TCL and MBL Assessments

Once you have successfully completed your TCL or MBL training course and spent the consolidation period working on the development points outlined in your feedback, you are then eligible to undertake assessment.

You should be competent in all parts of the syllabus before applying for assessment, it makes for a much more pleasant experience if you’re fully prepared.  Ian will have given you detailed feedback on what to work on following your training course and the assessment requirements are clearly outlined at the front of the MBLA manual.

There are three possible outcomes of assessment;

Pass – Where you’ve successfully demonstrated the abilities required.

Defer – Where you weren’t up to standard in some aspects and further evidence is needed.

Fail – Where you failed to meet the criteria in key areas such as leadership or navigation.

Deferral requires further work to be completed and sent to Ian.  Failure requires a complete re-assessment.

Trail Cycle Leader Assessment

Consists of a full day ride, during which you’ll be expected to safely lead a leg and deliver a 10-15 minute coaching session.  You’ll be responsible for all aspects of navigation and group control.  You’ll also be tested on the leader kit you must carry and TCL standard mechanics as well as planning and prep and personal riding, full details of which were covered in TCL training.

On successful completion of the TCL assessment you’ll be qualified to lead groups of up to eight riders throughout the UK and Ireland as detailed below:

• On public highways, way marked routes and rights of way on which bikes are permitted. Identifiable routes, tracks and trails with obvious navigational features and routes with low to medium technical difficulty.
• On routes, which are 90 to 95% rideable over their total length.
• In terrain no more than 30 minutes walk away from ambulance access and to be no more than 600 metres in elevation (i.e. in AALA defined non-licensable terrain).
• In normal Summer conditions, during daylight.
• On multi-day trips where the group does not require to be self-sufficient.

A Trail Cycle Leader could also act as an assistant to a Mountain Bike Leader to gain experience towards attaining the next level of award.

To hold the award, you must have completed a suitable 16hr First Aid qualification within the last three years.

What Does It Cost?

Trail Cycle Leader Assessment costs £110/€125 (travel cost added for assessments outside County Down).

Upcoming Dates

Contact ian@rockandrideoutdoors.com for details.

Mountain Bike Leader Assessment

Day one sees you assessed on leader kit, mechanics, route planning, risk assessment and coaching.  Day two is a very long, technical and physically arduous ride during which you’ll lead a lengthy leg and be entirely responsible for the group.  Expectations are that mistakes will be minimal and any made will be rectified immediately.

On successful completion of the MBL assessment you’ll be qualified to lead groups of up to eight riders throughout the UK and Ireland as detailed below;

• On public highways, way marked routes and rights of way on which bikes are permitted. Identifiable routes, tracks and trails with or without obvious navigational features and routes requiring considerable technical riding ability.
• On routes which are 90 to 95% rideable over their total length.
• In terrain potentially more than 30 minutes walk from ambulance access (i.e. in AALA defined licensable terrain).
• To any height above sea-level.
• In normal Summer conditions during daylight.
• On multi-day trips where the group does not require to be self-sufficient.

The MBL assessment is designed to be very tough, involving two physically and technically demanding days of coaching and leadership.  It is expected that candidates will excel in all assessment criteria.  Maintenance, focused coaching and teaching, planning and preparation, leadership, navigation, fitness and personal biking skills are rigorously tested.  We recommend that you only attend once you are sure you meet those criteria.

To hold the award, you must also have completed a suitable 16hr First Aid qualification within the last three years.

What Does It Cost?

Mountain Bike Leader Assessment costs £225/€270.

Upcoming Dates

Contact ian@rockandrideoutdoors.com for details.