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Route Grades

The club uses a simple coding system for our rides, a letter followed by a number - for example, A32. The "A" indicates the topography of the route and is referred to as the "Grade". The number is the mileage of the route.

In the past, route grading has been pretty subjective. We want to use route grades to help riders make a knowledgeable choice in rides and not get in over their heads.

Every route in our RWGPS library has been graded to help you determine if a ride is appropriate for you. We use a calculation to determine the average slope (elevation gain in feet/distance in feet). A second check is performed to make sure that a route is not graded too low. Known as the ‘Total Climbing Override’ we use a second table to ensure that a route is graded at a minimum level based on the feet of climbing.

Grade - Represented by an alpha letter.

“A” (Steep) - Mostly steep grades: strong riders only.

Within “A” rides, an average distance is 38 miles with 3100 ft of climbing

“B” (Steep/Moderate) - Some relief from steep grades.

Within “B” rides, an average distance is 43 miles with 2600 ft of climbing

“C+”, “C”, “C-“ (Moderate) - Hilly; a challenge for the average rider.

Within “C” rides, an average distance is 37 miles with 1500 ft of climbing

“D+”, “D”, “D-“ (Moderate/Easy) - Rolling hills, a challenge for beginners.

Within “D” rides, an average distance is 34 miles with 900 ft of climbing

“E” (Easy) - Some gentle grades, but no problems.

Within “E” rides, an average distance is 32 miles with 350 ft of climbing

“F” (Flat) - If any route is really flat.

Within “F” rides, an average distance is 37 miles with 250 ft of climbing