Mountain Bike Coaching UK (MBCUK) launches its first e-bike Trail Leader course at Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire.
Designed specifically for mountain bike coaches and lead e-bike riders, the E-bike Trail Leader TL (EB) is a training and assessment course in e-bike cycle coaching and leading in an on- and off-road environment, on low-to-medium technical terrain.
Chip Rafferty, managing director, MBCUK, said: “We are seeing a trend towards more e-bike tours, and a resulting increased interest from coaches and lead e-bike riders who want to gain e-bike qualifications.
“Even pro-riders are using them and they are massive fun for anybody, but e-bikes are also inclusive and offer real opportunities for the physically impaired to take part in mountain biking in ways they might not otherwise have been able.”
MBCUK’s e-bike course will train and assess candidates to lead cycling activities specifically on e-bikes, leading riders who may have a physical impairment through age, fitness or disability.
Leaders are assessed in an on- and off-road environment using evidence of their previous experience, personal riding skills and coaching/leading ability in a variety of terrains and biking scenarios. It is also aimed at training and assessing the candidate’s theoretical and practical ability in navigation, safety and group management, trailside maintenance, planning and risk assessments, coaching and instruction.
Potential candidates must be over 18, with 20 off-road rides on varied terrain and mountain bike environments, be a competent Level 1 in Personal Cycling Skills and have passed MBCUK’s Training Course or applied for an exemption.
Candidates who have successfully completed the course receive a verbal report by the course tutor; and a written report will be issued, along with an action plan, which should be kept as an integral part of the candidate’s logbook.
Once qualified, candidates can apply for membership to the Association of British Cycling Coaches (ABCC) for their insurance.