Tour Grading

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The Guide to Fellow Velo Cycle Tour Grades

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Easy

Mostly level or gently undulating riding; you will feel like there has been more downhill freewheeling than uphill pedalling. Any little hills will be on gentle gradients - always remember, hills can be your friend! More than 90% of the cycling will be along quiet lanes, dedicated cycle paths or hidden tracks.
Average daily distance less than 20 miles.
Maximum daily distance less than 30 miles.

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Moderate

A mixture of level and undulating riding that will mostly feel like our Easy Grade but, may be a little more undulating for a few miles at a time. On some uphill sections you might want to take a little rest or, on short steeper bits, just push your bike to the crest of the hill before freewheeling into the distance. More than 80% of the cycling will be along quiet lanes, dedicated cycle paths or hidden tracks.
Average daily distance less than 30 miles.
Maximum daily distance less than 40 miles.

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Adventurous

Longer daily distances or some more sustained hills on a couple of days make up the majority of our Adventurous routes. Most of the riding will still be on a mixture of level or undulating terrain (and pushing for a short distance is always an option on more challenging hills). More than 80% of the cycling will be along quiet lanes, dedicated cycle paths or hidden tracks.
Average daily distance less than 40 miles.
Maximum daily distance less than 50 miles.

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Stars

Some tours have a star added to the overall grade. One or more particular sections of the tour will be just above the overall grade. For example, a hill that is longer or steeper than usual, some rougher surface terrain or, a slightly awkward area where we suggest that you dismount and push your bike. Starred sections are all about getting you to great locations or unlocking the key for a special route.