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 the likelihood of accidents
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
Complete and review rides, using self-reflection
Understand basic navigation techniques

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 carry out rides on non-technical terrain.

Trail terrain includes most green and blue trails (although there may be exceptions) in Forestry Commission environments, as well as non-technical cycle accessible routes. You can view the grading system here.

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.

Prerequisites

The Trail Leader award allows successful participants to lead groups on non-technical terrain, such as forest tracks, fire roads, cycleways, public highways and other ground that does not require navigation or line choice around obstacles, such as routes or rocks. The terrain must be below 800m above sea level and less than 30 minutes walk or 2.5km from an accessible road or refuge and not during adverse weather conditions. All led trail rides under this qualification are for one day only, no overnight or multi-day leading is covered.

Course participants must:

Have a valid 16 hour outdoor first aid certificate
Have at least 30 rides or one year’s experience of regular riding in off-road terrain, and be able to provide evidence
Be able to comfortably ride red trail terrain
Be able to ride at least 16km in the given terrain
Be adept at riding in adverse weather conditions
Be aged 18 years or over

Progression

After achieving the Mountain Bike Trail Leader, your next step may be to consider becoming a Technical Mountain Bike Leader, or extend the remit of your current award through Mountain Bike Leader: Expedition Module or Mountain Bike Leader – Night Ride Module.

First aid

In order to be awarded the Trail Leader Award you must also hold a 16-hour outdoor first aid qualification. This can be completed after attending the Trail Leader course and evidence emailed to Cycling UK before certification.