Equipment requirements for MTB courses

By Cycling UK
Once you have booked on your course, you should prepare the equipment you will need during it. Most specialist or location based equipment will be provided, but as you are going to be a group leader, you are likely to require some specialist elements even if you don't have them to hand right now.

It goes without saying that everything you bring should be in good working order. Of course, you wouldn't want to be unable to complete the course because your equipment failed! We don't expect your stuff to be expensive, shiny or new, but it does need to do the job it is intended for, and to fulfil the requirements of the course. For example, please bring a mountain bike as stated, not a hybrid, cyclo-cross or road (?) bike.

Your own equipment should include

  • Mountain bike with tyres to suit the terrain and expected ground conditions
  • Clothing for riding for two or three rides (depending on your course format). This should be appropriate for the season and include for inclement weather (we will still go out) so should include for full arm and leg cover.
  • Gloves to suit the season
  • Helmet - this should be cycle suitable, CE marked and in serviceable condition
  • Spare clothing to carry on rides
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers (not necesarily for riding in)
  • Personal bike repair kit. We suggest a minimum of pump, tyre levers, a couple of tubes, puncture repair kit and a simple multi tool
  • Personal first aid kit and personal medical support where needed
  • Water bottles or bladder
  • Pens and paper
  • Towel and wash kit
  • A bike lock to secure your bike when not in use
  • Pipe lagging, or padding to protect your bike from damage during transit to and from rides, where used
  • Where available, safety or cycling suitable eyewear

Additional equipment you should bring where you have it

Where you don't currently own these items, as a Leader, you will need to either own them in the future, or have them accessible to you (e.g. through work).

Trail Leader Delegates

Where attending the Trail Leader course, please don't buy these especially for the course as the ideal attributes of these will be discussed during your course, however, where you already have these, please bring them with you.

Technical Leader Delegates

Where you already hold the Trail Leader qualification, you will be expected to bring all of the below items other than the local map (which will be provided).

  • Local topographical map at a useful scale (1:25,000, 1:40,000 or 1:50,000)
  • Navigation compass
  • Whistle
  • Small rucksack
  • Cycle computer
  • Personal survival bag (8” by 4” poly bag)
  • Group shelter
  • Maintenance tools and bike stand

Go-mtb Orientation Delegates

You will need to bring evidence of your existing qualification, and also to register on the Go-mtb website in advance of your course.  The details of how to do this are in your pre-course information.

  • Existing Leader certificate, with a photocopy for us to keep

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