British Cycling Fundamentals of MTB Leadership Award

By Mark

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£ 250

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Activity Highlights:

This course is the perfect entry point for those new to mountain bike leadership who wish to guide groups in mixed road and off-road environments. Whether you're looking to lead rides for schools, colleges, activity centres, or just a group of friends, this award provides the essential skills and knowledge needed to confidently and safely lead rides on a variety of terrains. From urban fringe areas and gravel tracks to open countryside and woodland trails, you'll gain the expertise to manage and guide groups effectively.

Key Details

Duration: Two-day training course
Location: Fort William, Scotland, and surrounding trail centres
Minimum Age: 16 years old (Scotland) or 17 years old (England and Wales)
Prerequisites: British Cycling Membership at the "Ride" level or above
Fitness Level: Ability to ride comfortably on roads, off-road, and up to blue-grade mountain bike trails

Course Breakdown

The Fundamentals of Mountain Bike Leadership Award is designed to equip you with the foundational skills needed to lead groups on a variety of terrains. The course includes:

3-4 hours of e-learning through British Cycling Learning, providing a solid theoretical foundation before the practical sessions.
Leadership principles and skills training from some of the most experienced mountain bike tutors in the country.
Route planning module to help you get the most out of your rides.
Trailside repair training, ensuring you can handle simple mechanical issues on the go.
Accident and emergency management training, including essential first aid.
Leader insurance, giving you the protection needed to lead with confidence.

Throughout the two-day course, you’ll be continuously trained and assessed on your skills and knowledge, with no separate assessment required. This integrated approach ensures that you leave the course fully prepared and confident in your abilities.

Location

Our courses are typically held in the scenic surroundings of Fort William, Scotland, and nearby trail centres such as Nevis Range. These locations offer the ideal mix of terrains for practicing leadership in both road and off-road environments. We can also travel to other locations to meet the needs of our participants. Detailed directions and meeting arrangements will be provided upon booking.

Prerequisites

To attend the Fundamentals of Mountain Bike Leadership Award course, you must:

Hold a British Cycling Membership at a minimum of "Ride" level
Be at least 16 years old (Scotland) or 17 years old (England and Wales); note that you can only lead independently at 17 in Scotland and 18 in England and Wales
Be able to ride a mountain bike (or suitable alternative) comfortably on roads with some traffic, off-road, and mountain bike trails up to blue grade
Be regularly riding with an appropriate level of fitness
Complete a logbook to evidence recent rides (minimum of ten rides of at least 1 hour and five rides of at least 2.5 hours duration over the last six months)

Why Choose Us?

We are dedicated to providing high-quality mountain biking instruction in one of the most beautiful regions of the world. Here’s why you should choose us for your Fundamentals of Mountain Bike Leadership Award:

Expert Instruction: Our courses are led by some of the most experienced mountain bike tutors in the country, ensuring you receive top-tier training.
Stunning Location: Based in Fort William, we offer access to diverse terrains that are perfect for developing your leadership skills.
Comprehensive Training: Our integrated approach to training and assessment ensures you leave the course confident and fully prepared to lead.
Passion and Commitment: We are passionate about mountain biking and committed to helping you progress and achieve your goals.

Join us and take the first step towards becoming a certified mountain bike leader with the British Cycling Fundamentals of Mountain Bike Leadership Award. Book your place today and start your leadership journey with us!

FAQs:

What is the British Cycling Fundamentals of Mountain Bike Leadership Award?

This award is an entry-level qualification designed for those who want to lead mountain bike rides in mixed road and off-road environments. It’s perfect for beginners in leadership who wish to guide groups on a variety of terrains, including urban areas, gravel tracks, woodland, open countryside, and blue-graded trail centre routes.

What can I do with this qualification?

With this qualification, you can:

Lead group rides in a variety of environments, including urban fringe, gravel tracks, and off-road trails
Organise and lead mountain bike activities for schools, colleges, activity centres, or community groups
Develop and lead rides that require insurance and formal leadership certification
Enhance your personal skills for leading rides with friends or local cycling groups

What are the prerequisites to join the course?

To attend the course, you must:

Hold a British Cycling Membership at a minimum of "Ride" level
Be at least 16 years old (Scotland) or 17 years old (England and Wales); note that independent leadership is permitted at 17 in Scotland and 18 in England and Wales
Be able to ride a mountain bike (or suitable alternative) comfortably on roads, off-road paths, and blue-graded mountain bike trails
Have an appropriate level of fitness to handle a day’s riding
Complete a logbook evidencing recent riding experience (minimum of ten rides of at least 1 hour and five rides of at least 2.5 hours duration over the last six months)

What is the structure of the course?

The course includes:

3-4 hours of e-learning through British Cycling Learning to cover foundational concepts
Two days of practical training, where you’ll learn and practice leadership skills, route planning, accident management, trailside repairs, and first aid
Continuous assessment throughout the course, with no separate final assessment required

What do I need to do to achieve the award?

To achieve the award, you must:

Successfully complete the two-day training course, including continuous assessment
Hold a British Cycling Membership of "Ride" level or above
Complete a two-day outdoor First Aid course
Undergo and evidence safeguarding training appropriate to the country you plan to lead in
Submit all required documentation, including your logbook and evidence of First Aid and safeguarding training

Where is the course held?

The course is typically held in the beautiful surroundings of Fort William, Scotland, and nearby trail centres such as Nevis Range. These locations offer a mix of terrains perfect for practicing leadership in both road and off-road environments. We can also arrange courses in other locations to suit participant needs.

What should I bring with me?

Your instructor will send you detailed joining instructions, but the following is some guidance:

A mountain bike in good working order suitable for a variety of terrains (bike hire is available if needed)
A helmet (mandatory) and other protective gear as required
Enough food and water for each day to keep you energised and hydrated
Weather-appropriate clothing, including warm, waterproof, and breathable layers
A small backpack for carrying personal items, snacks, and water
A basic bike repair kit, including an inner tube, multi-tool, specific bike parts (e.g., hanger, brake pads), and a pump
Your completed logbook or evidence of recent rides to present during the course

What happens if the weather is bad?

The Scottish Highlands are known for unpredictable weather. It’s essential to come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for rain, wind, and cooler temperatures. The course will proceed in most weather conditions, but in the case of extreme weather that could compromise safety, we may need to reschedule. We’ll keep you informed and work with you to find the best solution.

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