British Mountain Bike Leader Level 2 Award
British Cycling Level 2 Mountain
Bike Leadership Award
British Cycling’s Level 2 Mountain Bike Leadership Award is the entry-point qualification for anyone with experience in mountain biking who is working or looking to work in the outdoor leadership or education sector.
It is also a useful course for people who simply have a personal interest in gaining all the information needed to go out on their mountain bike, be safe and have fun.
The mountain bike leader level 2, is a two-day training course, followed by a one-day assessment, covers a whole range of skills from bike navigation to trailside repairs and basic skills sessions.
Our training courses are run from the CycleActive centre at Brougham Hall in Penrith and our assessment courses are run from Ambleside in the heart of the Lakes. This gives you access to great local trails, carefully organised teaching areas and a good range of accommodation choices nearby too.
Further details of the BC mountain bike leader level 2, dates, syllabus, pre-entry requirements and other useful facts can be found below.
Course Dates
All dates have availability (unless stated)
Training - Level 2
Brougham Hall
2025 Tuesday - Wednesday
22 - 23 April 2025
13 - 14 May 2025
15 - 16 July 2025
19 - 20 August 2025
16 - 17 September 2025
21 - 22 October 2025
11 - 12 November 2025
Assessment - Level 2
Ambleside
2025 Thursday
24 April 2025
2 places left
15 May 2025
2 places left
17 July 2025
21 August 2025
18 September 2025
23 October 2025
13 November 2025
Lake District Locations
Which Level is correct for my needs?
Level 1
"Site specific" and designed for organisations such as Outdoor Activity Centres.
Not required for 95% of learners.
Level 2
Enables experienced mountain bikers to safely guide riders through mountainous terrain and provide them with a great day out.
The entry point on the British Cycling pathway for most new learners.
Level 3
Aimed at qualified mountain bike leaders, who wish to extend their remit to include remote terrain and trails of severe technical difficulty
Cannot be undertaken without a Level 2 qualification
Prerequisites Level 2 Training
What do I need to be able to register?
The minimum age to attend a course is 18 years old and you must have mountain biking experience in various terrains and weather conditions.
An appropriate level of physical fitness for a day’s riding is essential to be competent in the techniques and skills required to safely negotiate the typical trail features, generally comparable to red-graded purpose-built trails.
On or prior to your training day you will need to provide evidence of recent rides in appropriate terrain (we recommend a minimum of 15 quality rides; four rides should be 4 hours or more in duration). We have an online Logbook that can be downloaded or printed if needed.
What else do I need to do to achieve the Award?
In order for your award to be accredited in addition to successful completion of your course, you are required to:
1. Hold British Cycling Membership of Ride level or above
2. Attend and evidence a two-day outdoor First Aid course
3. Undergo and evidence safeguarding training appropriate to the country they are leading in
Course information - Level 2
Duration
2 days training: 09:00 - 17:00
1 day assessment: 09:00 - 17:00
Group size: 4 - 6 training
Group size: 3 - 4 assessment
Grades
Fitness grade - 3
Skills Grade - C
Level 2 Training Course Content
- Route Planning and Navigation
- Trailside Repairs
- MTB Group Leadership
- Risk Management
- Managing Accidents and Emergencies
- Delivering Mountain Bike Rides
- Mountain Bike Techniques
- Nutrition and Hydration
- Environmental and Social Aspects
- Clothing and Equipment
- And much more.....
Directions
Our mountain bike leader level 2 training courses are run from the CycleActive centre at Brougham Hall in Penrith and our assessment courses are run from Ambleside in the heart of the Lakes.
Training
Assessment
Assessment Level 2
Recommended Consolidation
Between 6 weeks and 18 months between training and assessment.
The consolidation stage should provide enough opportunity to practice and refine your leadership skills whilst not being long enough for your knowledge of the key skills and requirements of the Level 2 Award to fade.
Practical assessment
The practical assessment consists of an all-day mountain bike journey during which each candidate will be assigned to lead a section of the assessment route of up to 7km working with a ratio of 1:4. You will be expected to deliver a flowing journey whilst demonstrating good leadership and navigational skills.
The assessment procedure is informal and is designed to help you develop your skills as a mountain bike leader. The group you lead can consist of other riders who are also being assessed on the same day and/ or riders who are there, simply to fulfil the role as participants on the ride.
Written assignment
The written assignment is an open book home study task and comprises of a range of short answer questions. This task is based on the information included in the British Cycling Level 2 Mountain Bike Leadership Handbook and other resources provided on the course.
Once payment has been received for your assessment place, the assessment questionnaire will be sent to you via e-mail and should be returned to your course provider no later than seven days prior to your practical assessment date. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to complete and return the questionnaire before your assessment day.
Rental bikes
Can be added during checkout
Full suspension rental
2 days training - £120
1 day assessment - £80
Trek Fuel EX7 (Or similar)
Helmet rental: £5 if required
Includes - Kit bag with pump, inner tube, multi-tool, bottle cage
Secure a booking
The full course fee is required to secure a booking
Terms & conditions
The bit people ask about:
Cancellation by you:
Unconfirmed Course - Refund / move course date.
Confirmed Course - 100% of the course fee will be charged to safeguard the courses running for the other participants.
Cancellation by CycleActive - you will be offered an alternative / full refund.
To find out more about our British Mountain Bike Leader Level 2 Award course, please feel free to call our course tutors and chat through your questions in person, or email us.
Call: 01768 840400
Email: admin@cycleactive.com