MTB Grades and Safety

Technical & safety tips
Take care
Always wear a helmet. Ride within your capabilities and skills and allow plenty of time for your ride. Before leaving ensure your bike is safe by checking tyres, brakes and gears. Tell someone where you are going and what time you intend to return. Take the appropriate O.S map, compass, basic first aid kit, food and money.

Tools
Always carry a basic tool kit; a cycling specific multi-tool is best, but if not you will need 4mm, 5mm and 6mm Allen keys, small flat head and Philips screwdrivers. Also make sure you carry a pump, tyre levers, puncture repair kit and some spare innertubes, it is easier to replace a tube than to fix a puncture.

Clothing
Make sure you are prepared for all weather conditions by wearing several layers of clothing that can be adjusted. Take a lightweight waterproof jacket, even in fine weather. Padded cycling shorts are a must and can be worn under leggings in cold conditions.

Code of Conduct
Give way to horse riders and pedestrians, slow down, say 'Hello' and give way
Don't interfere with wildlife, plants or trees
Keep to published routes
Always close gates behind you Take rubbish with you.
Don't light fires
Keep away from Forestry operations
Expect the unexpected
Avoid back wheel skids, which can start erosion
At all times please be considerate and courteous to those you meet on route
Slow down when approaching and travelling through farmyards

Yellow Route 8km or less

Fairly flat terrain.
Even surface over whole width of track.
Track being at least 6ft wide.
No big climbs.
No big descents.

GREEN Route 8-20km

Moderate climbs.
Moderate descents.
Rougher or slightly slippery ground surface.
Picking a line would not be necessary.
Any line on the track should be rideable and may include;
small stones, shallow broad ruts, slightly slippery terrain.

Blue Route 8-25km

Moderately steep inclines requiring reasonable amount of effort on the climbs.
Greater degree of technical expertise on the descents.
Terrain may demand that riders pick a line through:
Obstacles on the terrain,may include:
small rocks, larger stones, slightly deeper ruts etc
Wheels may be deflected sideways by the ruts and obstacles on the path.
Obstacles may necessitate getting out of the saddle in order to negotiate it.
Suspension becomes active over this terrain.

Red Route 30-40km

Steep terrain.
Larger obstacles- requiring a high level of riding expertise.
Greater range of bodily movements is required to ride this terrain.
Larger boulders, deep narrow ruts, very slippery terrain.
Terrain where very good control of brakes is required.
Bike itself needs to be in very good condition.
Being equipped appropriately i.e good tyres, suspension, possibly mud guards is critical.

Black Route over 50km

Extreme terrain Rarely encountered while riding on Rights of Way
Some sections can be considered totally unrideable for the majority of people

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