RINDŌ BIKE TOUR JAPAN RIDER LEVELS
What are Rindō BTJ’s rider levels?
Our cycling tours are ranked on a 1–5 scale, from casual to high intensity. Each level reflects what your days on the bike will actually feel like: the terrain, the climbs, the pace, and the time in the saddle. Read through the rider levels below to find the ride that fits you best.
Level 1
Flat roads and bike paths. Cycling is a means of getting between cultural activities, delicious meals, and magical ryokan experiences. Riders are comfortable with 3–4 hours of light activity on the bike per day.
Level 2
A conversational pace allows us to explore shrines, capture viewpoints, and enjoy conversations over coffee. Riders are comfortable with 4–5 hours of light to moderate activity on the bike per day.
Level 3
The route is challenging at times but oh so rewarding. We will take on some epic climbs and descents, while still taking time to enjoy cultural stops along the way. Riders are comfortable with 5–6 hours of moderate to strenuous activity on the bike per day.
Level 4
Riders are looking to push their limits up big climbs, pace-line on the flats, and challenge themselves on massive routes. If you enjoy the thrill of completing tough century rides, this is your level. Riders are capable of 6–8 hours of strenuous cycling each day.
Level 5
Riders who chase epic routes and seek out big climbs. Pace-line on Japan’s most notorious roads for back-to-back days of cols, volcano summits, and routes of epic proportions. Riders are capable of 7–9 hours of intense cycling each day.
RIDE SUPPORT AND E-BIKE OPTIONS
Each Rindō BTJ group trip is carefully designed to strike a balance between challenge, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the route.
If you’re looking at a route that sits just above your current riding level, we highly recommend asking us about our electric assist bike option. It’s a great way to get an extra boost on the climbs while staying in the saddle.