The Riding

🚵‍♂️ Mountain Bike Trail Grades Explained

All riders are responsible for choosing trails suitable for their ability. Here’s what the different grades mean:

🟢 Green (Easy)

For: Beginners and families

• Wide, mostly flat and smooth trails

• Gentle climbs and descents

• Minimal obstacles

• Suitable for all types of bikes and skill levels
  Skills Required: Basic bike control and ability to ride for short distances

🔵 Blue (Moderate)

For: Intermediate riders

• Narrower trails with moderate gradients

• Small obstacles like rocks, roots and berms

• Some steeper sections and technical features
  Skills Required: Good bike handling, braking and cornering control

🔴 Red (Difficult)

For: Experienced riders

• Challenging terrain with steeper, technical sections

• Larger features like jumps, drop-offs and rock gardens

• Greater speed and commitment required
  Skills Required: Advanced bike handling, line choice and confidence on variable terrain

🧭 Rider Competency Requirement

All riders must be competent mountain bikers capable of handling a variety of trail surface conditions and weather scenarios.

To ensure safety and enjoyment for all, riders must meet the following skill levels depending on the grade of the trail..

You must be able to:

• 🚴 Brake safely on descents

• 🌀 Corner confidently at speed

• ⚠️ Navigate technical features such as roots, rocks, drop-offs, and off-camber sections

 Green (Easy)

Skill Level: Beginner

• Able to ride on gravel or smooth off-road surfaces

• Basic balance, steering, and braking skills

• Suitable for families and new riders

🔵 Blue (Moderate)

Skill Level: Confident Intermediate

• Comfortable with moderate gradients and tighter turns

• Can manage small obstacles like rocks and roots

• Maintains good control on undulating terrain

🔴 Red (Difficult)

Skill Level: Advanced

• Strong braking and cornering technique

• Confident on technical features (e.g. drop-offs, rock gardens)

• Can ride at higher speeds and navigate complex terrain

If you are not confident in your ability to ride safely under these conditions, you must not attempt the trails.

🔧 Bike Safety Check – Rider Responsibility

Before riding any trail, it is your responsibility to ensure your bike is fully capable of handling the terrain ahead. Your bike must be properly serviced, maintained and ideally checked by a qualified bike mechanic before riding.

You must not ride the trails if any of the following conditions apply:

✅ Essential Pre-Ride Bike Checklist

The ‘M-Check’ is a simple way to make sure your bike is safe to ride. Watch the short tutorial video on YouTube HERE

• Frame & Components:
  Inspect for any cracks, dents or damage. All components must be secure, undamaged and free from play or looseness.

• Tyres:

  • Must be off-road style with knobbles for traction

  • Must be in good condition with no excessive wear or damage

  • Road/Hybrid tyres are not permitted (except on the pump track)

  • Tyre pressure should match manufacturer’s recommendations

• Brakes:

  • Must function efficiently

  • Sufficient brake pad life to last the full riding session

• Axles (QR or Bolt-Through):

  • Must be tight and securely clamped

• Headset & Stem:

  • Must be secure, with no play or movement

• Handlebars & Grips:

  • Bars must be properly aligned and secure

  • Grips must not spin

  • Bars must not extend beyond the grips

  • Bar end plugs are mandatory, open bar ends are not allowed

• Suspension:

  • Must be in full working order, set up according to the manufacturer’s guidelines

  • Should be maintained by a qualified suspension technician

Riding a poorly maintained or unsuitable bike puts you and others at risk. Please take these checks seriously and ride responsibly.

If you have any questions, please contact our Operations Director on [email protected] or call/text 07968 229 359 anytime between 08:00 and 20:00, 7 days a week.