Terrain and our Rating System

The provided routes have a wide variety of terrain but they all share a common theme of exploring the backcountry on multi day expeditions.  We have chosen to use a rating system for each of our routes or section of a route.  This is being done to help folks decide whether or not the terrain is suitable for them.  We do this with some hesitation as terrain can and will change dramatically based on the environment, weather, usage and any other number of factors.  In knowing this we decided to keep the rating system very vague.

Class One

This category of roads could be described as paved roads which consist of highways, back roads and everything in between.  Paved roads have asphalt, concrete or some form of surface sealer on them.

Class Two

A class two road is what we refer to as a gravel highway.  These roads are wide enough for two vehicles to pass and often as wide as paved road.  Potholes, fresh gravel and slick conditions are the primary terrain concern.  Class two roads are maintained and grdaed with fresh surface on a regular basis.

Class Three

We refer to these roads as double track.  A class three road/trail is wide enough for one full size vehicle.  There are a large variety of these in Canada and can often be found in rural residential neighbourhoods as well as in remote areas for access to such industries as logging and mines.  Class three terrain presents challenges in the form of loose surfaces, potholes, fresh gravel, slick surfaces, etc.  These roads/trails are often unmaintained and depending on usage can vary greatly in their difficulty.

Class Four

Very similar in nature to a class three expect a class four present obvious obstacles that may consist of water crossings, deep mud, large rocks, steep hills, etc.  For many a class four may be considered off roading, albeit it may be a road you are travelling on.  Seasonal influences like water levels, etc may be a concern.

Class Five

ATV, horse trails and hydro line trails are what usually make up a class five trail.  Notice the word road is no longer present.  A class five trail may be too narrow for a truck and may only be suitable for bikes.  The terrain may not be any more challenging than a class four, but it gets its own classification due to the change in width.  Rules and regulations as to trail use may be a factor for this type of trail and it may not be legal for trucks to use.

Class Six

Very similar to a class five but with more challenging terrain, without question this is considered off roading.  A class six trail should be taken seriously and may not be suitable for larger bikes with heavy loads.  Fallen trees, large boulders, deep water and other obstacles are to be expected.

Class Seven

Single track trails suitable only to smaller bikes or bikes lightly loaded.  Expect narrow trails with many obstacles.