British Cycling Fundamentals of MTB Leadership Award

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!