Our Cycle Trail Grading System Explained

Wondering how challenging your cycle tour will be?

Our grading system makes it easy to see!

New Zealand’s great outdoors offers a wide range of experiences for those eager to explore on two wheels. Whether you’re after a relaxed ride through scenic landscapes or a more challenging off-road adventure, there’s something for everyone.

So, where do our Sidetracks Women cycle tours fit into this?

What to expect on a Sidetracks Women cycle tour

First things first – we’re not about extreme adrenaline-pumping trails. Our tours are designed to be fun and enjoyable, with options that cater to different fitness levels. We offer a variety of experiences, from easygoing rides for beginners to slightly more challenging routes for those with off-road experience.

To make it easy to see which tour will give you exactly what you’re looking for, we’ve developed a simple grading system (based on the grades used by AA and NZTA). This system considers trail surfaces, how hilly the route is, and the amount of traffic you might encounter.

Remember: Our grading is designed with standard bikes in mind, so if you’re on an Ebike, those uphill sections will feel much easier with the extra power!

The Sidetracks Women Grading System

• Grade 1 (Easiest) - Perfect for beginners.

The trails are smooth (firm gravel or sealed), flat, and wide enough for two people to ride side by side. On-road sections are usually on quiet roads with little traffic.

• Grade 2 (Easy) - Great for occasional cyclists.

The trails are mostly flat with gentle climbs and smooth surfaces (firm gravel or sealed). There’s plenty of space to cycle comfortably, and the roads have minimal traffic.

• Grade 3 (Moderate) - Ideal for regular cyclists with some off-road experience.

Here, you’ll encounter narrower trails, hills, and maybe a few small river crossings. The surfaces can be firm but might also include some muddy or loose sections, with obstacles like rocks or tree roots. On-road sections may have moderate traffic and hill climbs.

• Grade 4 (Advanced) - For experienced cyclists.

Expect steeper climbs and unavoidable obstacles like rocks and tree roots. Trails can be narrow and include muddy patches. On-road sections might have more traffic and bigger hill climbs.

• Grade 5 (Expert) - For very experienced cyclists.

These off-road trails are challenging, with steep climbs, tricky descents, and hazardous obstacles like river crossings. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but a great adventure for those with excellent off-road skills.

How Do Sidetracks Women Tours Measure Up?

Our tours fall into the easy (Grade 2) to moderate (Grade 3) range, which means they’re accessible for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. And remember, with an Ebike, those climbs are a breeze!

Here are more details about each of our cycle tours:

Explore Otago

🚴‍♀️ Grade 2 (Easy) to Grade 3 (Moderate)

This tour offers a lovely mix of easy and scenic riding – perfect for soaking up Central Otago’s beauty at your own pace.

Most of the trail is off-road and Grade 2 (Easy), with wide gravel paths and gentle gradients. 

The Otago Rail Trail section is particularly beginner-friendly – wide, flat, and easy to ride side by side. The Clutha Gold Trail is a gentle mix of Grade 1 and Grade 2, making for very relaxed cycling days.

The Roxburgh Gorge section, however, is Grade 3 (Moderate). It includes a few steeper climbs, winding descents, and narrower trail sections, which require a little more concentration and confidence on the bike.

👉 Our recommendation

Overall, this is a tour with three very easy cycling days, making it a great option for beginners.The second riding day (Roxburgh Gorge & River Trail) does involve more variation and a few technical spots – but with a bit of confidence and a willingness to take your time, it’s absolutely manageable.

And as always – support is nearby, and you’re never under pressure!

West Coast Wilderness Trail

🚴‍♀️Grade 2 (Easy)

Most of this scenic trail is off-road, with a gravel surface and gentle gradients – making it a relaxed and enjoyable ride. There are just a few very short sections on quiet roads with very little traffic.

Parts of the trail are wide and well-maintained, often allowing you to ride side by side, which makes it perfect for a social and supportive riding experience – while other sections take you along narrower forest paths, ideal for building confidence while having fun cycling through the West Coast bush.

👉 Our recommendation

This tour is an excellent choice for women who are new to Ebiking or haven’t been on a bike in a while. There are a few hairpin bends, but you can simply hop off and walk them – easy and pressure-free. It’s the perfect way to grow your confidence, and enjoy the stunning beauty of the West Coast with a supportive group.

Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail

🚴‍♀️ Grade 2 (Easy) to Grade 3 (Moderate)

The Alps 2 Ocean trail is a mostly easy ride with a gentle, overall downhill gradient. The surface varies from gravel tracks to smooth tarseal, with most sections graded Grade 2 (Easy).

There are two sections of around 15 km each that are Grade 3 (Moderate) – these include steeper, more rugged terrain and require a bit more riding confidence and bike handling skills.

👉 Our recommendation

This tour is a great choice for riders with basic Ebike experience and a healthy level of confidence.

That said, there’s always a support vehicle nearby, and it’s no problem at all to load your bike onto the trailer and sit out one of the more challenging sections – especially if your guide recommends it.

Skipping these sections won’t take anything away from your experience – the Alps 2 Ocean is still an incredible and unforgettable ride!

Lakes, Fiords and Mountains Cycle Trail

🚴‍♀️ Grade 2 (Easy) to Grade 3 (Moderate)

This tour offers a beautiful variety of terrain, with mostly off-road gravel trails (Grade 2), some gentle climbs, and a few more challenging sections (Grade 3) that are slightly steeper, curvier, or more exposed – sometimes depending on the wind!

👉 Our recommendation

This tour is not ideal for complete beginners or riders new to Ebiking. It’s best suited for women who’ve already cycled one of New Zealand’s other trails and are comfortable riding on winding, sometimes narrow paths with the occasional bump or hill. If you enjoy a bit of variety and love the idea of riding through some of the most stunning landscapes in the country – this one’s for you!

Weather Matters

Keep in mind, weather conditions can affect the difficulty of a trail. Rain or strong winds might make a normally easy trail a bit more challenging – but don’t worry, we’re always there to guide you!

Need More Info?

We take regular breaks during the tour, and if things get tough, you can always hop off and walk – it’s a great way to enjoy the views!

Still unsure about which tour is right for you? Give us a call on 021 228 3912

– we’re happy to help and can talk you through it!