Here at Plas y Brenin we are surrounded by some of the finest mountain biking routes in Europe. We have world class single track routes like the Marin Trail in the Gwydyr forest and Penmachno right outside the back door and other classics like Coed y Brenin and Coed Llandegla only a few minutes away. We’ve seen first hand the dramatic increase in popularity of this exciting, now well-established sport and we're convinced it’s here to stay. As the National Mountain Centre we’re keen to make sure that people enjoy the mountain in a safe and responsible way, allowing them to have even more fun. That’s why we’re offering a chance for outdoor leaders to broaden their horizons and include mountain biking in their line up of qualifications. If you lead groups in the outdoors whether as a professional or on a voluntary basis, these qualifications may be of use to you. We have chosen to offer the Scottish Mountain Bike leader Award which is endorsed by The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and Mountain Leader Training Scotland, and recognised by British Cycling. The award exists in two levels and provides training and assessment in mountain biking and leadership skills.
Trail Cycle Leader & Mountain Bike Leader
The scheme offers awards at two levels, the Trail Cycle Leader (TCL) and the Mountain Bike Leader (MBL). Each covers mountain biking skills, repairs and cycle set-up, navigation and leadership.
The Awards
Each award consists of a two day training course, followed by a one day assessment. Holders of theTrail Cycle Leader Award can then progress to the Mountain Bike Leader Award. Entry to the Expedition Module will be available to both qualified TCL & MBL award holders.
The SMBL Scheme
As part of any of our mountain bike courses you will be expected to bring your own bike and cycling equipment. Please ensure your bike is safe, roadworthy and well maintained. If it is not, you may be unable to take part in the course. (With 2 weeks notice we can arrange suitable bike hire for a fee of £35)
Please note: All participants will need to register for Scottish Cycling’s SMBLA scheme before attending these courses. (See page 50 for contact details.)
The SMBLA scheme has been developed by Scottish Cycling, in conjunction with the Scottish Advisory Panel in Outdoor Education and endorsed by the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority and Mountain Leader Training, and recognised by British Cycling. The scheme provides training and assessment in mountain biking and leadership skills.
Quick Course Finder
Technical Riding and Navigation Skills
Whilst not actually a qualification course, this course will cover the following areas of technical riding which are focused towards riding routes with a medium level of technical difficulty; step downs, drop off?s, manual front wheel lifts, bunny hops, technical climbing and descending as well as other relevant areas. Getting from A to B on a bike can prove tricky, we will look at the typical problems of bike navigation, then spend time running through principles which will prepare you for future rides, be it an epic journey or a spin around a forest you?ve never ridden before. We?ll also spend time looking at the most common areas of maintenance, including setting up gears, changing cables, problems with steering and brakes (rim, mechanical disc and hydraulic disc brakes).
The TCL is qualified to lead groups of up to 8 riders throughout the UK on public highways, way-marked routes, rights-of-way on which cycles are permitted, identifiable routes, tracks and trails with obvious navigational features and with low to medium technical difficulty. The award covers normal summer conditions. These routes will be 90-95% rideable and take the group no more than 30 minutes walk, by a reasonably fit person, away from a shelter with communication, and to be no more than 600 metres in height. They will not involve cycling activity of more than one day?s length.
A Trail Cycle Leader could also act as an assistant to a Mountain Bike Leader.
Previous Experience18 yrs of age with some mountain biking and a good level of fitness. A ride log of 20 rides.
Candidates should be effective in mountain bike leading when applying for assessment. They should be familiar with the course requirements and syllabus, as detailed in the course materials. An outline of the assessment procedures and criteria will be provided on the training courses.
Candidates must hold a valid first aid award at the time of assessment and are required to keep it valid.
Successful completion of this assessment will qualify you to lead groups of up to 8 riders within the boundaries set out in TCL Training listed previously. You will also be eligible to be accepted on the next level of the SMBLA Scheme - the Mountain Bike Leader.
The MBL is qualified to lead groups within the UK on public highways, way marked routes, rights of way on which cycles are permitted, identifiable routes and tracks with obvious navigational features and routes requiring considerable technical ability which are rideable for 90-95% of their total length.
The award covers normal summer conditions.
Previous ExperienceTCL Award Holder and 20 additional logged rides.
Candidates should be effective in mountain bike leading on applying for assessment. They should be familiar with the course requirements and syllabus, as detailed in the course materials. An outline of the assessment procedures and criteria will be provided on the training courses.
Candidates should hold a valid first aid award at the time of assessment and are required to keep it valid.
Previous Experiencehave attended MBL training course
An additional module for qualified Trail Cycle Leaders (TCL) and Mountain Bike Leaders (MBL) to enable them to work in conditions outside the 'daytime only' remit of their award. This course starts at lunch time and finishes late in the evening after some practical night riding sessions. For the Module to be valid the candidate must then pass an assessment which will be undertaken entirely during darkness.
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