OTC Training Courses
Off-road Training Consultancy has been set up and is run by Dan Cook to provide training and assessment for the National Mountain Bike Leadership Award Scheme. They offer training courses leading to assessment for the awards and also other supporting courses and Skill Instructor training.
I decided to attend an initial course for Level 1 and 2 leaders. The particular course was held at Bewerley Park Centre in Pateley Bridge, N. Yorkshire but other venues are available around the country. The course runs over 2 full days on a residential or non-residential basis, starting on Friday evening and finishing on Sunday evening.
We launched straight into work on the Friday discussing the role of a leader and then ride preparation and equipment. Saturday morning was taken up with a short (4 mile) local ride which actually took a couple of hours and was used to demonstrate different leadership styles and also included a Personal Proficiency Test. This is a requirement of the leadership award and assesses the candidateís ability and standard at various mountain biking skills. The afternoon was spent with a Bike Maintenance practical and discussion of Navigation theory including some exercises. After dinner we prepared our route for the following day’s ride.
Sunday morning was spent on a longer ride. We were each given a section to lead and put into practice some of the things we had learned. Incidents were set up to give practice in dealing with emergencies. Some practical navigation skills were also covered such as the use of a compass. After lunch the course concluded with a feedback session and individual debriefing.
There were only 5 of us on this course which meant there was not much time wasted and we all had great fun. The standard of tuition was high and well presented. I would readily recommend the course to anyone who would like to progress their mountain biking. Now, having achieved a Level 2 PPT, I have to build up a logbook of experience of both personal and group rides with the aim of taking an Assessment in about a year’s time.
To further improve my mountain biking skills I have since also attended another 1 day course in Skills Development. This was held at Thornbridge Education Centre near Bakewell in Derbyshire. We covered all aspects of bike handling from gear selection through cornering to clearing obstacles and included a local ride. It was a very enjoyable day and was very useful in making you think about some of the basic aspects. How often do you just ride round and round in a car park practising manoeuvring the bike, usually you just go out and ride a trail but you don’t repeat things to improve your skill.

Even if you don’t intend to qualify as a mountain bike group leader, there is much to be learned on these courses. From my experience the course content is excellent and the instructors are very competent and knowledgeable. If you are interested I would suggest you contact OTC. Their website has all the information.