Trail ratings and skill levels

[rouxtjie]

I think it's still Gauteng???

 

Hakahana is definitely excluded from this discussion, but I've never really noticed the colors of the the trails I've been riding...I just pedal to the fun sections and try not to hurt myself. (Are the trails graded by color?)

 

If we had more trails like Hakahana I wouldn't have started this topic in the first place. Trying to find "fun" trails in and around Joburg is getting to be a problem. Hakahana is quite a drive, and you can only ride the Spruit so many times in one week.

 

Wolwespruit is pretty cool, but once again, the black section is more like a tech blue, maybe red. The jump line is fantastic.

grey route or boards....follow it. 

 

Fun level - 100

[Samurai Pizza Cat]

Myles, you've hit on a very valid point about grading trails properly. I can't quite get my head around the fact that IMBA grading doesn't address different styles of trail. As you say, a black trail which can be manicured with jumps (doubles, table tops, ...) or it can be gnarly with roots, rock outcrops and drop offs. The two trails are suited for different style riders and bikes yet the IMBA grading does not cater for this.

 

Great post getting back to the original topic. (As oppose to the whole XCM vs Gravity yawn fest).

 

This issue has been brought up at quite a few of the IMBA meetings in the States. I read an article about it some time ago. Whistler changed the way they grade their trails for 2015 into 2 categories: Technical and Freeride.

 

Here is an extract from an article on Mtbr.com:

 

To further that message, the most recent version of the park’s trail map has taken a novel approach to difficulty ratings. Instead of just the standard green, blue, black, double black breakdown we’ve grown accustomed to, Whistler went a step further, splitting all its 66 trails into two categories (technical or freeride) and then ranking them in relation to each other.

“In the past we really wrestled with how we try to communicate to someone how to approach the park,” McSkimming continued. “Now people have a resource where no matter their skill, there’s a road map of how to work your way up the difficulty ladder with less chance of getting in over your head. It’s a suggested path of progression.”

Freeride trails are typically more man-made with machined berms and jumps. Technical routes have more natural terrain, such as roots and rock gardens. Riders are encouraged to pick a trail type and a level they think they are at and go from there. Once you feel solid on a trail move one step up the ladder. It’s a great way to progress.

McSkimming says establishing the actual hierarchy was a tough process. Whistler Blackcomb pulled together a diverse team of people with intimate knowledge of the bike park, and asked them to rank each trail from 1-15 based on difficulty. Those numbers were then tabulated to come up with the final ranking where, for instance, within the freeride category A-Line is the toughest single black trail on the mountain, while Dirt Merchant is next in line as the easiest double black.

[RocknRolla]

should have started with that article....

[EmptyB]

[patches]

So almost like rock climbing. A bigger spectrum to measure against.

 

But yes, I like that system as for example not all blues are equal.

 

I have seen some places use a combination of the 2. Green, Blue, Black and Double Black Diamond, with numbers 1 - 5 on each. So Green 1 being the easiest. Double Black Diamond 5 being the hardest.

 

It will still be tough though as it is all subjective to a certain degree.

[rouxtjie]

The obvious problem without reading all 7 pages is that one man's green is another man's pink is another's double black diamond. Given our unique marathon culture its not surprising that most trails are graded according to distance. Is what it is I suppose.

 

The why is probably more interesting than the what....well we are a mass participation nation, the type of trails that are graded IMBA style are not suited for mass participation events...the trails are built with these events in mind. I am sure they make good money from a trailseeker event as an example. Not only that, mtb'ing becomes accessible to a larger audience...from mamma, pappa, sussie and boetie...all enjoying fun in the sun. Now if those trails had anything extremely difficult tech...that market will disappear and they will simply not be visited anymore. Basically it won't be worth the effort for these trail centers to build the double blacks....UNLESS

 

They have a passion like ol Johan at haka...I am pretty sure the gnarlier stuff he didn't built to make money from...but anyhow

[habanero]

As with most thinks i.e music you need the masses to support the fringes. Hopefully over time masses become fringes.

[Rapunzel]

That's the key here. As well as the lack of properly technical trails that those "top racers" can skill themselves up on. We're a nation of gravel donkeys (mostly) who have a heart attack at the sight of a foot high bridge. That needs to change, if we have any hope of fielding proper MTB riders like Burry etc. 

