Activity Level

The Slow Cyclist

Activity Level

We're often asked about the activity level or difficulty of our journeys. Below, we have outlined what you can expect from your Slow Cyclist journey.

Ratings are always subjective and depend on your cycling experience and confidence. We must also emphasise that our journeys are always about exploring a place and its culture; it’s never a race and there will always be someone walking or cycling at your pace. You’ll find more details on each journey page, along with the type of e-bike used. These tend to be front-suspension electric mountain bikes for trips with some off-road sections, or full suspension electric mountain bikes for our more challenging journeys. If you’re looking for an easier or more challenging journey than specified, please talk to our team and we may be able to make adaptations for private groups.

Level One

Level one journeys involve little or no cycling and some walking. The walks are not technical but we'd recommend bringing your walking boots and being prepared for some uneven ground. Other activities may be available, such as kayaking.

These are our gentlest journeys and accessible to most.

Danube Delta

Level Two

You'll be out on the bikes or walking every day. Cycling is likely to be on quiet tarmac roads, gravel roads, tracks, meadows and narrow forest trails. Cycling off-road requires some concentration, but our guides are always happy to offer advice and settle any nerves. Walks can be steep in sections but not technical.

These journeys are suitable for almost all levels of cyclist. We recommend having some biking experience, but you don't necessarily need to have cycled off-road before.

Level Three

Level three journeys require a little more juice in the legs and a little more confidence in the saddle. As well as quiet tarmac roads, there is likely to be cycling on gravel and dirt tracks with some steep sections. It will help if you've cycled off-road before, but isn't strictly necessary. Walks tend to be no more than three hours and can be steep with uneven ground in places.

These are still journeys to take time over and there is no pressure to be speedy.

Basque Country

Crete

Karoo

Level Four

Level four journeys require some cycling experience and confidence. You may deal with difficult terrain in places, such as broken tarmac, potholes and slippery dirt roads. There will be off-road sections which you will find more manageable if you have cycled off-road before. However, our guides are always on hand to help. There may be hikes with some steep sections on uneven ground that require good balance.

Be ready for adventure, but enjoy slow evenings and breathtaking landscapes that make every pedal worth it.

Armenian Highlands

Rwanda

A Slow Cyclist riding through the forest in Armenia

Level Five

Our most challenging journeys, level fives are generally Expeditions and tougher than our Classic Journeys. You will need a good level of fitness and some experience cycling off-road. Cycling will take place on a mix of tarmac roads, dirt tracks, gravel roads and narrow trails. Both the cycling and walking can be steep, and often on uneven ground.

These are adventures for those who want to end their holiday with a true sense of accomplishment. Be ready for an adventure.

Bucovina