Candidates must be over 18 years old and have log book experience of at least 20 mountain bike rides of 1.5 hr duration in appropriate, and in a variety of terrain and weather conditions. Longer runs of 2 to 3 hrs duration, with at least one being 6 hours, 2/3 detailed route cards should also be included. The terrain covered should be appropriate to the level of award sought.
Evidence of having acted as an assistant mountain bike leader with a group is recommended to help acquaint the candidate with the skills and issues covered by the course.
Bikes are not provided on the course.
On completion of the training course candidates will be debriefed and advised on those areas for further experience. There should then be a consolidation period of 3 months prior to assessment.

Introduction: Workshop Based Mechanics; Headsets / Wheel Truing / Cones / Bike set up /Teaching & Developing Advanced Skills: e.g. Bunny Hops / Lateral Jumps / Step Ups
Drop Offs / Balancing / Cornering at Speed (Using a range of Coaching Techniques).
Climbing and Descending (more technical terrain) / Technical Bike Clothing.
Leadership styles.
Evening session. Advanced Route Planning and Slick Bike Navigation.

Navigation Skills / Fitness, Fuel and Hydration / Emergencies.
Weather and it’s effects / Multi-day trips / Knowledge of cycle sport.
Preparation for assessment.
Group Management on Technical Terrain.

A full day mountain bike journey on MBL terrain. Working with a ratio 1:4, each candidate will receive one leg to lead. During that leg it is expected that they will deliver a flowing journey demonstrating good leadership practice and also coach a skill session.
The assessment is completely practical and does not involve any exam based paperwork.

Mountain Bike Leader certificates will be awarded by Scottish Cycling to candidates who have satisfactorily passed the MBL Assessment on the recommendation of the Tutor and who at the time of assessment;
1. Are registered with the MBLA
2. Hold a valid first aid qualification.
3. Possess membership of British Cycling/Scottish Cycling.

All MBL courses are run from our fantastic local YHA's and you can stay there even if you are not a member through our corporate membership.
Other types of accommodation are available locally. Upon booking you will be sent all the course information you require.