CYCLE TOUR GRADING SYSTEM

Our Cycle Tour Grading System

Our grading system is a general guide for our Japan tours only and does not correspond to any other standard. It’s based mainly on distance, with consideration for climbs and their steepness. Grading is subjective and depends on each rider’s experience, fitness, and conditions such as weather or equipment.

Grades assume no support vehicle, though on guided tours you may use our support vehicle on longer climbs, which can affect the grade. Ride profiles and data are available for all main rides. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your suitability for any tour.

Tour Grade

Level 1

Who am I? I’m relatively fit and am comfortable with steady hills that are less than 750m in length.

  • Distance: 30-50km (18-30miles)

  • Altitude gain: 200-500m

  • Time in the saddle: 1-3 hours

  • Terrain: Flat to undulating

Level 2

Who am I? I ride my bike on a regular basis either for fitness, to commute, or just for fun. I enjoy an active lifestyle, as well as a physical challenge.

  • Distance: 50 -70km (30-45miles)

  • Altitude gain: 600-1000m

  • Time in saddle: 2-4 hours

  • Terrain: Undulating terrain, with hills up to 2 km in length.

Level 3

Who am I? Fitness is a central part of my life. I ride my bike on a weekly basis and am comfortable with rides of 2 hours or more at a relatively strong tempo. I like a physical challenge and like to get my heart pumping.

  • Distance: 70-115km (43-71 miles)

  • Altitude gain: 1000-2000m

  • Time in saddle: 3-5hours

  • Terrain: All terrain, with hills averaging 3-4km, but up to 10km in length.

Level 4

Who am I? I ride my bike an average at least 160km per week and enjoy riding at a fast pace for an extended period of time. I love to push myself to my physical limits.

  • Distance: 100-160km (60-100miles)

  • Altitude gain: 1500-4000m

  • Time in saddle: 4-8hours

  • Terrain: Whatever is put in front of me