Trail Ratings

Breaking Away Event Types:

  • Scout With Me → Exploratory, unpredictable, experienced riders, limited spots.

  • Expeditions → Finished/scouted GPS product, self-directed.

  • Rallies/Events → Community experience, organized logistics, broader rider range.

Ratings Description:

Rating individual roads has much more to do with the skill level of the rider, trail conditions, motorcycle, maintenance, and even how well you slept the night before, etc.

Essentially, its nearly impossible. What we can do is rate it based on general skill, speed, and ability to get through challenges and technical sections. The roads we ride will almost always contain these factors. Whether or not there is puddles, mud or other weather related issues are irrelevant to our ratings.

Routes are mostly scouted and planned, but conditions change. Weather happens. Roads wash out. Gates close. Trees fall. Navigation occasionally gets interesting. That's part of adventure riding—not necessarily evidence that something has gone wrong.

Overall, you should be comfortable with taking on the rating and possible terrain.

Our Rating System:

  • ADV 1 — Easy: Maintained dirt/gravel roads. Generally firm surfaces. Minimal loose terrain. Suitable for riders comfortable taking an ADV bike off pavement.

  • ADV 2 — Intermediate: Rougher forest roads, loose gravel, moderate climbs/descents, ruts, sand or embedded rock. Rider should be comfortable standing, controlling the bike on loose surfaces and recovering from occasional mistakes.

  • ADV 3 — Intermediate+: Sustained rough terrain with combinations of rocks, ruts, loose climbs/descents, sand, water crossings or uneven two-track. Expect sections where line choice matters. Dropping the motorcycle is a realistic possibility. Rider should be comfortable picking up their bike and continuing after difficult sections.

  • ADV 4 — Advanced: Technical terrain where momentum, line selection and advanced off-road control are routinely required. Steep/loose climbs, significant rocks, deep sand, ledges, mud or difficult crossings may occur. Not appropriate for riders still developing basic off-road skills.

Scout with Me Rides — Experienced Riders Only

  • Scout rides aren't training rides. Participants should already possess solid off-road motorcycle skills and good judgment. Routes may include unknown conditions, reroutes and terrain we haven't previously ridden. You should be self-sufficient, mechanically prepared and comfortable making decisions in the backcountry.

Before registering, each rider should confirm that:

☐ I have read the terrain description.

☐ My motorcycle is appropriate for the ride.

☐ I have the required riding experience.

☐ I understand that scouting involves unknown conditions and possible reroutes.

☐ I'm capable of managing myself and my motorcycle in the backcountry.

Still have questions? Reach out to us anytime, we’re happy to help!