Whether you’re dreaming of pedaling or hiking, here’s how to choose a tour that fits—and why preparation is key, even if you’re riding with the boost of an e-bike.

Start with the Right Difficulty Level 🧭 

Our tours are rated from Level 1 (easiest) to Level 5 (most challenging), based on terrain, elevation gain, distance, and surface conditions. A Level 2 tour might feature rolling countryside and shorter daily rides, while Level 3 and 4 tours include sustained climbs and longer distances. We also use hybrid ratings like 3-4 or 3+ to indicate tours that fall between levels.

Due to the natural topography of the areas in which we operate, the majority of our tours are rated between Level 3 and 4.

👉 Explore our full difficulty rating system

Why Training on Stationary Bikes Isn’t Enough

Training on a stationary bike is a good start—but it doesn’t fully prepare you for the demands of real-world riding. Outdoor cycling builds:

• Muscle memory for shifting, braking, and handling
• Balance and core strength for uneven terrain and descents
• Endurance for sustained climbs and longer days
• Confidence in managing weather, surfaces, navigation, and sharing the road with light vehicular traffic

To get the most out of your tour, we recommend riding outdoors at least 2–3 times per week, gradually increasing distance and elevation. If you’re using an e-bike, train with it to understand battery life, pedal-assist settings, how it handles on hills and gravel, and get used to its weight.

The Dangers of Not Training Properly

• 🚫 Loss of control on gravel, cobblestones, or wet roads
• 🚫 Overconfidence on descents or tight turns
• 🚫 Misjudging distances or battery life on e-bikes
• 🚫 Muscle fatigue that affects reaction time and decision-making
• 🚫 Injury-causing crashes or collisions with others
• 🚫 Improper technique that results in damage to the bikes

Training outdoors helps build the reflexes, balance, and terrain awareness that stationary bikes simply can’t replicate. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about being safe, confident, and in control.

E-Bikes Help—But They Don’t Replace Cycling Fitness 🚴‍♂️ 

E-bikes are a fantastic tool for making climbs more manageable and extending your range. But let’s be clear: they don’t do all the work for you. You’ll still need to pedal, balance, shift gears, and navigate changing terrain. That means cycling fitness is still required, especially on multi-day tours with varied surfaces and elevation.

Even with an e-bike, riding on unfamiliar roads, navigating descents, and managing changing surfaces requires real-world cycling experience. Without it, riders are more prone to falls, collisions, and fatigue-related mistakes.

Ask Yourself:

• Are you cycling regularly on an e-bike, navigating a mix of terrains, handling climbs, and building endurance?
• Are you comfortable riding on quieter roads shared with vehicular traffic and the occasional busier connector section?
• Are you strong enough to balance and manage a heavier bike for extended periods of time or in varying weather and while navigating an unfamiliar route?
• Can you do this multiple days in a row, sometimes in inclement weather, such as wind or rain?
• Can you move the bike each night, whether to a special storage area, into your hotel room, or even on and off a train?

These aren’t just logistical questions—they’re safety questions. If the answer is “not yet,” that’s okay. It just means your training plan needs to include real-world practice with your gear and conditions that mimic your tour.

Preparation = Joy 💪 

The more prepared you are, the more you’ll enjoy the journey. Training isn’t just about avoiding fatigue—it’s about feeling strong, confident, and ready to soak in every moment. Whether you’re riding through vineyards or hiking alpine trails, your adventure should feel like a celebration—not a struggle.

So take the time to train, choose the right level, and reach out to us if you’re unsure. We’re here to help you find the perfect fit—and make your next adventure unforgettable!

View our Difficulty Rating System

Contact us to plan your next adventure!

The post Choosing the Right Tour: Understanding Difficulty Levels & Why Training Still Matters (Even with an E-Bike) appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Today is Valentine’s Day and the world is in love with everything heart-shaped! No doubt those heart-shaped chocolates are motivating you to get on your bike for a spin later today! But how often do you listen to your own heart – and we mean literally listen to your heart via heart rate training? If you are not using a heart rate monitor you’re missing out data that is essential to improving your cycling fitness. The science behind heart rate training is relatively simple, with the latest models of heart rate monitors able to not only log your heart rate data, but record elevation, track and plan your routes and share your workouts with your friends on social media.

To celebrate your healthy heart (and Valentine’s Day), here are four brand new heart rate monitors that you will fall in love with!

TIMEX IRONMAN RUN TRAINER 2.0

• The Timex Ironman Run Trainer 2.0 is a next-generation, GPS-enabled watch providing real-time pace, distance, and heart rate. The new Run Trainer™ 2.0 watch features a crisp high-resolution display, an easy-to-use menu system, and a smaller more comfortable case that does not sacrifice water resistance. After your workout, review your map and performance data with their free online training log powered by TrainingPeaks™.

GARMIN EDGE 810

• In addition to mapping, the Garmin Edge 810 records distance, speed metrics, ascent/descent, grade and more. It’s also compatible with ANT+™ sensors that measure heart rate², speed/cadence² and power³. Activity profiles let you customize data fields and device settings based on cycling activity, such as road, mountain or touring. Switch profiles with a simple swipe of the touchscreen and the 810 will be set up to show the data for that ride.

POLAR CS500PLUS

• For ambitious cyclists seeking improved cycling performance, the Polar CS500 will not disappoint. The extended memory records more hours of highly accurate power data from the compatible Polar LOOK Kéo Power pedals, features quick and safe control with the rocker switch and oversized user-configurable display and W.I.N.D. technology guarantees interference-free transmission.

SUUNTO M5

• The Suunto M5 heart rate monitor for cycling provides versatile guidance with optional speed and distance information for a wide range of sports. Set your goals and the M5 provides an ideal daily workout schedule to help you achieve them – including telling you when it’s time to rest. This model features real-time intensity guidance during workout, daily exercise instructions with ideal duration and intensity and motivational feedback messages.

The post 4 new heart rate monitors to fall in love with appeared first on Pure Adventures.