Ride Difficulty Ratings
Rating rides can be a subjective process. One person's epic challenge may be
another person's walk in the park. So, to encourage consistency in ride
difficulty ratings, IAMC, with the help of our friend Ryan Cantrell, has put
together the following guide. We have provided sample images of rides for each
category, as well as links to ride reports that exemplify these types of adventures.
When rating your ride, keep in mind that for an inexperienced rider, the most
difficult section of a ride might be the most important. If 90% of the ride is a
level 2, but 10% of the ride is a level 4, the overall rating should be 4.
Level 1 - Freshman
Even the most inexperienced rider will feel comfortable taking their shiny new
1200GS or similar bike on a level one ride. Level one rides consist of all pavement and gravel
road, with predictable corners, and generally flat grades. Riders will progress
at slower speeds such as 30 m.p.h. or less off pavement.
|
Examples (click to enlarge) |
Level 1 Ride Reports |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
Level 2 - Sophomore
Slightly more challenging than a level 1 ride. A rider with minimal experience
will still feel comfortable riding a larger bike (such as a V-Strom 650) on a
level 2 ride. Level 2 routes include primarily gravel roads with tighter corners
and steeper grades. You may encounter some very easy double track. You should be
comfortable with steady speeds on straight gravel, averaging 40 m.p.h. when
appropriate. (Back To Top)
|
Examples (click to enlarge) |
Level 2 Ride Reports |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
Level 3 - Junior
Level 3 rides will include rutted double track, and uneven roads. These may be
rocky and difficult at times. A 1200GS or similar bike will feel heavy in this
terrain, and will require an experienced rider. A moderate rider on a 650cc bike
will be able to maintain 20 to 30 m.p.h. without a load. Little or no single
track will be present on a level 3 ride. You may encounter moderate water
crossings (less than knee high). Expect higher average speeds on easy sections
of the route. (Back To Top)
|
Examples (click to enlarge) |
Level 3 Ride Reports |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
Level 4 - Senior
A level 4 ride will require an experienced rider who is willing to take the risk
of falling at some point during the ride. Trails may include the following:
- Single track (less than 2' wide with tight turns)
- Steep grades
- Large rocks and ruts to navigate
- Water crossings
- Slick conditions (patches of mud or snow)
- Deep gravel and/or sand
A level 4 ride is for experienced riders who are able to ride
quickly and comfortably through very difficult conditions. Level 4 rides often
take riders to remote places in the backcountry, which means that those who
participate need to be able to support themselves with tools,
tire changing skills, basic mechanical abilities, and some survival equipment such
as GPS or maps & compass, first aid kit, etc. (Back To Top)
|
Examples (click to enlarge) |
Level 4 Ride Reports |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
Level 5 - Insane
On a level 5 ride, you will go places that the dual-sport motorcycle was not
intended to go, and do things that a 650cc or larger motorcycle was not intended
to do. A level 5 ride will include extreme water crossings, exceptionally steep
inclines, and tight, narrow, single track trails. Speeds may be exceptionally
quick at times, and riders must be advanced and skilled to safely participate. (Back To Top)
|
Examples (click to enlarge) |
Level 5 Ride Reports |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
IAMC
would like to especially thank Ryan Cantrell for his hard work on this rating
system.
