Trail Grading Descriptions

Description: Flat, wide, smooth trail. Trail feels safe to ride. Ideal as a first ride for non-cyclists, and those wanting an easy gradient or experience. Trail allows for cyclists to ride two abreast most of the time, and provides a social component to the ride. Cyclists will be able to ride the total distance of the trail without dismounting for obstacles.

Gradient: 0-2 degrees for 98% of trail; maximum 4 degrees uphill and 5 degrees downhill for short sections.

Width: ‘Double trail’ preferred = minimum of 2.5 m for 90% of trail, where cyclists may ride side by side. ‘Single trail’ average width 1.5 m, with 1.2 m minimum.

Surface: Sealed path (concrete or asphalt) or compacted/stabilised base course, with maximum top course aggregate of 20 mm.

Watercourses: All water courses bridged

Length: 3.5-4.5 hours/day (30-50 km/day).

Description: Some gentle climbs, smooth trail. Suitable for beginner riders, the trail is predictable with no surprises. Social component with riders able to ride side by side at times, but possibly large sections of single trail.

Gradient: 0-3.5 degrees for 95% of trail on any one day, maximum 6 degrees uphill and 8 degrees downhill for short sections.

Width: Between 0.9 m and 1.5 m for single trail and minimum 2.2 m for double trail sections

Surface: Compacted/stabilised base course or similar, with maximum top course aggregate of 30 mm.

Watercourses: Watercourses bridged, except for fords with less than 100 mm of water in normal flow which can be easily ridden.

Length: 4-5 hours/day (30-50 km/day).

Description: Narrow trail with some hills to climb. Obstacles may be encountered on the trail, and there may be exposure on the edge of the trail. Suitable for riders with intermediate level skills.

Gradient: 0-5 degrees for 90% of the trail, maximum 8.5 degrees uphill and 11 degrees downhill for short sections.

Width: 0.9 m for 90% of the trail, 0.6 m minimum.

Surface: Generally firm, but may have some muddy or loose sections.

Watercourses: Watercourses bridged, except for fords with less than 200 mm of water in normal flow, which can be easily ridden.

Length: 4-6 hours/day (30-50 km/day for an intermediate cyclist).

Description: Steep climbs, with unavoidable obstacles on a narrow trail, and there will be poor traction in places. Possibly some walking sections. Suitable for intermediate and advanced riders.

Gradient: 0-7 degrees for 90% of trail, maximum 11.5 degrees uphill and 15 degrees downhill for short sections.

Width: 0.6 m average, 0.4 m minimum.

Surface: Firm and loose with some rocks and roots to ride over.

Watercourses: Watercourses bridged, except for fords with less than 300 mm of water in normal flow, which can be easily ridden.

Length: 4-8 hours/day for advanced cyclists.

Description: Technically challenging, and suitable for advanced/expert riders. Physically tough. Big hills, lots of rocks, some walking likely.

Gradient: 0-10 degrees for 90% of trail, maximum 20 degrees uphill and downhill for short sections.

Width: 0.4 m average, 0.25 m minimum.

Surface: Huge variety of surfaces. Many rocks, roots and ruts.

Bridge Width: 1.2 m with minimum width 0.9 m.

Length: 4-12 hours/day.

Description: Purpose built extreme Downhill/Freeride trails. Extremely steep and dangerous jumps and obstacles. Fear factor is essential. High risk of injury. Suitable for extreme riders.

Gradient: Anything goes.

Width: Minimum of tyre width.

Surface: Anything is possible.

Obstacles: ‘North Shore’ wooden obstacles, big jumps, etc

Length: Trail may take only a few minutes to ride, but will be ridden over and over again.