Easy / medium / hard in the MIR catalog is not about bravery — it combines surface mix, altitude, group pace, and typical daily saddle time. The same bike is easy on pavement and medium with 30 % gravel and a 3,000 m pass. Before booking, match the tag to your last riding year and fitness; when unsure, choose medium and talk to the organizer before paying a deposit.
Easy — pavement and gentle pace
Up to 80 % pavement, 200–260 km days, moderate elevation. Fits a 1–2 year riding break with basic fitness.
Typical: southern routes without technical gravel, hotels nightly, group-riding briefing.
Medium — gravel and long days
20–40 % gravel or mountain roads, 250–320 km saddle time, passes to 3,000 m. Requires group-riding experience and confident standing breaks.
Most MIR Caucasus and Morocco expeditions are medium — spectacle with escorted risk control.
Hard — sand, altitude, pace
Sand, water crossings, 3,500+ m passes, or fast gravel pace. Needs fresh off-road experience and back-to-back shakedown days.
If hard is aspirational, pick medium in the same region — the destinations hub compares routes.
How to choose without overestimating
Declare honest mileage for the last 12 months and your last gravel drop. Organizers may suggest another date or a lower seat bike.
Tie the choice to the calendar — the same route feels different in spring vs autumn weather.
| Level | Surface | Hours/day | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | ≤20 % gravel | 5–7 | 1+ yr, no off-road |
| Medium | 20–40 % gravel | 7–9 | Group tours |
| Hard | Sand / 3500+ m | 8–10 | Off-road <12 mo |
FAQ
01Can I upgrade from medium to hard on tour?
No — difficulty is fixed per route. Pick another tour or date.
02Does bike model matter?
Yes. Large adventure bikes favor tall riders; lower seats help under 175 cm.
03Age limits?
Health and experience matter, not passport age. See FAQ and booking form.
04Children or passengers?
MIR expeditions are solo in the saddle — no passengers.
05Where is level shown on the card?
On catalog and tour pages beside duration and region; filter in catalog.