push beyond your limits.
And remember – this is only for our predefined holidays sold by the place! If you reserve for a private group, we will customise your itinerary to suit your specific needs.
The key variables for any road cycling ride, to understand whether it’s well suited to your level, gearing and goals, are as follows:
- Climbing: how much vertical climbing you’ll do in total during the ride. It’s important that you train at this level before joining a ride, as a big jump in climbing can quickly lead to cramp. Not the end of the world as there’s a support van here for you, but not what you came out for!
- Distance: the total distance from start to finish
- Time: how long you’ll be in the saddle – this can have a big effect on your enjoyment. If you are not accustomed to the stated length of rides, you can end up very sore down below and in your neck, upper back and triceps…not fun the following morning. Make sure you’ve recently done a few rides of at least this duration to give your body a chance to adapt.
- Gradient: this matters most for your bike gearing. Once you’re hitting 9% and above, unless you’re used to it on your chosen gearing you’ll enjoy the ride far more if you have at least a 1:1 gear ratio (for example 32 small chain ring and 32-34 smallest cassette cog).
