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Mountain Bike Trail Leader

Mountain Bike Trail Leader

Learn the skills to guide group rides on off-road routes and trails
Course outcomes 

This course will equip you to:

  • Lead groups of adults, young people and children on rides
  • Manage groups with a range of riding experience
  • Prepare for rides, anticipate and minimise safety risks
  • Develop and apply risk assessments, operating procedures and dynamic risk management
  • Provide fun, engaging and developmental sessions for your participants
  • Understand access rights across the UK and beyond
  • Complete and review rides, using self-reflective principles
Key content 

Mountain biking is one of the most accessible and enjoyable introductions to group cycling. Cycling UK’s Mountain Bike Leader course enables you to lead groups on gentle terrain less than 600m above sea level and without the need for riders to steer a path around obstacles.

The course includes tuition for your own off-road skills, and assessment of your new-found skills.

Please note, during the course you may ride at a level above that of Trail level terrain.

See our grading guide for information on what routes this qualification will allow you to lead on.

Skill level 
Basic. Hold a valid first aid certificate (16 hour outdoor)
Terrain 
Non-technical riding – relatively smooth tracks and trails
Fitness level 
Basic
Prerequisites 
  • At least one year’s experience of regular riding in easy off-road terrain – a minimum of 30 rides
  • Comfortably ride in Red terrain
  • Have ridden in poor weather
  • Logbook of rides
  • Ability to ride 16km in off-road terrain
  • 16 Hour Outdoor First Aid Course
  • Minimum age 18
Progression 

After achieving the Mountain Bike Trail Leader, your next step may be to consider becoming an Technical Mountain Bike Leader – enabling you to lead rides in more challenging terrain of the Mountain Bike Leader: Expedition Module or Mountain Bike Leader – Night Ride Module, which are designed to extend the remit of your current awards.

A new award has been developed with the European organisation of Mountain Bike Instructors – Guides (E0-MTBInG) and in association with the Association of British Mountainbike Guides.

Cycling UK has worked with MIAS, MBCUK to develop a European Licence for MTB Guides.

Expedition Module covers all aspects of multi day riding.

First Aid

1 Day First Aid in the Outdoors.

2 Day First Aid in the Outdoors. This course meets the requirements of a number of National Governing bodies including MLTE.

Both courses have been developed with cyclists in mind.

Please see the course calendar for more information.

Group size 
Maximum number of attendees: 6 Minimum number of attendees: 5
Price 
Full course £2,631
Duration 
3 days