That is a bit unfair Myles. While it is good to have trails that young riders can upskill themselves on, insulting those who have no desire to ride technical trails is not helpful. Clubs that develop trails also need to ensure that members' money is spent more or less on what members wish to ride (challenge there is that yes, we need to give them a gentle push to up their skills and getting an accurate gauge on people's wants and needs is difficult).

[Samurai Pizza Cat]

The obvious problem without reading all 7 pages is that one man's green is another man's pink is another's double black diamond. Given our unique marathon culture its not surprising that most trails are graded according to distance. Is what it is I suppose.

 

The why is probably more interesting than the what....well we are a mass participation nation, the type of trails that are graded IMBA style are not suited for mass participation events...the trails are built with these events in mind. I am sure they make good money from a trailseeker event as an example. Not only that, mtb'ing becomes accessible to a larger audience...from mamma, pappa, sussie and boetie...all enjoying fun in the sun. Now if those trails had anything extremely difficult tech...that market will disappear and they will simply not be visited anymore. Basically it won't be worth the effort for these trail centers to build the double blacks....

And yet Karkloof are graded according to the IMBA guidelines. They host the very successful Karkloof Classic every year.

 

If you look at the list of trails that are affiliated with Amarider (the local chapter of the IMBA), not one trail from Gauteng is listed.

 

And what a list: Karkloof, Howick, Lebanon, Welvanpas, Mankele etc. The only noteworthy trails missing are Jonkershoek and Garden Route Trailpark. And both of them are properly graded.

 

Is it just a Gauteng mindset that any and all trail features are dangerous and we should avoid it at all cost?

 

The irony is that with the exception of Hakahana, Cyclelab is the only company building trail features on which someone can learn new skills. And they don't even sell anything trail / Am related. Maybe Cyclelab understand that having bike skills have nothing to do with what bike you are riding, and that riding over obstacles and features are actually fun.

 

And to add to that: The features at PWC I'm referring to are all on the green and blue rated trails ridden by families on a daily basis.

[Mntboy]

That is a bit unfair Myles. While it is good to have trails that young riders can upskill themselves on, insulting those who have no desire to ride technical trails is not helpful. Clubs that develop trails also need to ensure that members' money is spent more or less on what members wish to ride (challenge there is that yes, we need to give them a gentle push to up their skills and getting an accurate gauge on people's wants and needs is difficult).

Sorry but that seems to mind to being a classic catch 22 situation. How are the kids going to know that they would like to up skill if they are not exposed to technical features? Similarly how will you with adult club (I presume you're referring to a club as well as schools) members if they aren't at least exposed to it. As I've said plenty times before riding skills begins with the rider assuming responsibility for it but it will only happen if they know that they can and then doing so out of choice.

[Mntboy]

 

 

.......

Some broad idea of level would be great - I have certain skills, and I lack others (i.e. jumps) - most places I've ridden either don't have jumps or the jumps are big enough to "activate my common sense" - progression would be fantastic.

 

Geographically, what you are used to makes a big difference - rode a race at Cascades last year. Triple down arrows on a bit of rock garden and no signage at all on some slippery switchbacks bordered by drops - I found the rock garden a non-obstacle and thought I might die on the switchbacks - the locals considered the signage an accurate reflection of risk. Having these variations indicated in some way might be useful too.

If you're interested in further developing your skills my suggestion would be to find people and venues to do so. Try and grade your current level and work from there.

 

Also can't help but agree with you wrt geographical location you learn to mountain bike having an influence on not only skill level but how you adapt to terrain and situations. I can say that wanting to be able to fully enjoy Tokai's trails (when we can get back in) is a driving factor in wanting to develop my skills.

[Trance Dance]

So almost like rock climbing. A bigger spectrum to measure against.

 

But yes, I like that system as for example not all blues are equal.

 

I have seen some places use a combination of the 2. Green, Blue, Black and Double Black Diamond, with numbers 1 - 5 on each. So Green 1 being the easiest. Double Black Diamond 5 being the hardest.

 

It will still be tough though as it is all subjective to a certain degr ee.

So we can implement something simple like the UK climbing grading system! Something that rates both danger and difficulty...

[Bin Laden]

That's joburg for u. They don't what to scratch them 100k bikes

You are from the Western Cape...come ride here in Gauteng. Most of our trails are rated according to distance. Technical ability does not come into the equation.