Night Leader Award Course Times - 2pm to 10pm
 
Open to the following British Cycling qualification holders of:
 
Fun MTB / Off Road Leader
Level 2 / Trail Leader
Level 3 / MBL Leader
 
Step beyond the daylight… and lead where the real adventure begins.
The Night Leader Award is built for  all qualified British Cycling off road leaders ready to unlock a whole new world of riding. When the sun sets, the trails change — familiar routes become wilder, senses sharpen, and every ride becomes an experience.
 
Once certified, you’ll be able to extend your leadership remit beyond daylight hours and guide riders through the unique challenge and beauty of night riding.
From quiet forest tracks to open moorland under moonlight, you’ll be equipped to lead on pre-planned, pre-ridden routes with confidence and control.
What You’ll Learn
Night riding demands more — and this course delivers.
You’ll develop the skills to:
Lead groups confidently in low-light, high-focus environments
Manage riders and maintain flow when visibility is limited
Read terrain and anticipate risks in the dark
Plan and navigate routes that come alive after sunset
Make clear, calm decisions when conditions feel more intense
Course Structure
A streamlined journey from preparation to real-world leadership:
E-learning (2–3 hours): Build your knowledge before you arrive
Practical Day (1 day): Hands-on training and assessment out on the trails
Assessment
You’ll be assessed as you ride, lead, and make decisions — just like in the real world.
Ongoing assessment during e-learning
Practical assessment through:
Real riding scenarios
Group discussions
Demonstrating leadership on the trail
All delivered in a supportive environment designed to help you succeed.
Are You Ready?
To join, you’ll need:
Current British Cycling Member or Supporter status
Minimum age of 18
Eligibility
You must already hold one of the following:
Off-Road Leader (FunMBL)
Trail Leader (Level 2)
Mountain Bike Leader (Level 3)
Trail Cycle Leader
SC MBLA
And importantly:
Proven experience leading rides
Solid experience riding in the dark
The right equipment to ride and lead at night
A fully prepared leader kit bag
Before your course, you’ll need to log 10 quality night rides (minimum 2 hours each) — because real confidence comes from real experience.
Bikes & Equipment
Bring the bike that matches your terrain and ambition:
Mountain bikes
Gravel bikes
E-bikes
Plus:
Helmet
Suitable riding kit for night conditions
Food and hydration
Your leader kit bag