Call us on 01978 861912 for more information or email sales@proadventure.co.uk
Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme Levels One and Two Training and Assessment Course
The scheme at level one is suitable for those who wish to lead groups in simple terrain such as wide woodland tracks and at level two for more technical terrain. The training course covers both environments and leading on roads.
The Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme differs from other courses that are available in that it has national academic accreditation through the East Midlands Further Education Council, which forms a part of a much wider collaboration known as The Awarding Body Consortium. Currently this instructor's award is equivalent to an N.V.Q. and the information from the colleges is that with its ongoing development it will have an N.V.Q. status in its own right. Furthermore it is accredited by: The Birmingham Education Authority, The Statutory Youth Service, West Midlands Police and The Urban Adventure Support Group, The Association Of British Cycle Coaches, Cyclists Touring Club and it is recognised by the Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority.
Training courses take place over a two-day period at our base in Llangollen in North East Wales. The course is not about learning stunts, extreme manoeuvres or making you feel inadequate; it is designed for people who wish to lead groups into wild country or mountainous terrain safely. However, obviously there is a need to achieve a certain level of technical ability.
All candidates attend a basic level 1/2 training course. This is to establish standard working
Just a quick one to say thanks to you and Ally. Chatting to the guys on the way back it was very obvious that all involved got more out of it than was expected. A good weekend, enjoyed by all!
I am just about to email Richard re bcu coaching courses.
Thanks again
Ian BeachTrekco Mountain Bike Centre |
practices and get a complete overview of the scope of the scheme. On the second day of the course, depending on ability and experience the candidates will be assessed for either the level 1 or level 2 award.
For course dates click here: or call 01978 861912
Book now to secure your place! We can arrange alternative dates for groups of four or more.
Cost: £160pp (excluding MIAS registration fee). For groups of four or more the fee is reduced to £150 per person, and for groups of eight or more £140 per person. The course is non-residential, however we can book accommodation for you locally if required. You must also register with MIAS using this information.
or call 01978 861912
Level 1 Outline
For instructors to lead groups off road on way marked tracks below 600 meters and within close proximity of aid. Typically; cycle tracks, forestry, parks, canal tow paths.
Candidate requirements: Previous mountain bike experience.
Level 2 Outline
For instructors who want to lead groups on moorland or mountainous terrain up to 600 meters and within 30 minutes of habitation. Technically more demanding, climbs and descents on loose surfaces, small drop-offs, log hops, mud and water crossing.
Candidate requirements: Previous mountain bike experience, plus Basic Expedition Leader's Award or Mountain Leader award or similar mountain experience, experience in more technical terrain.
Pre-Requisites
The course will take place over two days and you will need to complete set tasks in the evening. This course is designed for people with a genuine interest in mountain biking and the outdoor environment so there is a level of expectation that you have at least a basic knowledge of biking and have a reasonable level of fitness. It is also an expectation that you will attend the course appropriately equipped as defined in your joining instructions.
Syllabus
Group Management And The Responsibilities Of The Group Leader
Candidates must be conversant with the main areas of responsibility of the mountain bike leader, in particular for the care and safety of the group.
a) General Responsibilities
I to parents, to individual group members and to the group as a whole.
II to the sponsoring authority or committee and to the head teacher or warden or club organiser sanctioning the expedition.
III to the general public, to environmental interests, to local residents or farmers, and to other mountain bikers.
b) Specific Responsibilities
I to identify the underlying aims and objectives and to define the specific purpose of the ride.
II to carry out initial planning, e.g. to obtain parental consent, authority clearance, personal and medical information, costing, insurance arrangements.
III to complete detailed preparations, e.g. plan routes, obtain access permission, weather forecasts and brief the group.
c) Operational Responsibilities
I to manage the group effectively by setting and reviewing targets, by positive decision-making, by delegation where appropriate, by proper group control and discipline, and by good communication.
II to meet the changing needs of the group and as individual members by observation, anticipation and good judgement, by sensitivity to the state of the group and of its members, with particular regard to their health and fitness, by maintaining confidence and enthusiasm despite uncertainty or stress and by adopting leadership styles appropriate to the situation.
III to provide safe and rewarding experiences for each group member through involvement and interest, enjoyment and achievement through imparting appropriate technical skills and competence, and through fostering environmental awareness.
Navigation
Competence as a navigator is a basic prerequisite of any mountain biker. Candidates will be expected to choose the appropriate navigation technique for the conditions they are operating in.
Candidates should be familiar with:
I relevant maps, scales and conventional signs.
II contours and other methods of showing relief.
III topological features.
IV relating the map to the ground and vice versa.
Navigation cont.
V measuring distance on the map and on the ground.
VI navigating across country by map alone.
VII suitable compasses.
VIII methods of relocation.
IX methods of navigating across country in poor visibility and in darkness.
X route finding without a map or compass.
XI route planning, including methods of recording routes.
Access And Conservation
Candidates should:
I be aware of the multiple uses of wilderness areas (e.g. hill farming, forestry, water collection, grouse shooting, stalking) all of which must be respected by the recreational user.
II appreciate the problems of conservation (e.g. wild and plant life, erosion) and be aware of the long-term effects of human pressure on the wilderness environment.
