Grading System

Cyclist Level

GradeRoadOff Road
1New to cycling and can cycle several miles at about twice walking pace on a flat route.New to cycling. Slow pace with frequent stopping. Flat terrain.
2Easy Touring: can maintain an average pace of about 11-12 mph on moderate terrain.Rides occasionally. Can ride at a steady pace for an hour. One or two short hills are OK.
3Touring: can maintain an average pace of about 12-13 mph on moderate terrain.Rides a few times a month. Can ride at a steady pace for 3 hours. No problem with hilly terrain.
4Touring Plus: can maintain an average pace of about 13-14 mph on moderate terrain.Rides regularly. Can ride at a steady pace for 4 hours or a quicker pace for 2 hours. Steeper hills are OK.
5Fast Touring/Intermediate: can maintain an average pace of about 14+ mph on moderate terrain.Rides a lot, often over hilly terrain for 2 to 4 hours each ride and, occasionally, all day.

Terrain

GradeRoadOff Road
AA basically flat route.Country roads and smooth cycleways with low hills.
BA reasonably flat route with a few minor hills.Bridleways, byways and fields, may be rough and rutted. Some steep slopes.
CA partly hilly route with no hills being steeper than 10% (1 in 10).Rough and rutted byways and fields, gravel and rocky tracks with many hills.
DA hilly route where some hills are steeper than 10% (1 in 10).Technically difficult with steps, berms (banked curves), jumps and craters. May include steep gradients.