Loaded bikepacking bikes on an Alberta rail corridor
ABS Route Standard · v1.1

More than a line on a map.

Routes in the ABS library are presented with creator attribution, origin, information status and enough planning context to help riders understand what is known, what remains uncertain, and when the information was last checked.

Purpose

A common language for Alberta routes.

The Route Standard creates a consistent record for every route in the ABS library. It separates what is known from what is still being developed and makes origin, information status, difficulty, logistics, evidence and verification visible instead of implied.

Version 1.1 retains the common ABS route-page model. Route records use the same clear information hierarchy as Cardinal Divide so riders can move between route pages without relearning the layout.

Prefer the rider-facing overview? See How Routes Work →

ABS information status

Know how finished the ABS record is.

00

Indexed

A community route has been identified and attributed, but ABS has not yet completed enough independent review to present its information record as Beta or Verified. Indexed does not judge the original route’s quality or maturity.

01

Development

A concept, partial line or route still being materially changed. It may appear publicly as a project, but it is not presented as a finished navigation resource.

02

Beta

A complete route line has been ridden, but some logistics, access details, surface information or verification work remains incomplete. Riders should expect uncertainty.

03

Verified

The complete route has been field-ridden and the required ABS planning fields have been completed and reviewed. The route page shows the verification date and route version.

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Route Alert

A temporary flag that can be applied to a Beta or Verified route when fire, closure, washout, access change or another issue materially affects the published route.

Archived routes remain visible for historical context when useful, but are no longer maintained or recommended as current route records.
Evidence status

Known does not always mean field verified.

ABS records how material planning information is known. This prevents a current campground listing, a rider report and an on-route field check from being treated as the same kind of evidence.

Field verifiedObserved by an ABS verifier while riding or checking the route, with a date when practical.
Source verifiedConfirmed from a current land manager, government notice, campground operator or other responsible source. Useful, but not the same as field verification.
Rider reportedUseful information supplied by a rider or contributor that ABS has not yet independently checked.
Unverified / TBDIncomplete, uncertain, contradictory or not yet sufficiently researched. ABS leaves the gap visible rather than guessing.
Required route record

What every published route should tell you.

Beta routes may contain clearly marked gaps. Verified routes should have the complete record.

Identity & geometryName, region, route type, distance, climbing, high/low points, public navigation source and route version. Creator-maintained routes may remain hosted by their original creator.
Ride characterOverall difficulty, physical effort, technical difficulty, remoteness, surface mix and meaningful hike-a-bike.
Trip planningTypical duration, recommended season, start/parking information, direction and any permits or fees.
LogisticsCamping, water, resupply, communities, bailout options and unusually long gaps between services.
Access & stewardshipKnown access constraints, closures, private-land concerns, sensitive areas and community considerations.
VerificationABS information status, evidence state for planning information, last field verification, source-check dates, update history, route steward/contributors and active alerts.
Route-page model

One structure across the route library.

The Cardinal Divide page is the reference presentation for route records. New route pages inherit its hierarchy rather than being designed independently.

Plan quicklyHero, key stats, origin, information status and route overview establish the trip at a glance.
See the actual routePublished route pages use the full Ride with GPS route map and elevation profile when a public route is available.
Understand uncertaintyEvidence, research status, sources and unresolved verification items remain visible.
Recognize the systemTypography, spacing, planning cells, sidebar treatment and route-specific gallery structure stay consistent from route to route.
Difficulty framework

One number cannot tell the whole story.

ABS will show an overall route rating alongside three component ratings. The component scales are descriptive rather than promises about how difficult a route will feel to a particular rider.

Physical effort

  1. 1 — Light: modest sustained effort and generous recovery opportunities.
  2. 2 — Moderate: meaningful daily effort without sustained high-load riding.
  3. 3 — Challenging: repeated long climbs, long days or accumulated fatigue are central to the route.
  4. 4 — Very hard: sustained high daily workload with limited easy mileage.
  5. 5 — Expedition: prolonged effort, major accumulated fatigue or exceptionally demanding daily requirements.

Technical difficulty

  1. 1 — Straightforward: pavement and maintained gravel with minimal technical riding.
  2. 2 — Rough: rough gravel or easy doubletrack; basic off-pavement handling required.
  3. 3 — Technical: rough doubletrack, singletrack, loose surfaces or occasional hike-a-bike.
  4. 4 — Advanced: sustained rocky, loose, steep or technical riding with regular hike-a-bike possible.
  5. 5 — Expert: prolonged technical terrain, difficult route finding or sections requiring advanced bike-handling judgment.

Remoteness

  1. 1 — Connected: frequent services, bailouts and communication.
  2. 2 — Limited gaps: services are reasonably regular and exit options remain practical.
  3. 3 — Remote: long service gaps, intermittent communication and limited bailout options.
  4. 4 — Very remote: substantial distances between help, services or practical exits.
  5. 5 — Expedition: prolonged isolation where self-sufficiency and contingency planning are fundamental.
Overall rating

Context before classification.

ABS overall ratings use five descriptive levels—Accessible, Moderate, Challenging, Difficult and Expedition—but are not generated by a simple formula. Route length, typical itinerary, technical terrain, remoteness, weather exposure and logistical complexity are considered together.

A route rating is planning information, not a safety guarantee. Conditions, weather, fitness, equipment and individual judgment can dramatically change the experience.
Verification & change

Routes are living records.

Every Beta or Verified page should show a route version and last field-verification information. Material changes to access, geometry or logistics should be recorded rather than silently replacing the old route.

ABS can apply a Route Alert whenever credible information suggests that a published route has been materially affected. Rider reports help prioritize re-verification but do not automatically constitute full route verification.

Report a route issue