I've done a number of Backroads tours. There are many from very easy to Epic. They are very good about describing their trips and I've been on what I would call an epic trip and fairly newbie riders did those rides as well. They plan for "bailouts" by the newer riders and if there's a big hill coming, give the rider the option to sag. I think Backroads is a first class operation but there are not the cheapest, in fact they are probably one of the most expensive but well worth it . Vermont Touring is good and if you can do Vermont in September, it's great riding.