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Riding Proficiency Expectations

The Riding Proficiency Expectations (RPE) are a required part of each qualification within the scheme. These provide the basis for the level of leaders' own riding skill and enables them to match the terrain to their abilities.

Reasons for the RPE

The RPE is necessary to determine candidate's personal mountain bike riding ability within the context of mountain bike leading. All the Awards with the scheme require a set standard for the personal abilities of candidates as well as achievement at aspects of leadership. The RPE is not an assessment of candidates' extreme or trials riding capabilities, but a test of general riding standard in situations which you are likely to come across under normal riding conditions in the terrain for which the Award is designed.

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RPE Outcomes

The RPE has outcomes which directly relate to each Award. Briefly these can be outlined as:

RPE Outcome Approximation of riding standard
Not yet Trail A candidate has yet to achieve the requirements for trail terrain
Trail A candidate who attempts sections, not always successfully, and has yet to achieve fluid timing and effort efficiency. Is able to ride comfortably in trail terrain
Technical A candidate who successfully completes sections with evidence of effort and attention, but who has yet to achieve complete fluidity of movement. Is able to ride comfortably in technical terrain
Advanced A candidate who completes sections with a tendency towards natural, flowing and balanced movement. An advanced rider is consistent throughout all aspects of the RPE and is able to ride comfortably in advanced terrain

Each qualification requires the following RPE outcome:

Qualification Minimum RPE Outcome required to complete a Leader or Skill Instructor Assessment
Site Specific Award Trail or technical according to the terrain used within the remit of the award
Trail Mountain Bike Leader Award (previously Level 1 Leader) Trail
Technical Mountain Bike Leader Award (previously Level 2 Leader) Technical
Advanced Leader Award (previously Level 3 Leader) Advanced
Skill Instructor Award Technical
Leader Trainer Advanced

When can I complete a RPE?

To make the system accessible and to provide additional guidance to candidates, an opportunity to complete a RPE. is made to all candidates during their training course or Pre-Assessment Interview. RPE are available through any of the Skill Development Supporting Courses. Further RPE are available by arrangement if required.

Skill sections

The RPE. is made up of ten parts, or sections. Each of these cover a specific aspect of mountain bike riding.

  1. Select and use gears efficiently
  2. Complete two riding tasks simultaneously
  3. Ride over an obstacle of moderate height (50 - 100mm high)
  4. Ride up a moderate off-road slope
  5. Ride down a reasonably steep descent
  6. Stop without skidding
  7. Ride an off-camber trail
  8. Negotiate a moderately fast corner
  9. Chose and appropriate line over rough terrain
  10. Assessors overall impressions

Opportunities to complete sections more than once, and subsequent RPE are available. Leader Trainers will be able to answer any questions you may have prior to or during the RPE, on any course you attended.

 

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