RIDE TYPES AND LEVELS
Types of Rides
Pre-Season Purple Prep
A welcoming, low‑pressure introduction to WMBA rides. Rotating stations cover bike basics, fit, and beginner skills. Ideal for Never Ever and Beginner riders who want to build comfort, confidence, and community before the season starts.
Social Rides
Easy-going rides that prioritize fun and connection. Explore urban trails, smaller parks, or night rides with relaxed mileage and a casual vibe. Great for riders looking to socialize and enjoy time on the bike.
Trail Skills Rides
Skill‑focused rides that introduce and practice specific trail features before riding them. These rides emphasize learning through repetition and support. Offered for Beginner and/or Intermediate levels.
Group Rides
Our primary ride offering. These are no‑drop, continuous rides grouped by skill level and general pace. Expect regrouping, encouragement, and occasional short stops to work through trail features together when helpful.
Group Pace
Each level will offer a ride titled after that level and one “Hangout” version of that pace. Note: Never Ever and Advanced groups do not tend to have separate pace groups.
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Hangout ("Party") Pace: More breaks, fewer miles, and extra time to socialize
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Regular Pace: Fewer stops and more mileage (still no‑drop and not a race)
Skills Clinics
Focused learning sessions built around a clear lesson plan (e.g., switchbacks, climbing, wheel lifts). Clinics may include off‑trail practice or repeated sessioning of a short trail section to support skill development.
Skill Level Groupings
Not sure where you fit? That’s completely okay.
Choose the level that feels right for you today, your Ride Guides are always happy to help you find the best match.
Never Ever
Welcome to mountain biking! This level is all about learning the basics in a supportive, encouraging environment on smooth, mellow trails.
You’re brand new to mountain biking, nervous about dirt or group rides, or just want a no‑pressure place to start. You’re excited to learn and gain confidence.
Trails will have some turns and small obstacles but will be flatter and have minimal obstacles. Never Evers will not have separate pace groups, but will stick together at a Hangout Pace.
Beginner
Beginner rides support riders who want to develop or maintain core trail skills—including shifting, climbing, descending, and navigating small roots and rocks. Trails are typically wider with gentle elevation changes to keep the experience approachable and enjoyable.
You’re comfortable riding a bike and prefer trails that feel supportive rather than intimidating. You may be building confidence, maintaining your current skill level, or simply enjoying time on familiar terrain. You appreciate a pace that allows for practice, guidance, and staying within your comfort zone.
Trails are wider, have more varied terrain with some elevation change and small obstacles (sand, small rocks).
Begintermediate
A transition level between Beginner and Intermediate. Riders are consistent with bike control and ready for more varied terrain and features. Trails progress from Green toward Blue.
You feel ready for more challenge but don’t quite identify as Intermediate yet. You’re motivated to grow and enjoy expanding your comfort zone.
Trails are progressing from typical “Green” to more “Blue” trails.
Intermediate
Intermediate riders maintain a steady pace and navigate roots, rocks, switchbacks, and small drops. Riders choose when to ride or walk a feature based on comfort and conditions.
You feel confident on most trails, enjoy moderate technical challenges, and value riding smoothly—even when that includes walking a section now and then.
Trails are narrow, have some limited exposure, more climbs and descents and obstacles such as drops/roots of 1 ft or less.
Intervanced
For riders approaching Advanced. This level emphasizes consistency and confidence on steeper terrain, tighter turns, and larger obstacles. Trails range from Blue to Blue-Black.
You’re working toward Advanced riding and enjoy trails that require both skill and focus. You’re comfortable being challenged and continuing to learn.
Trails are progressing from typical “Blue” to some “Black” rated trails.
Advanced
Advanced riders are comfortable navigating technical climbs, descents, and complex trail features with control and adaptability.
Trail dependent rides: Some rides emphasize longer distance and a stronger pace, while others focus on highly technical, skill based terrain with obstacles and features.
You’re adaptable and experienced, enjoying both physical endurance and technical problem‑solving. You’re confident adjusting your approach based on trail conditions and ride goals.
Trails include larger obstacles, possibly more exposure and farther distances. Note Advanced groups will not have separate pace groupings, but will stick together at a Regular Pace.