Riding Expectations for CTC courses
Overview
In order to lead groups when mountain biking, you must have a certain amount of personal riding capabilities, in line with the terrain being used. Each qualification within the National Mountain Awards has specific requirements. These are quite acheiveable via your own riding experience in the environment associated with the relevant course level, but clarification of the expectations is provided below.
Skills development is included within each course, therefore, there will be opportunities to work to achieve the requirements during your course.
Trail Leader Riding Expectations
Trail Leaders are, as a minimum, safe on non-technical terrain; may attempt technical sections, not always successfully, is able to use controls and direction effectively and is continually aware of others around them.
Trail terrain includes usually green and blue trails in Forestry Commission environments, as well as non-technical cycle accessible routes. See more on Trail Terrain.
| Skill | A Trail Leader will be able to: |
|---|---|
| Gear selection | Selects gear to maintain reasonable cadence. Anticipates and is able to make correct changes. |
| Ride over an obstacle | Ride over a small (kerb sized) downward step. |
| Ride up an offroad slope | Able to ride up the selected area when seated and standing. Reasonable body position. |
| Ride down a steep descent | Shows control, effective braking and body position. Able to determine what they are unable to ride safely. |
| Stop without skidding | Can stop quickly with minimal skidding. Keeps cranks horizontal. |
| Ride off camber | Successfully rides section. |
| Moderately fast corner | Selects smoothest and safest line. Correct fore/aft weight balance. |
| Line selection | Identifies a suitable line. Keeps to obvious lines. |
Technical Leader Riding Expectations
Technical Leaders successfully complete technical sections with evidence of effort and attention. They may yet have to achieve complete fluidity of movement.
Technical terrain includes non-technical and technical cycle accessible routes. See more on Technical Terrain.
| Skill | A Technical Leader will be able to: |
|---|---|
| Gear selection | Make good choice of gear providing effective pedal cadence. Anticipate and perform correct shifts. |
| Ride over an obstacle | Can raise front wheel. Rear wheel can be unweighted to ride over obstacle. Timing should be consistent. |
| Ride up an offroad slope | Good line choice, anticipation. Correct body position and pedaling technique. |
| Ride down a steep descent | Good line choice, anticipation. Correct body position and movement. Able to ride off steps. |
| Stop without skidding | Some body movement. Effective use of both brakes. Quickly reacts to wheels locking. |
| Ride off camber | Successfully rides section. Holds line selected. |
| Moderately fast corner | Places outside pedal down and places weight on it. |
| Line selection | Identifies a suitable line in technical terrain. Holds the line selected. |
Advanced Leader Riding Expectations
Advanced Leaders complete technical sections with a tendency towards natural, flowing and balanced movement. Crucially, Advanced Leaders pitch their choice of riding towards the severity and consequences of the route according to their ability, context and environment they are in at the time
Advanced terrain includes non-technical and technical cycle accessible routes in high and remote areas. See more on Advanced Terrain.
| Skill | An Advanced Leader will be able to: |
|---|---|
| Gear selection | Always choose correct gear. Select gears in anticipation every time. Make gear shifts under pressure. |
| Ride over an obstacle | Fluid movement of bike and rider. Consistently successful at 150mm high obstacles. Timing and wheel loft smooth. |
| Ride up an offroad slope | Excellent cadence, smooth flow. Correct body position. Able to climb steep off road hills. |
| Ride down a steep descent | Excellent body position and movement. Looks for alternative lines. Able to lift front wheel during descents. |
| Stop without skidding | Good backward body movement. Emphasis on use of front brake. Rear wheel does not skid. Very quick at stopping. |
| Ride off camber | Places weight on the downhill side of the bike. Moves bike to suit angle of slope. |
| Moderately fast corner | Defines weight onto outside pedal. Drives the bike round with shoulders and hips. Corners with body and bike at different angles if required. |
| Line selection | Looks for alternative lines. Can hold difficult lines. Separates front and rear wheel line. |