Cycling Camp Rider Levels
Here at BaseCamp, we believe the right cycling camp experience starts with matching you to the right ride level. Our cycling camps are designed to be inclusive yet appropriately challenging, offering group rides, skills development, and daily training that meet you where you are in your cycling journey.
To help you find the best fit, we've created rider profiles that describe general fitness levels, riding experience, climbing and descending skills, and group riding comfort. These are intended as flexible guidelines; if you're unsure where you fit, we encourage you to reach out for a conversation; a consultation or email often makes selecting the right camp easy and accurate. Contact us or schedule a free online meeting below!
RIDER LEVEL 1: Competitive Rider
You are a dedicated training athlete who rides with performance and improvement as your primary goals. You enjoy sustained fast-paced rides, structured training, and challenging yourself with races and events. You thrive in dynamic group settings, handle technical terrain with confidence, and love pushing your limits.
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Typical number of weekly rides: 5+
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Current average weekly mileage: 175+ miles
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Average speed on a typical ride: 18–22+ mph
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Group riding: Skilled and comfortable riding in close single and double pacelines at speed
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Climbing skills: Strong climbing ability and able to sustain long, steady-state and punchy climbs at Tempo to Threshold effort
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Descending skills: Confident descender, comfortable handling technical or fast descents with proper braking and cornering technique
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Event focus: Regular participation in competitive events with a focus on high performance and podium results
RIDER LEVEL 2: Enthusiastic Explorer
You are a motivated recreational athlete who rides for fitness, adventure, and personal achievement. You occasionally race or enter events for the experience and challenge but prioritize fun and exploration. You are confident on longer rides, in moderate group settings, and enjoy improving your skills as you go.
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Typical number of weekly rides: 3-4+
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Current average weekly mileage: 125+ miles
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Average speed on a typical ride: 12–18 mph
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Group riding: Comfortable riding in looser pacelines and moderate group settings
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Climbing skills: Capable climber who enjoys steady efforts and is working to improve climbing pacing and efficiency
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Descending skills: Steady and cautious descender, capable of safely handling most descents with some focus on improving technique
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Event focus: Participation in gran fondos, charity rides, and occasional races with a personal goal of completion and fitness improvement
RIDER LEVEL 3: Adventure enthusiast
You are an active cyclist who rides for the joy of exploration, scenery, and the social side of cycling. You prefer a moderate pace, love quiet roads and paths, and focus on the experience rather than speed. Group riding is more about camaraderie than tight formations.
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Typical number of weekly rides: 2-3+
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Current average weekly mileage: 75+ miles
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Average speed on a typical ride: 10–12 mph
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Group riding: Enjoys riding with others but prefers informal groups and avoids close pacelines
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Climbing skills: Comfortable tackling shorter or moderate climbs at an enjoyable, sustainable pace
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Descending skills: Careful descender favoring caution and safety over speed, with an openness to learning basic descending techniques
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Event focus: Occasional participation in rides and events, prioritizing the social experience and personal accomplishment