TRAIL DIFFICULTY SYSTEM
Stromlo Forest Park’s network of Mountain Bike trails have been built in accordance with the International Mountain Bike Association’s (IMBA) Trail Difficulty Rating System. This system was adapted from the International Trail Marking System used at ski areas throughout the world
The IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System is a basic method used to categorise the relative technical difficulty of recreation trails. The IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System can:
- Help trail users make informed decisions
- Encourage visitors to use trails that match their skill level
- Manage risk and minimise injuries
- Improve the outdoor experience for a wide variety of visitors
- Aid in the planning of trails and trail systems
Stromlo Forest Park’s trails have been graded in accordance with the IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System and the trail maps and signs display these ratings. Please ride safely and within your own abilities.
The following table outlines the IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System:
|
Easiest White Circle |
Easy Green Circle |
More Difficult Blue Square |
Very Difficult Black Diamond |
Extremely Difficult Dbl. Black Diamond |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trail Width
|
183cm or more |
91cm or more |
61cm or more |
30cm or more |
15cm or more |
Tread Surface |
Hardened or surfaced |
Firm and stable |
Mostly stable with some variability |
Widely variable |
Widely variable and unpredictable |
Average Trail Grade
Maximum Trail Grade
|
Less than 5%
Max 10% |
5% or less
Max 15% |
10% or less
Max 15% or greater |
15% or less
Max 15% or greater |
20% or more
Max 15% or greater |
Natural Obstacles and Technical Trail Features (TTF) |
None |
Unavoidable obstacles 5cm tall or less Avoidable obstacles may be present Unavoidable bridges 91cm or wider |
Unavoidable obstacles 20cm tall or less Avoidable obstacles may be present Unavoidable bridges 61cm or wider TTF’s 60cm high or less, width of deck is greater than ½ the height |
Unavoidable obstacles 38cm tall or less Avoidable obstacles may be present May include loose rocks Unavoidable bridges 61cm or wider TTF’s 122cm high or less, width of deck is greater than ½ the height Short sections may exceed criteria |
Unavoidable obstacles 38cm tall or less Avoidable obstacles may be present May include loose rocks Unavoidable bridges 61cm or wider TTF’s 122cm high or less, width of deck is greater than ½ the height Many sections may exceed criteria |
For information email info@stromloforestpark.com.au or call 02 6256 6700
Stromlo Forest Park is a shared public facility with designated trails for bike riders, runners, walkers and equestrians. Trails are clearly marked and colour coded and there are specific rules for their use.
