Off-Road Leader Award: lead your first group rides

• What it is: The entry leadership award run by British Cycling, Scottish Cycling and Welsh Cycling. Once qualified, you can lead up to 8 riders on non-technical trails and gravel tracks, in non-remote places, in summer conditions, on routes you've ridden first.
• What you need first: British Cycling membership. You must be 16 in Scotland or 17 in England and Wales, and you can only lead on your own from 18. You need to ride comfortably on roads with some traffic and on trails up to trail-centre blue grade.
• How long it takes: 2 to 3 hours of e-learning, then a 2-day course that includes training and assessment.
• Cost: British Cycling lists courses at £205 to £275, set by each provider.
• What's next: Leader track: Trail Leader Award. Coach track: Introduction to Coaching – Off-Road.

Friends, a map and a good trail. This award teaches you to bring everyone home grinning.

Before the course

British Cycling recommends at least ten rides of at least 1 hour and five rides of at least 2.5 hours in the last six months, and says inclusive alternatives are available on request. Record them in its downloadable logbook. Gravel bikes, mountain bikes, adaptive bikes and e-bikes are all welcome.

Once you've passed

To be covered by British Cycling insurance once you've passed, you need to be a current paid British Cycling member, hold a two-day outdoor first aid certificate, and complete safeguarding training appropriate to the country you lead in.

Source: Off-Road Leader Award (Fundamentals) and First Aid requirements, British Cycling, checked October 2026.

Governing body: British Cycling. It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for mountain biking, so it's the official place to find out more.

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.