British Cycling Trail Leader Award (Level 2) Assessment

Please note that British Cycling have set a minimum number of candidates for a course to be able to run. The deadline for bookings for this course is 2 weeks before the course start date.

If there are no course places available, please select the highlighted date, book onto the 'Waiting List' and select 'Pay Later' during the checkout. We will be in touch if a course place becomes available, or when we release new course dates.

If your organisation is unable to pay by card, select 'Pay Later' during the checkout process (and email us your Purchase Order number if you need us to quote it). We will then raise an invoice and send it to you.

The Trail Leader Award is an entry point for mountain bikers who want to learn leadership skills and use their riding experience to lead safe and inspirational rides on new and familiar trails.
This award is ideal for mountain bikers who are either working in the outdoor sector, volunteering at a club, looking to start up their own lead MTB rides, or simply have a personal interest in gaining additional skills.This award is developed from the old Level 2 Mountain Bike Leadership Award.

We run these 1 day assessment courses and we make the most of our excellent British Cycling approved trainer, onsite bike tracks & skills park, training rooms and our fantastic location in the heart of the Peak District.

Course Structure

The course consists of:

e-learning – 2-3 hours of e-learning to complete online before the practical day
Practical day – 1-day assessment course (Note: You must complete your assessment within two years of completing your training course)

Please see the British Cycling website for more information about the award.

Pre-Course Requirements – Set by British Cycling

To enrol in the Off-Road Leader Award, you must:

Be a current British Cycling Member/Supporter
Be at least 17 years old (Note that you will only be able to lead independently once you are 18)
Have mountain biking experience in various terrains and weather conditions
Have an appropriate level of physical fitness for a day’s riding is essential to be competent in the techniques and skills required to safely negotiate the typical trail features, generally comparable to red-graded purpose-built trails
Provide evidence of recent rides in appropriate terrain (British Cycling recommend a minimum of 15 quality rides; four rides should be 4 hours or more in duration) – Download an electronic logbook from British Cycling to keep track of your rides

Leaders wishing to use another leadership award to become a British Cycling Trail Leader should refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route to Trail Leader assessment guidance.

Personal Equipment

Candidates should arrive each day with:

Their own bike in good working order (mountain bike or e-MTB)
Helmet, riding clothing suitable for the weather conditions and a kit bag/rucksack with equipment
Food/snacks for a day of riding, along with a change of clothes for the indoor sessions

Accommodation & Catering

This is a non-residential course. However, on-site accommodation may be available at an additional cost – please contact us to enquire. If we’re fully booked, we’ll be happy to recommend local alternatives.

Hot drinks and refreshments are provided
Meals are not included – please bring a packed lunch

Location & Directions

The courses take place at Thornbridge Outdoors, located in the heart of the Peak District.

Thornbridge Outdoors, Longstone Lane, Great Longstone, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1NY
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For directions, visit our Find Us page

Booking & Further Information

A full course programme will be emailed to participants before the course
Be sure to read our course booking terms and conditions