How do we grade our holidays?
Every one of our cycling holidays is carefully graded by our team of experts. There are several things we consider, such as:
- The daily distances
- How hilly (or not) each day of riding is
- The nature of the terrain you’ll be exploring
- Holiday or destination specific features that may increase the difficulty of the ride, such as altitude, heat etc.
Choosing the right holiday grade is important, but it’s not the only factor. Find out more tips from our expert team on How To Plan A Cycling Holiday here.
How To Choose The Right Grade For Your Cycling Holiday
1. Choose your cycling type
Each category of cycling has its own specific grading system, so we can accurately let you know how one holiday stacks up against another. It’s important to be aware that the grades don’t compare across different cycling types, for example a grade 3 leisure cycling holiday is not equivalent to a grade 3 road cycling holiday. If you like to dabble across different types of cycling, then be sure to check the grade information for each holiday carefully.
You can find more detailed information about each of our grades here:
2. Read up on the terrain and check the holiday itinerary
Alongside the grades, each holiday has its own set of Trip Notes, which includes a Terrain section, and further information on the riding itself. You’ll also find information about the terrain for each holiday on the website page. Check the holiday itinerary too for details about the daily distances and amount of climbing each day. All of this information combined gives a pretty good insight into what to expect, so that you can enjoy the ride.
3. Helpful tips
If you’re still feeling unsure, there are a few helpful things you can consider:
Between grades?
Record some rides
How do your regular rides compare?
Ask for advice
What if I’m riding an e-bike?
E-bikes are brilliant for taking the pinch out of some of those cheeky climbs! You might find that you can ride slightly further too. That said, we don’t lower a holiday’s grade just because you’re on an e-bike. There are lots of factors to consider like bike handling skills and manoeuvring a heavier bike. If you’re bringing or hiring an e-bike on one of our trips, then make sure you check up on our quick guide to e-bikes on Skedaddle holidays. Again, you can always chat to our friendly team about how an e-bike might affect the experience of your chosen tour.
Have a question?
Check out our page of Frequently Asked Questions or contact our friendly team for help! And why not explore our full range of cycling holidays and all the incredible destinations you can go to.