Understanding our levels and trail grades
Base
Base level is when you're brand new to mountain biking. Just like any sport, lessons will help you learn the best technique and build your foundation skills before moving up to the next level. We offer skills coaching to help, and this can be alongside a parent for the youngest of riders.
Our base level riders can be any age from 5 to 17. Able to pedal a bike and comfortable riding on flat ground such as paths.
We would start off learning the basic body position, and technique to enable you to ride Green or Blue grade trails, before progressing to more difficult grades of trail depending on age and progress.
Green Grade Trails
Relatively flat and wide. The trail surface may be loose uneven or muddy at times. May include short flowing singletrack style sections.
Blue Grade Trails
As "Green plus specially constructed single track. Trail surface may include small obstacles of roots and rock.
Level 1
We recommended these trips for riders age 8 and above who are already comfortable riding trails up to Blue grade with:
- Smooth and gravel single track paths
- Small obstacles such as rocks and roots
- Rollers which can be rolled or jumped
As well as being comfortable with:
- Being away from home up to a full day
- Comfortable to be in a vehicle traveling with other riders.
- Happy to ride carrying a backpack with your own kit
Blue Grade Trails
Relatively flat and wide. The trail surface may be loose uneven or muddy at times. May include short flowing singletrack style sections. Trail surface may include small obstacles of roots and rock. Most gradients are moderate but may include short steep sections. Includes small Technical Trail Features. A good standard of fitness can help.
Level 2
We recommended these trips for riders age 10 and above who are already comfortable riding trails up to Red grade with:
- Steep and longer climbs and descents.
- Rocky and rooty technical sections.
- Drop-offs and jumps.
As well as being comfortable with:
- Being away from home for up to two nights.
- Able to look out their own kit and keep organised.
- Work in a team to learn how to set up camp and equipment.
- Happy to ride carrying a backpack with your own kit.
Red Grade Trails
Steeper and tougher, mostly singletrack with technical sections. Expect vary variable surface types. A wide range of climbs and descents of a challenging nature will be present. Expect boardwalks, berms, large rocks, medium steps, drop-offs, cambers, water crossings. Higher level of fitness and stamina.
Level 3
We recommended these trips for riders age 12 and above who are comfortable riding Red trails with Black grade sections:
- Steep and longer climbs and descents.
- Challenging rocky and rooty technical sections.
- Drop-offs and jumps which are unavoidable.
As well as being comfortable with:
- Being away from home for longer than two nights.
- Able to look out their own kit and keep well organised.
- Work in a team to learn how to prepare meals together.
- Ready to learn new skills such as leading sections of rides.
- Have their own repair kit and spares within their riding pack.
Black Grade Trails
As "Red" but with an expectation of greater challenge and continuous difficulty. Can include any useable trail surface and may include exposed open hill sections. Expect large, committing and unavoidable technical trail features. Sections will be challenging and variable. May also have "downhill" style sections. Suitable for very active people used to prolonged effort.
Plus Level
This is for expert riders age 12 and above who are comfortable riding trails that are mostly Black grade with:
- Steep and longer climbs and descents.
- Challenging rocky and rooty technical sections.
- Drop-offs and jumps which are unavoidable.
As well as being comfortable with:
- Being away from home for longer than two nights.
- Able to look out their own kit and keep well organised.
- Work in a team to learn how to prepare meals together.
- Ready to learn new skills such as leading sections of rides.
- Have their own repair kit and spares within their riding pack.
Riders wanting a Plus Level trip have the opportunity to be involved with the planning of the trip, deciding on the location, trails, programme and can take the lead during the trip, with the back up of our guide and trip leader making sure everything is safe.
How we describe Trail Days
Flow
Flow
Flow
Flow is generally purpose built trail centres featuring relatively smooth terrain which you can roll, jump and pump your way down the trail. Flow trails can be Green, Blue, Red and even Black graded depending on the features.
Epic
Flow
Flow
Epic is how we describe our trips over natural terrain which can be smooth or rocky and rooty. These rides often lead to scenic views and exploring the landscape features. These trails can be Green, Blue, Red graded but with limited man-made features.
