The grade of a holiday indicates how fit and strong you need to be to enjoy it, to complete each day with time for unhurried refreshment stops, a little sightseeing, to take photos… and arrive in time to relax before dinner. Regardless of grade, our tours are meant to be a holiday, not a trial of endurance! The occasional day may be longer, but an average day should include some spare time, providing you choose an appropriate grade.
Grade of holiday
Power
Calories burnt
Distance
Min–Max average for 70kg rider
1 – Very Leisurely
25–55 W
380–850 kcal
35km (22mi)
Tours at this level never require you to carry more on the bike than you would for a day-ride.
2 – Leisurely
35–70 W
550–1100 kcal
49km (30mi)
Our first two grades are good for new and occasional cyclists, as well as those with more experience who know their limits or simply don’t want to work too hard on holiday!
3 – Leisurely Moderate
55–90 W
900–1450 kcal
63km (39mi)
Not too demanding for most regular cyclists, even if you haven’t toured before.
4 – Moderate
80–115 W
1300–1850 kcal
73km (46mi)
Experience of riding all-day, every day is advisable at this level.
5 – Moderately Energetic
100–140 W
1590–2250 kcal
82km (51mi)
In addition to touring experience, you should be happy to ride up steep (10%) hills.
6 – Energetic
120–170 W
1950–1700 kcal
93km (58mi)
To enjoy tours at this level you should to be able to tackle anything on tarmac roads, albeit slowly.
7 – Very Energetic
150–200 W
2400–3250 kcal
103km (64mi)
You are also capable of a fair turn of speed and frequently ride long distances.
8 – Athletic
180–250 W
2850–3900 kcal
114km (71mi)
If other experienced cyclists describe you as a strong rider, you should enjoy these holidays.
9 – Very Athletic
210–300 W
3450–4700 kcal
125km (77mi)
At this level you probably race a bit, or ride Audax/sportives, or simply tour a lot!
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