III know how and where to get information about access to wild country (e.g. from appropriate guide books and maps from the National Park Authorities, Forestry Commission, Nature Conservancy Council, national trust Local Landowners and other agencies).
IV appreciates the significance of access agreements and rights of way in wilderness areas, having regard to the fact that a large proportion of these areas are in private ownership.
V understands the nature of specially designated areas and limitations on their use (e.g. Nation Parks, national trust properties, Nature Reserves and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
VI be familiar with the mountain bike code and country code.
General Skills
I individual skills: pace, rhythm, foot use, conservation of energy, balance and co-ordination.
II group skills: leader and tail person, psychology of the group, corporate strength.
III group procedure on different terrain.
IV manual handling, cycles and equipment.
Technical Skills*
I demonstrate understanding of efficient gear selection applicable to terrain.
II knowledge of different frame types and relative advantages/disadvantages.
III be able to ride over an obstacle of moderate height.
IV controlling steep decent.
V ride up moderate slope on rough ground.
VI ride a ridge in a controlled manor.
VII negotiate shallow water course.
VIII ride with day sack and expedition equipment.
IX be able to ride in excess of 30 kilometres per day.
X good all round knowledge of maintenance on the move.
XI carry comprehensive tool and first aid kit.
XII carry pack appropriate for leading the group on the day.
* Appropriate to level of assessment, see resource pack from training for definitions.
Personal Equipment 
Personal equipment required for a mountain bike rider (both high and low level) taking into account weather conditions such as:
I wind.
II temperature.
III humidity.
Give consideration to design characteristics such as:
I material.
II reaction to conditions.
III weight and bulk when dry or wet.
IV care and maintenance.
Camp Craft (Where applicable)
Note: most elements of Campcraft are covered in the BELA or ML syllabus. However, candidates will need to consider the transporting of camping equipment whilst riding cycles off-road.
Weather
Candidates must have an elementary knowledge of weather and be able to plan their journeys accordingly. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to find sources of weather information.
Additional Interests
I mountain bikers should extend their knowledge about all aspects of biking and the wilderness environment, e.g. geology, flora and fauna, local history and history of mountain biking.
II details of clubs and organisations: the leader should have knowledge of or have access to information on suitable training organisations, cycling clubs, guide books and mountain bike literature.
Assessment Readiness
For level 1 assessment you need a basic first aid qualification, and be assessed as competent.
For level 2 assessment you must hold the Walking Group Leader, or Basic Expedition Leader Award, or equivalent leadership qualification in the outdoor environment. The first aid requirement is either a full first aid at work or an outdoor first aid course such as REC (ProAdventure® have a course running the weekend before). For level 2 assessment you are expected to have a bike computer fitted to your bike which you must demonstrate the use of as a navigation tool.
Personal Skills Required at Assessment
Your training course includes skills coaching to improve your personal performance
Personal Riding skills | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Safe and correct use of brakes | Use of both brakes with rear applied slightly before front, modulation of power to avoid skidding | Complete use of brakes to full potential showing control when using maximum power | As Level 2 plus full control of individual brakes applying 75% front 25% rear |
Correct use of gear selection | Appropriate selection of gears to suit terrain. No cross chaining | Appropriate selection of gears to suit terrain with proactive selection and smooth shifting | As Level 3 with complete proactive and smooth shifting. Understanding of Cadence and gear ratios |
Pedal kick | Lift wheel clear of ground | Lift front wheel 30cm from ground | Lift front wheel 50cm from ground |
Track stand | Hold balance for up to 5 seconds | Hold balance for 5 – 10 seconds | Hold balance comfortably for 5 – 10 seconds |
Front wheel lift | Lift wheel over 10cm high object | Lift wheel over 15cm high object | Lift wheel over 20cm high object |
Small drop-offs | Drop-off up to 15cm | Drop-off between 15 & 50cm | Drop-off over to 50cm |
Short down-hill descents | Up to 30o | Between 30o & 45o | Over 45o |
Short up-hill climbs | Up to 20o | Between 20o & 30o | Over 30o |
Balance | Show movement of weight around the bike to keep balance | Movement of weight from side to side and front to back without hesitation as required by the terrain | Extreme movement of weight as required by the terrain e.g. Body completely over rear wheel on steep descent |
Hopping | Demonstrate understanding of principals | Stationary hop with both wheels clear of ground | Stationary hop, both wheels clear of ground with turning or side movement |
Bunny hop | Demonstrate understanding of principals | Hop a 7.5cm high object | Hop a 7.5cm high object clearing with ease |
Speed jumps | Demonstrate understanding of principals | Clear a 7.5cm high object | Clear a 10cm high object |
Obstacles | Most small obstacles such as roots, logs under 12cm and "ruts" can be cleared without posing much of a problem. | Most medium sized obstacles such as roots, logs 12- 15cm and “ruts” can be cleared without posing a problem. | Most large sized obstacles such as roots, logs over 15cm and “ruts” can be cleared without posing a problem. |
Cornering | Inside pedal up, weight on outside foot, knee pointing into corner, wide entrance hitting apex and accelerating on exit | As Level 1 but applied through switchback corners | As Level 2 but applied through a complex series of turns |
Click for course Information Sheet 
Click for the programme
All the course resources are online on our resources page please get to know them before attending a training course.
To book call us on 01978 861912
