Gravel Experience Levels | Tailwind Cycling Tours

Level 1

Distance
30-50 km | 18- 31 mi

Elevation
100-200 m | 300-700 ft

Riding Time
1-3 hours

Terrain
Relatively flat terrain with small gentle climbs or descents. Route consists of 50-85% on the flat, smooth crushed gravel Confederation Trail or paved bike paths. Minimal steeper sections that require a bit of effort to ascend and braking when descending.

Gravel Conditions
Beginer-friendly well maintained bike paths with fine crushed gravel and smooth, separated paved bike paths.

Riding Skills
Confident riding on smooth gravel surfaces with gentle slopes. Clipping into pedals is recommended but not required.

Fitness Level
In the past two months, rides at least 2 times a week for a total of at least 3 hours. Has completed a 50 km road ride and several 35 km rides on a mix of gravel and pavement.

Level 2

Distance
50-70 km | 31- 37 mi

Elevation
200-500 m | 700-1,500 ft

Riding Time
2-4 hours

Gravel Conditions
Primarily well maintained bike paths with fine crushed gravel and smooth, separated paved bike paths. Dirt roads are smooth with sparse gravel.

Riding Skills
Intermediate road cyclist, gravel cyclist, or mountain biker. Clipping into pedals is recommended but not required. Confident riding on smooth gravel. Able to navigate potholes on rare sections of older pavement.

Fitness Level
In the past two months, has ridden at least 3 times a week for a total of at least 6 hours. Has completed a 75 km road ride and several 50 km rides on a mix of gravel and pavement.

Level 3

Distance
70-100 km | 47- 62 mi

Elevation
500-900 m | 1,500-3,000 ft

Riding Time
3-5 hours

Terrain
Hillly terrain ranging from rolling to steep. Expect frequent climbs and some sharp descents, which requiring practiced handling skills. Route consists of 50-85% gravel or clay roads with
some flat pavement and sections of the Confederation Trail for recovery.

Gravel Conditions
Expect a mix of clay, which can be slick when wet; gravel, sometimes loose and chunky; ruts and potholes; puddles, which can range from easily avoided to crosses the entire road, and sand.

Riding Skills
Experienced road cyclist, gravel cyclist, or marathon mountain biker with the skills of Level 2. Comfortable clipping in and out of pedals. Has the technical skills to ride on short sections of loose, slick, or sandy surfaces.

Fitness Level
In the past three months, has ridden at least 4 times a week for a total of 10-12 hours. Has completed a 120 km road ride and a few 75 km rides on a mix of gravel and pavement.

Level 4

Distance
100+ km | 62+ mi

Elevation
1000+ m | 3,000+ ft

Riding Time
4+ hours

Terrain
Hillly terrain ranging from rolling to very steep. Expect frequent climbs and some sharp descents. Extra effort will be necessary to ascend the climbs and practiced handling skills are necessary for the descents. Route consists of 50-85% gravel or clay roads with
minimal flat pavement and sections of the Confederation Trail.

Riding Skills
Experienced road cyclist, gravel cyclist, or marathon mountain biker with the skills of Level 3. Has the technical skills to ride longer sections of loose, slick, or sandy surfaces on steeper terrain.

Fitness Level
In the past four months, has ridden at least 5 times a week for a total of 12+ hours. Has completed a 130 km ride on the road and several 85 km rides on a mix of gravel and pavement.