WHICH RIDE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Orange BUG ride grades are the easiest way to assess which rides might suite you best. Ride grade is an indication of the relative difficulty of the ride taking into account route length, elevation gain (how many metres climbed over the course of the ride) and pace. Ride pace is a word describing an average cycling speed range of that ride, which excludes stops and rest breaks.
If you are unsure about your ability to successfully complete a ride, please contact the ride leader or our Rides Coordinator to discuss your situation before the day of the ride. Ride leaders give specific information about the ride and related directions to the group at the ride briefing prior to the ride starting.
Note that to achieve an average cycling speed of say 20kph on a typical ride you would need to be riding on the flat at around 25kph, on the downhills over 30kph and on the uphills at least 10kph.
Ride Grading
BEGINNER
Avg Under 14 kmh
Run at BEGINNER pace, and wholly or mostly on shared paths. Any on-road sections are normally lightly trafficked. Rides will include at least one longer rest break and a few regroup points along the way, although we normally stay close together. Distance will vary with specific rides, but are generally less than 10kms in total. Refer to specific ride descriptions for further details.
EASY
Avg 14 – 20 kmh
Typically run at a SLOW or RELAXED pace, over mainly flat terrain, and wholly or mostly off road on shared paths. Any on-road sections are normally lightly trafficked. Rides will include at least one longer rest break and a few regroup points along the way, although we normally stay close together. Distance will vary with specific rides, but are generally between 10 and 25kms in total. Refer to specific ride descriptions for further details.
MEDIUM
Avg 20 – 25 kmh
Typical pace is CRUISING or FAST. Routes are over variable terrain on trafficked roads, and may include some significant hills. Riders may be separated and regroup about every 10 kilometres. Rides will include at least one rest break. Distance between 40 and 80 kms.
HARD
Avg 25 kmh +
Depending on route distance, pace can be CRUISING, FAST OR VERY FAST and may include significant sections riding at faster than 30km/h. Routes may proceed over very hilly terrain. Some hard rides will either continue without a break or include more than one rest break if the distance is over 50km at the higher speed. Some hard rides may exceed distance of 100 kms.
Family Riding
Children are defined by the law as anyone under 16 years of age. Any child must be accompanied by a responsible adult on a Orange BUG ride. To help children gain valuable riding experience in a relatively safe and managed environment, Orange BUG has designated some rides as “child friendly” where children over a certain age may ride their own bicycle.
13+ years - this ride is suitable for children 13 years and over to ride their own bicycle.
10+ years - this ride is suitable for children 10 years and over to ride their own bicycle.
No designation – any children must be on a tag-a-long bicycle or trailer directly connected to the adults bicycle. Experienced children riders may join our rides by prior arrangement with the ride leader.