Mountain Bike Leadership Courses – SMBLA – TCL & MBL

Course Facts

If you want to lead young people on mountain bike journeys you need to be qualified. Even leading adults, for which no qualification is required, it’s good to know that you’re operating under the umbrella of the National Governing Body (NGB) of cycling. It’s reassuring for those cycling with you too, knowing that they are in the hands of a qualified leader.

At CycleActive we run Scottish Mountain Bike Leader Association (SMBLA) leadership courses, which allow those who qualify to lead groups anywhere in the UK (and some other countries) subject to certain conditions. The leadership awards are recognised by British Cycling (BC) and as a leader and BC member you can benefit from free professional insurance in recognition of your affiliation to the NGB.

Courses are generally run from the CycleActive centre at Brougham Hall in Penrith. This gives you access to great local trails, carefully organised teaching areas and a good range of accommodation choices nearby too. However, for groups we can travel to any location in the UK if needed.

There are two levels of qualification:

Trail Cycle Leader (TCL)
This two-day course, followed by a one-day assessment, is the core qualification for anyone wishing to lead groups of mountain bikers, especially youth groups. It covers a whole range of skills from bike navigation to trailside repairs and basic skills coaching – a full syllabus is available on request. There are restrictions to where you can lead with this course (altitude / distance from help / level of terrain) but for most outdoor centres and private leaders it is the benchmark qualification that makes biking safer and more enjoyable for all future clients.

Further details of the TCL syllabus, pre-entry requirements and other useful facts are contained in our pre-course information booklet. If you want to talk through your suitability for this course before applying, contact us on 01768 840 400 and we’ll be happy to discuss your questions or concerns.

Our Coaching Recap Module is an optional addition to our assessment days, delivered as a short session at the end of the assessment. This has been created at the request of many past clients who understand that, although TCL is not a coaching award, they will need to provide skills instruction to members of their groups from time to time. This module is the ideal refresher to ensure that your mountain bike coaching skills are as good as they can be.

Mountain Bike Leader (MBL)
This two-day course, followed by a one-day assessment, is the next step after TCL and trains you in the advanced skills required to lead groups higher and deeper into the mountains. To do this safely and with the benefit of insurance, backed by best practice, you need to get this further qualification. Again the syllabus is broad and builds on all of the riding, maintenance, leadership and other skills worked on during your TCL training.

Trail Cycle Leader (TCL)

Price:
£140 for training
£80 for assessment

Duration:
2 days training
1 day assessment

The biking:
every day, plus classroom sessions
Fully guided
Fitness grade 2
Skill grade B
Group size 4-8 training
Group size 3-4 assessment

What’s included:
Professional instruction from an experienced SMBLA Tutor
Training room facilities
Guidance in registrations and insurance
Pre-course information pack
Special offers from our partners and sponsors

Training Course Dates:

2010
19 – 20 April
12 – 13 May
14 – 15 June
5 – 6 July
2 – 3 August
20 – 21 September
11 – 12 October
24 – 25 November
6 – 7 December

Assessment Dates:

2010
21 April
22 April
14 May
16 June
7 July
4 August
22 September
13 October
26 November
8 December

Mountain Bike Leader (MBL)

Price:
£160 for training
£90 for assessment

Duration:
2 days training
1 day assessment

The biking:
every day, plus classroom sessions
Fully guided
Fitness grade 3
Skill grade C
Group size 4-8

What’s included:
Professional instruction from an experienced SMBLA Tutor
Training room facilities

Training Course Dates:

2010
22 – 23 March
5 – 6 May
17 - 18 June
5- 6 August
18 – 19 October
9 – 10 December

Assessment Dates:

2010
29 March
7 May
24 May
19 July
27 September
15 October
29 November

Make a booking

Email us your questions:

admin@cycleactive.co.uk

Talk to our team of experts:

+ 44 (0)1768 840 400

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