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MBLA Training Courses
Training courses have been specifically designed to provide the information for and assist with the development of skills and experience required for the assessment. The courses are run by registered MBLA Tutors. Some subjects covered by the Trail Cycle Leader training are repeated in the Mountain Bike Leader training, but are developed further and covered in greater detail.
Note to candidates: All MBLA courses are run by MBLA Tutors registered with Scottish Cycling. Scottish Cycling is the administrative and awarding body for all MBLA qualifications. All Candidates must register with the MBLA before undertaking a TCL training course. Click here to register with MBLA.
Courses for 2012 can be found below, All courses are in chronological order:
N.B. New course dates are being added to this programme throughout the year, please check the latest version on our website.
If you are having difficulty booking onto a course or contacting any of the MBLA Tutors please telephone or e-mail Scottish Cycling 0131 317 9704 / mbla@scottishcycling.org.uk
Course Descriptions:
Trail Cycle Leader
All courses last at least 16 hours; they may be structured in different ways (2-day or evening day 1 to afternoon day 3). Tutor contact details are listed at the end of each section.
On successful completion of TCL assessment the participant will be sufficiently skilled in mountain bike leading to lead groups of up to 8 riders throughout Scotland and the UK as detailed below:-
Public highways, way-marked routes, rights-of-way on which cycles are permitted, identifiable routes, tracks and trails with obvious navigational features. 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 the nearest accessible road or a shelter with communication. They will not involve cycling activity of more than one day length.
A Trail Cycle Leader could also act as an assistant to a Mountain Bike Leader, and would be encouraged to do so to attain the next level of award.
Mountain Bike Leader
All courses last at least 16 hours; they may be structured in different ways (2-day or evening day 1 to afternoon day 3). Tutor contact details are listed at the end of each section.
On successful completion of MBL assessment the participant will be sufficiently skilled in mountain bike leading to lead groups within Scotland and the UK as detailed below:-
Public highways, way marked routes, rights of way on which cycles are permitted, identifiable routes and tracks with obvious navigational features which are rideable for 90-95% of their total length and to any height above sea level and more than 30 minutes walk from the nearest shelter with communication. The award covers normal summer conditions.
Expedition Leader
The Expedition Module is open to anyone with a TCL or MBL qualification who wants to learn about expeditions by bike or be able to lead groups on multi-day trips. Expedition Leaders operate in the conditions which are applicable to their level of award.
An Expedition Leader can lead self-sufficient groups on multi-day trips which requires carrying additional equipment and planning and management of groups on such trips. Terrain and technical difficulty are determined by the scope of the Expedition Leader's level of award (TCL or MBL).
Night Riding Leader
The Night Riding Module is open to anyone with a TCL qualification who wants to learn about night riding or be able to lead groups in darkness. Night Riding Leaders operate in the conditions which are applicable to their level of award (TCL/MBL).
A Night Riding Leader can work in conditions outside the 'daytime only' remit of the TCL/MBL awards. The duration of any route chosen must also be within the battery life of lights used.
Winter Conditions Leader
The Winter Conditions Module is open to anyone with a TCL qualification who wants to learn about riding in winter conditions or be able to lead groups in winter conditions. Winter Condition Leaders operate in the conditions which are applicable to their level of award (TCL/MBL).
The course consists of 1 day theory which is classroom based, and one day field based, winter weather permitting (dates arranged according to available conditions).
Click here to download the Candidate Pathway which aims to take you through the scheme step by step.
