To a large extent the intermediate level covers the same basic checks that the beginners level covers. However the intermediate level will apply the basic skills learned to more realistic conditions on the trail. Here the obstacle will more likely be a rock or a root as opposed to a small traffic cone.

Bike setup

1. Fundamental checks revisited

Balance skills

1. Tips on how to position your body to obtain better balance.
2. Practicing balance skills – cycling slowly.
3. Track Stands

Wheel lifts

1. Front wheel lifts:- over larger obstacles.
2. Rear wheel lifts:- over larger obstacles.
3. Practice.
4. Bunny hops.

Obstacles

1. How to cycle over and around larger obstacles.
2. How to plan a line through a series of obstacles such as tree roots, steps etc.
3. Low level drop offs.
4. Switchbacks

Braking

1. Braking into corners and on steep descents.
2. Body positioning under braking conditions.

Questions and Answers throughout.

ADVANCED LEVEL

For people who want to really develop their ability the advanced coaching sessions deal with the participants problem areas. For example you may be a very competent technical rider who tightens up on a fast descent or you may be someone who just never quite got the hang of how best to tackle a series of slippery tree roots. Our advanced course will help you break down those aspects and let you see where you are going wrong. This course is aimed at seasoned riders who ride on a regular basis and also those who race. The course is largely, tailor made for the participants.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL LEADERS COURSE

For people who would like to become a Mountain Bike Trail Leader, MountainBiking.ie run courses and assessments for the Trail Cycle Leader Award (TCL). The course consists of a two (or three) day training course followed by a one day assessment (for use in AALA defined non-licensable terrain). There are pre-entry conditions however for this course which are as follows.

• Participants must be over 18 years old.
• Have Log book evidence of at least 20 mountain bike rides of 1.5hr duration in appropriate terrain and in a variety of weather and terrain conditions and longer runs of 2‑3 hrs duration, with at least one being 6 hours.
• 2‑3 detailed route cards should also be included.
• The terrain covered should be appropriate to the level of award being sought.
• Evidence of having acted as an assistant leader with a group is recommended to help acquaint the candidate with the skills and issues covered by the courses.
• Participants should own their own bike, equipped with a bike computer for use in the navigation session.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL LEADERS ASSESSMENT

Successful participants will obtain the necessary skills to lead mountain bike groups of up to 6 riders throughout Scotland and the UK as detailed below :

• On public highways, way marked routes, rights, of way on which cycles are permitted, identifiable routes, tracks and trails with obvious navigational features and routes with low to medium technical difficulty.
• On routes which are 90‑95% rideable over their total length.
• In terrain no more than 30 minutes walk away from a shelter with communication and to be no more than 600 metres in height. (ie. 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.

Trail Cycle Leaders can also assist Mountain Bike Leaders to gain enough experience for entry on to the next two awards levels.

For more information such as a list of up and coming, mountain bike training courses,  advanced mountain bike skills sessions and mountain bike trail leaders courses please log on to www.mountainbiking.ie