This course will equip you with the skills you need to become a mountain bike leader. We’ll cover elements of group management, navigation, trailside maintenance, bike skills, skills assessments and your roles and responsibilities as a mountain bike leader.
The MIAS scheme is aimed at safely introducing students of all ages to mountain biking in a variety of different venues. The scope of the Level 2 award allows the award holder to lead individuals and groups on lowland mountain biking routes within easy access to assistance in summer conditions. This would mean no more than a 30 minute walk from a telephone and shelter.
This is a combined Level 1/ Level 2 training and assessment course. Depending on your previous experience of mountain biking there are a number of possible outcomes from the course:
– Level 1 trained. As a candidate new to mountain biking you will leave with the training for L1 completed and will then need to gain further personal riding and group leadership experience and a 16 hour first aid qualification, before attending a one day assessment in the future to gain your L1 award.
– Level 1 awarded and Level 2 trained. If you have the first aid qualification and some previous mountain biking experience you may well achieve a L1 award – this means you will be able to lead groups of students on easily accessible, low level terrain, non-technical cycle trails which have easy access should you have a problem. These trails won’t be in remote locations and can include way marked cycle tracks, canal tow paths, converted railways and forest tracks. This would also count as L2 training, before attending a one day L2 assessment.
– Level 2 awarded. If you have significant mountain bike skills and experience, demonstrate strong navigation skills and hold a first aid award you may finish the course with a L2 award. The L2 award allows the leader to take groups into more open country, within 30 minutes of assistance, with technically more demanding terrain including loose surfaces, rocky terrain, single track and small drop offs.
Course content
Safety
– Managing risk and risk assessments
– Personal and group equipment
– Dealing with common incidents
– Riding on public highways
– Group management and the role of the leader
Personal riding skills
– Body position
– Braking
– Cornering
– Descending
– Ascending
– Use of gears
– Front wheel lift
– Dealing with trail obstacles e.g. small drop
Coaching skills
– Teaching principles
– Look at different teaching styles
Maintenance
– Bike set-up
– Bike safety check
– Recording systems
– Trail side repairs
– Your tool kit
Navigation and access
– Route Planning
– Route finding
– Use of map and compass
– GPS
– Use of cycle computers
– Where you are allowed to ride your bike
– Access rights and conservation
Although this is a full two days of training/assessment we won’t be riding all the time. There will be plenty of time for questions, discussion and hopefully enjoyment.
The second day will involve a longer ride than on day 1.
What to bring
– Mountain bike in safe working condition. The White Hall Centre can supply a bike, but if you wish to do so, please contact us in advance.
– Helmet
– Gloves
– Bike tool kit and spares
– First aid kit
– Group shelter if owned
– A rucksack to carry things in whilst out riding
– Appropriate clothing for the weather including waterproof jacket and extra layers!
– Appropriate footwear
– Food and drink
– Notebook and pen
– Compass if owned
– Riding glasses if owned
Course Times
09.00am – 5.00pm each day
F or more information about the course, please contact the centre via:
- Telephone: 01298 23260
- email: whitehall.centre@derbyshire.gov.uk
- Website: www.whitehall.derbyshire-outdoors.org
Health and Fitness
Please inform the Centre of any medical condition or medication that we should be aware of. Mountain bike courses are physically and mentally demanding. If you are uncertain of your fitness please discuss this with us.
Insurance
Please note that the course fee does not include insurance against cancellation, personal injury, loss or damage, which is not caused by negligence on the part of Derbyshire County Council or its employees, agents or subcontractors. This should be arranged by you.
Emergency contact
Please ensure that at the start of the course the Centre has up to date contact details. In case of emergency, contact with course members may be made through the office 01298 23260.