WE’RE GETTING MTB LEADER QUALIFICATIONS
Why? We have quite a few reasons why…
“We believe women should be paid for their labour”
Getting MTB leadership qualifications is a strong step towards being able to charge people for bespoke, guided off road rides and establish economic independence for NFORC ride leaders. NFORC group rides are free and always will be, but this will allow ride leaders to seek freelance opportunities and charge people for guided rides and experiences.
Our mission is to increase representation in the outdoors by providing guided, matriarchal experiences.
We’ve been doing some research and currently, there are no women owned businesses offering guided rides in the New Forest*. We want to change that. We are fortunate to have incredibly knowledgeable ride leaders in our midst who are committed to not just helping people experience the forest but helping people feel the forest. We know we’re biased but sometimes, seeing something through a matriarchal lens just hits different.
*If this is inaccurate, please tell us, we would LOVE to be proved wrong on this point.
For the craic
Learning new skills as an adult is fun. So often, if you’re not in further education, you stop getting qualifications after you pass your driving test. Studying OS maps, learning navigation skills, practising leadership skills and keeping a log book of your rides all sounds like loadsa fun if you ask us.
Regenerative return of investments
We use permaculture principles to help shape our decision making and guide our work. Currently, approximately 216 hours have been dedicated to the New Forest Off Road Club by our 10 ride leaders. Our free, social rides have gained us a reputation which has allowed us to run online events that empower other communities to grow their work. We want to do more events that help people replicate what we are doing here in Hampshire and aim to raise all money needed through regenerative efforts as opposed to bursaries or funding.
If we can come up with a regenerative fundraising programme, by 2026 years, we will have FIFTY women and NB people rolling around the New Forest, MTB leader qualified. We like the sound of that, a lot.
Here’s the detail behind what it takes to get MTB leader level 2 qualified:
To be able to book on to a MTB leadership level 2 course, first, you need to register for this 👇 https:www.britishcycling.org.uk/mtbleadershipregister £120 for non members or £77 for existing British Cycling members.
You need to start keeping a log of all rides which we have led guided. This is used in the assessment. You need to display evidence of being able to reflect on leadership decisions and navigation skills.
You then book on to a course. These can be found on British cycling website. We’re doing the one run by Pedal in Coed Y Brenin.
You have to complete the 2 day, outdoor first aid course. We use Sarah Pestridge from New Forest First Aid.
Last but not least, you book your assessment. This is typically at least 6 - 8 weeks after your training course.
Costs:
MTB leadership registration. £120 for non members or £77 for existing British Cycling members.
2 day MTB leadership training day £210
Assessment day £110 (6 weeks after training day)
16 hour, 2 day Outdoor first aid course, £100
TOTAL
£540 per person
Right, we’re off to go reflect on what we could have improved on our last ride and add it to our log book, see you on the flip side.
November 2023 update.
We’re thrilled to say that as of November 2023, with thanks to our community, we have supported 10 people through their MTB leadership qualification.
Sue, Emma, Claire, Pat, Leonie, Grace, Lauren, Nic, Emma and Leah.
