HASSRA LEEDS Climbing Club

Scottish Mountain Bike : Trail Cycle Leaders Course

Invitations are invited from HASSRA Leeds members interested in achieving this qualification

HASSRA Leeds Climbing Club have secured funding to assist up to two HASSRA LEEDS members who wish to gain a recognised mountain bike qualification. In return Hassra Leeds will expect those people to lead up to 5 cycle rides for HASSRA Leeds members in the 12 months following their achievement of the Award.

The Scottish Mountain Bike Leaders Association (SMBLA) Award Scheme was developed by Scottish Cycling in conjunction with others to provide a framework and qualification for Leaders to deliver mountain biking as a safe and enjoyable sport and activity. The comprehensive syllabus for the award includes mountain biking skills, trailside repairs and bike set-up, navigation and leadership. For full details See http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/SCU/smbla/about_SMBLA.asp

The Trail Cycle Leader Award consists of a two day training course, followed by a one day assessment. Holders of a Trail Cycle Leader Award can progress to Mountain Bike Leader.

There would be the need to register with the scheme (current cost £50) , complete the training (cost between £100 and £180 depending on supplier) and the assessment which costs between £50- £90. All applicants to the scheme must have a valid First Aid Certificate as specified by the scheme.

The funding would be to refund up to two people 50% of their costs once they have qualified. Once you have the qualification you will be asked to arrange up to 5 rides a year for up to 6 people, in accordance with the qualification.

We asking for expressions of interest from anyone who would wish to try to gain the qualification within the next 9 months. The long lead time is necessary because you must complete log books of your 20 example rides, complete the training and leave at least 30 days between your training and your assessment.

Please send an email, with your name, address, a brief paragraph about your interest in the sport and your previous mountain bike experience and when you would expect to be able to undertake the training and assessment. to SUSAN.WITTY@DWP.GSI.GOV.UK by email By the closing date of 30^th June 2010.

In the event that more than 2 HASSRA LEEDS members apply, the Climbing Club committee will make a decision based on the written applications.