The SMBLA Trail Cycle Leader Award (TCL) consists of a two day training course followed by a one day assessment (for use in AALS defined non-licensable terrain formally AALA) All Cyclewise Training mountain bike courses run on a ratio of 1:4 with 2 instructors working on every course.

The Trail Cycle Leader Award is an ideal qualification for anyone who works in Outdoor Centres, Guiding Companies, Schools, Youth Groups etc or anyone who may be looking to do this in the future or just has an interest in mountaining biking, improving their skills and gaining a qualification that gives them all the information to go out, have fun and be safe.

Not only do you receive comprehensive training in all aspects of mountain biking but through the SMBLA you are also eligible to receive many benefits offered from British Cycling (BC) / Scottish Cycling (SC). Third Party Public Liability Insurance, Free Legal Advice and Support are just some of the benefits this mountain bike award gives you. You will also be covered by Personal Accident Insurance everytime you go out on your bike if you go for their Gold membership.
If you would like to discuss the Trail Cycle Leader Award (TCL) and how it may be useful to you please do contact us.

Pre-Entry to SMBLA Trail Cycle Leader Training
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 a variety of terrain and weather conditions. Longer runs of 2 to 3 hrs duration, with at least one being 6 hours and 2/3 detailed route cards should also be included. The terrain covered should be appropriate to the level of award sought.

Candidates should also register with the SMBLA and British/Scottish Cycling.

Evidence of having acted as an assistant mountain bike leader with a group is recommended (but not essential) to help acquaint the candidate with the skills and issues covered by the course.

If you would like to gain this Trail Cycle Leader award but are not sure if you have the necessary experience please give us a call and we will be happy to discuss this with you.

Bikes are not provided on the course.

After completing the Trail Cycle Leader training, candidates will debriefed ready for assessment. A consolidation perod of 30 days is recommended prior to returning for assessment. Exemption from this is possible if you meet the required exemption criteria. (Form available as a download)

On successful completion of the TCL Assessment candidates will be sufficiently qualified to lead groups of up to 6 riders throughout Scotland and the UK as detailed below:

• On public highways, way marked routes, rights of way, which are cycle, permitted, identifiable routes and trails with obvious navigational features and routes with low to medium technical difficulty.
• On routes which are 90-95% rideable over their total length.
• In terrain no more than 30 minutes walk away from shelter with communication and no more than 600 metres in height.
• In normal summer conditions, during daylight
• On multi-day trips where the group does not require to be self-sufficient.

Outline of Trail Cycle Leader Training Programme

Day 1
Introduction / TCL & AALS remit / Risk Assessments / Workshop based Maintenance Session (gears, brakes,chains and tubes)
Cycling Skills Course / Climbing and Descending / On-road Riding Management / Clothing & Trail Definition.
Evening session: (maps provided) Navigation / Route Cards / Leaders Equipment.

Day 2
Morning Session of Skills (on provided flat pedals). Track Stands / Manual Front Wheel Lifts / Power Assisted Front Wheel Lifts / Unweighting the Rear of the Bike.
Group ride covering topics listed below.
Good Cycling position / More Basic Skills (weight distribution and balancing) / Route Finding & Navigation / Teaching / Leadership
Evening session: Debrief.

Assessment Day
Full day mountain bike journey. Working with a ratio 1:4, each candidate will receive 1 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.

Certification
Trail Cycle Leader certificates will be awarded by Scottish Cycling to candidates who have satisfactorily passed the TCL Asessment on the recommendation of the Tutor, and who, at the time of assessment :
1. Are registered with the SMBLA.
2. Possess membership of British Cycling / Scottish Cycling.
3. Hold an appropriate and valid first aid certificate.

All courses have a maximum of 8 candidates with 2 Tutors.
Course prices are £140 for the 2 days Training and £55 for the 1 day Assessment.
When you come along on a Cyclewise course you will be given a voucher that entitles you to 10% off shop purchases for the duration of your course and 10% off your next course booking. (excludes SMBLA Assessments)
All TCL courses are run from our fantastic venue at Whinlatter Forest near Keswick in the Lake District. Upon booking you will be sent all the course information you require and details of local accommodation to suit all budgets.

Registration with the SMBLA costs £48 which includes your handbook. (Form available as a download)
Candidates are also required to join British Cycling, we recommend that candidates go for the Silver membership as this will give you Third Party Public Liability and access to Free Legal Advice as well as many other benefits. Bronze membership is £13.50 and this is recommended for those people who are already insured through their work to lead groups. Silver membership costs £36 and is ideal for anyone who wishes to use their TCL Award to lead groups and is not already insured. Gold membership is £64 and this will also give you Personal Accident Insurance for anytime you are riding your bike in the U.K. (Form available as a download) For more information please see our link to the British Cycling website.

Remember we can also run courses on request for your centre or group, please contact us for more details.

Click here to Book  

*First Aid Training Courses
Cyclewise Training & Vital Signs have teamed up to offer a special combined four day package of Mountain Bike Specific First Aid (£100) & Trail Cycle Leader Training (£140)

Both courses will be based at our Whinlatter centre near the town of Keswick in the Lake District. With many of our clients already using Vital Signs for their First Aid Training and having worked with Nick for many years it seemed natural to join forces to save you time & money. More course information is available on the vital signs website. Click here for more details.

To book onto the First Aid course please contact Nick at Vital signs .