Why
choose SMBLA mountain bike accredited courses?
There are many mountain bike guiding awards out there: OTC, MIAS, Welsh
Mountain Bike Leader Award to name but a few. A question often asked is
why choose the SMBLA scheme?
- National Governing
Body (NGB) awards are the market standard. If you wanted to teach
kayaking, you wouldn’t waste your time on anything but qualifications
issued by the British Canoe Union, since they are the NGB for kayaking.
That’s also what your potential employers would be looking for.
The SMBLA awards are issued through Scottish Cycling (hence the “Scottish”
in the name), the NGB for cycle sport in Scotland, which in turn is
part of British Cycling, the NGB for Britain. SMBLA is the only mountain
bike leadership award scheme endorsed by British Cycling. Despite
any geographical limits that the name might conjure up, the awards
are valid throughout Europe.
- The SMBLA scheme
is used by the national centres for outdoor leadership training, such
as Glenmore Lodge, Plas y Brenin and Plas Menai.
- The SMBLA scheme
is used by the Joint Services Adventure Instructor Training centres
who train outdoor educators for the military.
- The SMBLA awards
are AALS approved. The Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS)
control the provision of adventure activities to children and vulnerable
adults. Approval by AALS is the starting point for any award scheme.
- Employers recognise
the SMBLA qualifications! If your dream is to work as an MTB guide
in the French Alps, why not get on the phone to some of the big operators
and ask them about their position on SMBLA awards.
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| SMBLA
Award Scheme
The Scottish Mountain Bike Leaders Award scheme (SMBLA) was developed
by Scottish Cycling (formerly Scottish Cyclists’ Union)
in conjunction with the Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education
in order to provide a framework and qualification for leaders
to deliver mountain biking as a safe and enjoyable sport and activity.
The
scheme is recognised by the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority
(AALA) and is the only qualification endorsed by British Cycling,
the internationally recognised governing body for cycle sport
in Britain. |
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| Scottish
Cycling is the governing body for cycle sport in Scotland and
an integral part of British Cycling. |
Leadership
Awards
The
core leadership awards (Trail Cycle Leader, Mountain Bike Leader)
cover a wide range of important issues including biking skills,
equipment, group management and leadership, navigation and route
planning, nutrition, trailside repairs, and emergency procedures. |
| The
SMBLA Trail Cycle Leader Award (TCL)
is the first level of the scheme, and consists of a two day training
course followed by a one day assessment.
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The qualification is aimed at leaders working with groups in AALA
defined non-licensable terrain:
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On
public highways, way marked routes and legal rights of way
on which cycles are permitted.
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On
routes with low to medium technical demands.
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In
terrain no more than 30 min walk away from shelter and communications
and no more than 600 m above sea-level.
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| The
TCL award is a prerequisite for the 2nd level of the scheme. |
| The
SMBLA Mountain Bike Leader Award (MBL)
consists of an additional two days training plus a one
day assessment. The qualification is aimed at leaders working
with groups in AALA defined licensable terrain:
-
On public highways, way marked routes and legal rights of
way on which cycles are permitted.
-
On routes with considerable technical demands.
- In
terrain more than 30 min walk away from shelter and communications
and all levels above sea-level.
- On
multi-day trips where the group does not require to be self-sufficient.
Endorsements
In
addition to the core awards, there are a number of tag-on endorsements
which may be held in conjunction with either level of the scheme.
These enable leaders to widen their remit in specific areas of
interest. |
| The
SMBLA Expedition Module is
available as a two day training followed by a 2-night/3-day assessment.
Being concerned with the organisation and execution of self-supported
multi-day mountain bike expeditions, this course may also be of
interest to anyone planning such a trip. |
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The
SMBLA Night-Biking Module is an additional
module for qualified Trail Cycle Leaders and Mountain Bike Leaders
to enable them to work in conditions outside the 'daytime only'
remit of their award. The course deals with equipment choices
and the extra demands in terms of group management, safety and
navigation in this exciting area of off-road riding. The training
consists of a 7 hour course spread over two nights or an afternoon
and evening. For the Module to be valid the candidate must then
pass a 3 hour Assessment.
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SMBLA
courses at SnowBikers
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