New Ride Categories & Descriptions
Starting this week, our ride categories and descriptions are getting a refresh — and here's why.
Last summer, 80 members completed our club survey, and one of the most common pieces of feedback was that ride descriptions didn't always match what the ride was actually like. Terms like "chill" or "consistent pace" meant something different to everyone, and skill-based labels like Exp. Beginner or Intermediate were sometimes read as pace instead of skill (or vice versa).
After digging into how other clubs handle this, and a great brainstorming session with 15 of our active hosts, the path forward became clear: a system based on standard trail ratings (Green, Blue, Black, Double Black) paired with a pace rating.
Ride Levels reflect the predominant trail colour the ride will travel on. A ride listed as Blue, for example, will be mostly blue trails with the occasional less-technical black mixed in.
Pace Ratings are based on rider capability relative to number of stops, using the most common Hartland starting trails as a reference point. A Pace 3, for instance, is moderate — a few rest breaks, with most riders able to make it from the parking lot to the top of Skull Trail before their first break.
Ride postings will now list the trail colour, pace (P1–P5), and location right in the title — for example, Blue, P2 Jordie Lunn. The full description will include the specific trail and pace rating details, plus any extras a host wants to add: trail lists, distance, elevation, and so on.
Sessioning rides and NSFRP (North Saanich Freeride Park) events may look a little different, since they often bring together riders of all skill levels without one set pace.
It may take a bit of adjustment for everyone — hosts included — but the goal is simple: clearer expectations before you clip in. And don't worry, there will still be plenty of "wheeeee" along the way.
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