Trail Grading
Conditions that may affect grading in Eco Team cycling Trails.
Please note that it is not possible to be absolutely precise about the grading of a trail as there are many contributory factors involved . The main benefit of grading a trail is to provide you with an overall indicator to compare one ride against another. We therefore look at the following 6 factors before outlining the grade
- Length of the ride for a day.
- Average altitude and altitude gain and loss.
- Trail conditions.
- Level of backpacking required.
- Temperature range and likely weather conditions.
- Level of humidity [ can jump from 70% to 90% very easily]
- Remoteness to services and general level of comfort.
* Please note the weather condition in Sri Lanka:
Lowlands- tropical, average 27C , Central Hills- cooler, with temperatures dropping to 14C. The south-east monsoon brings the rain to the western, south western and central regions from May to July, while the north-western monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. Sri Lanka generally boasts of a good climate for holiday-makers throughout the year
THE GRADES
A (Soft)
For Part time & leisure Riders - Although predominantly on dirt roads or small tarmac roads , these trails may also be on short and easy off-road sections. Mainly on flat and very gentle slopes. Usually, these type of trails are short in duration and done at lower altitudes; often they are optional, providing a rest day in between the tour .
B (Moderate)
Most people who enjoy a weekend of Biking in the hills or mountains at home are capable of undertaking a trail of this level.
This level of trails are for Cyclist who ride regularly as a means of exercise . There are a variety of gentle off-road routes with very few technical sections. [But we could always provide our clients the option of taking a more difficult section or an easier route / or travel in the backup vehicle.]
C (Hard/Professional/Technical)
For trails which entail Hard / Professional / Technical sections, fitness is one of the most important component and you may have to improve yours before the start of the expedition . These sections are usually located at significantly higher altitudes and with substantial elevation differences. Some routes are designed with tough single trails that would require the utmost competence [But we could always provide our clients the option of riding on these trails or take an easier route / travel in the backup vehicle.]