DDMC Ride Ranking

[Thank you to Club member Mark Schulz for putting this together.]

General Assumptions for All Ride Levels

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 your bike or having assistance. Rides without such options will be rated at the higher grade associated with the tougher section(s).
2. The rankings assume normal weather conditions and can change significantly with non-optimal 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.

The Ride Rankings

A Rides: 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. Normally a dual-sport bike is recommended, lighter is always better for this type of ride.

• A+ Ride: 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 usually does these as impromptu rides.
• A Ride: 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. Examples are the Dog Skins and the 300 Trails on Peavine.
• A- Ride: Singletrack riding with more roads connecting, good selection of outs for riders when they get tired, variable terrain. The difference from other A rides is that there will be no known log crossings or vertical ups or downs. Examples are most of Golden Valley along the hillside to the radio towers (lots of areas for riders to exit to the road).

B Rides: These rides move at a more moderate pace. A B 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 should be expected as much of our area is very rocky. Ability to sit and stand on the bike will make life more enjoyable. The best bike selection would typically be in the street legal dirt bike up to a KTM 690. Good riders could ride an XR650, DR650, or larger adventure bike, but having the smaller bike allows for more flexibility. B rides are more enjoyable and laid back than A rides.

• B+ Ride: This is a ride that is faster-paced and will cover many of the above-mentioned conditions to include single track and moderate hill climbs. An example is Mark’s Moon Rocks Single Track Ride.
• B Ride: Everything in the above B+ Ride, excluding single track. These routes will stay on two-track jeep trails or wider. An example is Bob’s “View the Flowers Ride”. More fun on a small bike, but an adventure bike can do it.
• B- Ride: This ride has smoother and more established jeep trails, no real steep hill climbs. Conservative route. Lots of stops. Perfect for adventure bikes or new riders.

C Rides: These rides mostly use Forest Service roads, unimproved slab and may have some high-speed highway or freeway. A longer range of 100-150 miles per day is typical. These rides are perfect for mid-size to large adventure bikes (BMW GS, 790-1290 KTMs, Africa Twins, T7s, V-Stroms, etc.). Small bikes can do these rides but range and seat comfort might be limiting factors. Typical 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, but no whoops or singletrack. 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. Some examples are the roads around Frenchman’s Lake and Lake Davis on the USFS roads (marked “NF-“).

• C+ Ride: This ride features more variable terrain with little to no pavement. A bike with long range is often needed – up to and beyond 150 miles. If you are on a big multi-cylinder bike you need to have some skill and experience with it. Have all your adjustments (shifters, bars, GPS position, etc.) figured out before the ride. The pace is typically brisk and you should pack food and water.
• C Ride: This ride is the same as a C+ ride but the trails will be known to be free of obstacles. More pavement will be involved, slower speeds, and the lunch stop is usually a store, bar or restaurant.
• C- Ride: This ride is mostly pavement and smooth graded gravel roads. The pace is determined by the slowest rider in the group. Lunch and fuel stops are usually plentiful along the way. This type of ride is perfect 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. Distances will vary and you will make the decision if your bike is appropriate for the length of the ride.