DDMC Ride Ranking
General Assumptions for All Ride Levels:
[Thank you to Club member Mark Schulz for putting this together]
1 – A ride may be rated at a certain level even though there may be very infrequent, short sections of higher difficulty IF there are available go-arounds or other options such as walking bike or having assistance. Rides without such options will be rated at the higher grade associated with the “tough” section (s).
2 – Ratings assume normal weather conditions and can change significantly with ongoing weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, etc.) In addition, seasonal water levels in creeks and storm damage to trails and roads can significantly increase difficulty. Always check weather conditions and be prepared.
A Ride – Usually mostly all single track, some open runs straight runs to connect trails. Rocky, variable terrain that requires constant standing and sitting on the bike. Dirt bike only ride (Nothing bigger than a 500 dirt bike should be taken, lighter is always better for this type of ride)
A+ – This ride is for the expert only, steep hill climbs and descents, rocky washed out trails, steep drop-offs (waterfalls and ledges), log crossings, rock gardens, mainly unimproved single track, and bushwhacking. No way to exit the ride once it is started. Steep drop-offs on the side of the trail making it difficult if you go off the trail. (Think of unknown territory, steep drops, and big logs to cross – The club typically does not do these rides as a club ride – mostly impromptu rides).
A – Singletrack riding on improved and established single track trails, no real out from start to finish. Lots of sand, whoops and at a brisk pace. The difference from A+ will be no vertical drops or waterfalls, minimal log crossings (Think of Dog Skins and the 300 Trails on Peavine). No real need for a plate as we won’t be on roads long.
A- – Singletrack riding with more roads connecting, good selection of outs for riders when they get tired, variable terrain. Difference from other A rides, no known log crossing or vertical ups or downs. (Think of most of Golden Valley along the hillside to the radio towers. Lots of areas for riders to exit to the road)
B Ride – These rides move at a more moderate pace, Ride could have single track, sand, whoops, two-track Jeep trails, unimproved roads at high speeds, powerline roads, moderate hill climbs and water crossings. Some rock garden areas as some of our area is very rocky. Ability to sit and stand on bike will make life more enjoyable. Bike selection would be in the Street Legal Dirt bike to KTM 690 Category enjoyment. Excellent riders could ride a XR650, DR650, or larger, but having the smaller bike allows for more flexibility. B rides or more enjoyable and laid back A rides.
B+ – Ride that is faster-paced and will cover many of the above-mentioned conditions to include single track and moderate hill climbs. (Think of Mark’s April Single Track Ride)
B – Everything above excluding single track. These routes will stay on two-track jeep trails or wider. (Think of Bobs S. “View the Flowers Ride” More fun on a small bike, but a XR650 can do it)
B- – Smoother and more established jeep trails, no real steep hill climbs. Conservative route. Lots of stops. Perfect for new riders.
C Rides – These rides are mostly Forest service roads, unimproved slab and some high-speed highway or freeway (Not always). Usually longer range of 100-150+ miles per day. Perfect for big bikes 650+ (This is for those BMW GS, V-Stroms,1290s, Super T’s, Etc.) Small bikes can do it but range and seat comfort might not be as good. Terrain is improved two-track and graded roads, up and down hills, shallow creek crossings, and unimproved terrain depending on trail conditions and washouts. Some shallow sand could be encountered, no whoops or singletrack. Think of the roads and riding around Frenchman’s and Lake Davis areas on the NF- Marked Roads. Make sure you know the length of the ride, fuel, food, and water availability and plan accordingly – you are responsible to ride properly equipped for the conditions
C+ – More variable terrane, little to no pavement, long-range fuel needed. 150+ mileage. If you are on a big poly cylinder bike, you need to have some skill and experience with it. Have all your adjustments (Shifters, bars, etc) figured out before the ride. Pace is brisk and you should pack food and water.
C – Same as C+ but trail is known to be free of obstacles. More pavement involved, slower speed, and lunch stop is usually a store, bar or restaurant.
C- – Mostly all pavement and smooth graded gravel roads. Pace is determined by slowest rider in the group. Lunch and fuel stops plentiful along the way. Perfect ride to test out new gear, bikes and set ups. This is the laid-back fun ride for the big bikes.
Street Rides – Street rides are all slab. Distance will vary and you will make the decision if your bike is appropriate for the length of the ride.
