Introduction
The ride grades below are in increasing degrees of length, pace and hilliness, as indicated, so please select rides that are suited to your fitness and riding abilities. Note that these are just a guide and that, for instance, a short ride may be described as Grade 4 because it is unusually fast and/or hilly. All rides are led by experienced ride leaders who, depending on the group size and composition, may appoint back-markers where necessary to ensure no-one is left behind alone. Rides typically include one or more café stops, e.g. in the middle or towards the end of the ride. Ride leaders may indicate an ‘early exit route’ for riders who need to get back early but if they take this option, riders would then be responsible for finding their own way home.

A note for beginners. If, on reading the descriptions below, you do not yet feel confident enough to join one of our rides read the advice here.

There are four broad grades of rides:

Ride Grade	Distance	Pace	Hilliness (Ascent)	Regrouping
1	10 to 35 miles	8 to 10 mph	Up to 500m	Frequent
	Grade 1 rides are suitable for irregular or social riders. They will probably have occasional short, steep climbs as well as other less steep hills. A cafe stop is usually included, sometimes at the finish if the ride is short. Riders should be able to cycle for a couple of hours without a break, stopping only to regroup.
2	30 to 55 miles	9 to 11 mph	Up to 1250m	Near (not on) junctions and top of hills
	Grade 2 rides typically last all day and are appropriate for regular riders with experience, reasonable fitness and cycling skills, who prefer to cover a reasonable distance but at a more relaxed pace. Riders should be able to cover up to 30 miles in approximately 3 hours riding time and have experience of group riding. Grade 2 rides include at least a couple of significant climbs, and a café stop.
3	45 to 65 miles	10 to 12 mph	Up to 2000m	Near (not on) junctions and as required
	Grade 3 rides are for experienced cyclists who like a faster and/or longer and/or hillier ride than on Grade 2 rides. They require a decent level of fitness and bike ability to cope with the distance, pace and hills.
4	60 miles or more	12 mph or more	Unlimited	As required
	Grade 4 rides are not only typically long but also require riders to be confident of their ability to ride at a faster pace without stops for long distances and with significant hills. Sometimes Grade 4 rides are shorter than 60 miles but are particularly fast and/or hilly.