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Course summary

The Trail Mountain Bike Leader Award (previously called the Level 1 Leader Award), or Trail Leader for short, is designed for those leading groups in non-technical or trail terrain.

A combined training and continuous assessment principle through the course means for all those who are able to meet the award criteria by the end of the course, they are qualified immediately. It is ideal for those dealing with novice, young or developing riders, or for those needing to be qualified quickly.

See the Trail Leader course pre-requisites to see if you can apply for this course now.

Combining training and assessment

The Trail Leader course is designed so that you leave the course with the appropriate knowledge to lead groups, helping them to enjoy mountain biking. The course utlises the most modern teaching and assessment methods to help you achieve the requirements of the Award as well as be assessed in a non-intrusive manner.

A course workbook is used enabling you acquire and keep background knowledge of the topics covered during the course. Practical sessions covering group management skills, route planning, ride preparation, maintenance and navigation as well as dealing with emergencies are then covered.

With OTC dymanic delivery, every Trail Leader course aims to be fun as well as informative, utilising different styles of presentation and hands on practical sessions to suit everyone's needs. The course duration is 25 hrs tuition run over a Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday (or equivalent time scale mid week).

During the course you are given:

extensive leadership tuition and learning opportunities.
Course workbook.
Riding Proficiency Expectation check.
A manual containing :

Where offered, the course can also include food and accommodation (called residential).

Going on from the Trail Leader course

Once you have completed this course, become a Trail Leader and have leading experience under your belt, you can go on to the combined Technical Leader course. This is a fast track method for Trail Leaders who are looking to further their leading capabilities in areas such as technical terrain, to extend their skills base in riding skills development, trailside maintenance and mountain bike navigation or if you want to be able to provide the National Mountain Bike Skill Awards with your groups.

More on the combined Technical Leader course, it's pre-requisites and Technical Terrain.

Course Venues and Program of Courses

Set training courses are run at OTC accredited centres which can provide the quality facilities needed for the provision of Trail Leader Combined Training and Assessment courses. Every venue is vetted for it's suitability in providing teaching and learning environments as well as the mountain bike riding requirements.

Residential courses also include food and accommodation for the duration of the course.

Courses are available through places on Open courses, or as a Special Course for your group at your suitable venue.

Useful links:

Trail Leader Award course pre-requistes.
Trail Leader Award terrain.
The combined Technical Leader course.
First Aid certificate requirements.
See how we cater for you if you have a disability.
Data protection policy.

Not sure if this is the right course for you? See our guide to choosing the correct course.