Tech
Flow
Tech
Tech is how we describe days out on trails considered to be harder to ride, featuring large rocks and root sections to navigate, as well as man-made features such as drop-offs and gap jumps. These trails are mostly graded
Red or Black.
Mountain bike Code of Conduct
Mountain biking is one of the friendliest sports around and we like to keep it that way. This is why there's a code of conduct which we teach our riders so they conduct themselves as true mountain bikers;
- Ride Responsibly Show respect for all other users, and take care of the environment.
- Leave No Trace Practice low-impact cycling to protect trails and avoid wet and muddy trails. Keep to the line of existing trails, avoid skidding and take your litter home.
- Control Your Bike Stay focussed, check your speed, and think about other people.
- Always Give Way Let people know you are there. Pass wide and slow, particularly with horse-riders and approach with caution on blind corners and descents. Remember - Be nice and say hi.
- Avoid Disturbing Animals Farm, pet and wild animals are startled by sudden noise, be considerate.
- Always Plan Ahead Know your bike, your equipment, your ability and the area, and wear appropriate safety gear, and helmet.
57North Adventures say: "you never see an unhappy mountain biker, so smile, say hi and share the friendly atmosphere"
Safety check your mountain bike
Mountain bike helmet safety check
Your head is your most important asset. Mountain bikers are smart and take this seriously, so we always wear a helmet. However, it's just as important to ensure your helmet is in safe working order and fitted correctly.
- Check how old your helmet is! You should actually replace your helmet at least every three years. This is due to the helmet degradation from the date of manufacture - date printed on the inside of the helmet.
- After any crash where your helmet has taken an impact, you'll need to replace it, even if it dosent look damaged. The construction inside is designed to absorb forces and may not be as effective on repeated impacts.
- To inspect your helmet, check the exterior and see if theres any dents, cracks, big scuffs.
- Look on the inside, and at the same time flex and compress the helmet in all directions, there should be no cracks opening up.
- Check the strap and buckle for damage or cracks. The buckle should not come undone when pulling on the strap.
- Make sure your visor or peak is secure and won't fall off or move while riding.
- When wearing your helmet, it should cover your forehead, and adjusted (usually an adjuster on the rear) so the helmet is snug, and doesn't wobble around, but not too tight as to be uncomfortable.
- With the buckle secured, you should be able to fit your fingers between the strap and your chin, to check the strap is secure but not over tightened. See picture.
Guide to mountain bike clothing
Base Layer
Outer Layer
Base Layer
The base layer is the foundation to a comfortable day on your bike!
- Thermal or vented top, made from synthetic materials for wicking moisture.
- Padded shorts worn as underwear. These are also for wicking moisture, but have a padded seat for comfort.
- Knee pads are required for protection. Other protection can be included such as elbows or chest.
- Socks! Pro tip - dark colour socks hides the dirt!
Mid Layer
Outer Layer
Base Layer
Your mid layer can also be your final layer in warmer weather.
- Biking jersey - preferably long sleeve to add protection. Use to show off your team, club or guiding company!
- Gloves, full finger for protection.
- Outer shorts or trousers. Dedicated bike ones are shaped to allow better movement as you ride.
- Biking shoes. Either dedicated bike shoes or flat sole shoes to grip on your pedals.
Outer Layer
Outer Layer
Outer Layer
Incase of colder, or wetter weather, an outer layer protects you from the elements.
- Water proof jacket - dedicated bike jackets are longer at the rear to catch water spray.
- and / or windproof fleece, which can be more comfortable in cold weather.
- Water proof trousers or waterproof shorts (yes waterproof shorts exist in our bike world)
- Socks, again! Double socks or winter socks to keep your feet warm!
Guide to mountain bike kit
Trail Day kit
Find out the kit we recommended for you to wear and carry during our Trail Days or single day Adventure Trips
Adventure Trip Kit
Find out the kit we recommended for you to wear and carry and take during our residential Adventure Trips