Understanding Gravel Ride Grading

When exploring Tasmania's East Coast gravel routes, understanding the difficulty grading system is crucial for choosing rides that match your experience and fitness level. Our grading system provides clear, consistent guidance for riders of all abilities.

Why Grading Matters

Our approach focuses on two fundamental factors every cyclist understands: distance and elevation gain. This simplicity makes it easy to quickly assess whether a ride is right for you, whether you're planning your first gravel adventure or looking for your next epic challenge.

The Four Difficulty Levels

🟢 Green – Easy

Distance: up to 40 km
Elevation: under 400 m climbing
Surface: smooth gravel / hardpack, some sealed roads
Good for: beginners, social rides, riders new to gravel

Perfect for those new to gravel riding or looking for a relaxed day out. These routes typically follow well-maintained gravel roads with gentle gradients and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery.

🔵 Blue – Moderate

Distance: 40–80 km
Elevation: 400–1,000 m climbing
Surface: mix of smooth and loose gravel, light corrugations
Good for: regular riders comfortable on gravel

Ideal for riders who have some gravel experience and are looking for a solid day's riding. These routes will test your fitness and bike handling skills without being overwhelming.

🔴 Red – Challenging

Distance: 80–120 km
Elevation: 1,000–2,000 m climbing
Surface: rougher gravel, longer climbs, technical descents possible
Good for: fit riders after a solid test

These routes are for experienced gravel riders who enjoy a physical and mental challenge. Expect longer climbs, rougher surfaces, and the satisfaction of completing a demanding ride.

⚫ Black – Epic

Distance: 120 km+
Elevation: 2,000 m+ climbing
Surface: remote, chunky or very rough sections
Good for: experienced, self-sufficient riders seeking big adventure

The ultimate gravel adventures. These routes are for riders comfortable with long days in the saddle, challenging terrain, and potentially remote conditions. Perfect for those seeking the full gravel experience.

How to Choose Your Ride

Consider Your Experience

New to gravel? Start with Green routes to build confidence
Regular road cyclist? Blue routes offer a good introduction to gravel
Experienced gravel rider? Red routes provide excellent challenges
Adventure seeker? Black routes offer epic experiences

Factor in Conditions

Weather and trail conditions can significantly affect difficulty:

Wet conditions can make any route more challenging
Wind adds difficulty, especially on coastal routes
Seasonal changes may affect surface conditions

Plan for Support

Green/Blue routes: Often have nearby amenities and easier bail-out options
Red/Black routes: May be more remote with limited support options

Training Progression

Building Up to Longer Rides

Start with Green routes to build gravel confidence
Progress to Blue routes as your fitness and skills improve
Tackle Red routes when you're comfortable with longer distances
Attempt Black routes only when fully prepared for the challenge

Key Training Tips

Build distance gradually - don't jump from 40 km to 120 km overnight
Practice climbing - elevation gain is often the limiting factor
Test your gear - longer rides require reliable equipment
Plan nutrition - longer rides need proper fuelling strategies

East Coast Specific Considerations

Coastal Routes

Many of our routes follow the stunning East Coast, which means:

Wind exposure - coastal winds can add significant difficulty
Temperature variations - prepare for changing conditions
Scenic distractions - beautiful views can slow your pace

Seasonal Variations

Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot conditions, carry extra water
Autumn (Mar-May): Ideal riding conditions, peak season
Winter (Jun-Aug): Cooler temperatures, some routes may be muddy
Spring (Sep-Nov): Variable conditions, great for building fitness

Safety and Preparation

Essential Gear by Difficulty

Green/Blue: Basic repair kit, water, snacks
Red/Black: Full repair kit, extra food, emergency supplies, navigation tools

Navigation

Green/Blue routes: Often well-signed, easier to follow
Red/Black routes: May require GPS navigation and map reading skills

Ready to find your next ride? Browse our ride directory and filter by difficulty to find the perfect route for your next adventure.

Gravel Ride Grading: Choosing the Right Route on Tasmania’s East Coast