Step by step · 8 guides
Mountain biking: from first ride to pro
Start with your first trail-centre session, then pick a track. The leader track takes groups onto harder and wilder terrain. The coach track helps riders build their skills. Both end with kit, costs and safety.
Quick links
Prices
What it costs
- Experience day
- £80 to £250 per person
- Become qualified
- £250 to £600 (British Cycling coaching award)
- Hourly
- £45 to £70 an hour
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
Start here
Leader track
- Step 2: Off-Road Leader Award: lead your first group ridesOff-Road Leader: lead up to 8 riders on non-technical trails and gravel, up to trail-centre blue.Read the guide →
- Step 3: Trail Leader Award: guide groups on proper trailsTrail Leader (formerly Level 2): up to 8 riders on red-grade trails, 15 logged rides recommended.Read the guide →
- Step 4: Mountain Bike Leader Award: the gold standardMountain Bike Leader (formerly Level 3): remote and severe technical terrain, plus the Remote Award.Read the guide →
Coach track
Off-Road Leader (step 2) is a useful start for coaches too, but you don't need it.
- Step 5: Introduction to Coaching – Off-Road: your first coaching awardIntroduction to Coaching – Off-Road: become an Activity Coach from 14.Read the guide →
- Step 6: Coaching in Context – MTB: coach bigger skillsCoaching in Context – MTB XC or Gravity: 100 hours of coaching in, now coach advanced skills.Read the guide →
- Step 7: Mountain bike racing: from Go-Ride to the NationalsRacing: Go-Ride, licences, the national XC and downhill series, and national championships including enduro and e-enduro.Read the guide →
For everyone
Ready to start? The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport, or use the enquiry form to have a coach found for you.