MIAS Mountain Bike Instructor Award Scheme

Interested in becoming a mountain bike leader? Do you want to lead guided rides, inspire children to get out on their bikes and explore nature, help others improve their mountain bike skills and confidence? Then our MIAS Mountain Bike Leader courses are for you.

Mountain biking is probably one of the fastest growing sports in the country at the moment, so it’s an ideal time to become a mountain bike instructor. Our MIAS mountain bike instructor training and assessment courses are for people who wish to become mountain bike instructors across the UK. The Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme (MIAS) is recognised by The Association of British Cycle Coaches (A.B.C.C.) and is recognised by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), Adventuremark. MIAS is a widely recognised and credible award.

The purpose of our MIAS mountain bike instructor training and assessment courses is to promote the safe enjoyment of all aspects of mountain biking in an off and on road environment. It provides training and assessment in the technical and group management skills required to lead groups in a variety of off- road environments and also incorporates on-road management training. It integrates training, experience and assessment in a variety of testing off-road conditions.

MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Level One (MBL1) : Non Technical Terrain, 2 days

For instructors who will lead groups off road on way marked tracks below 600 meters and within close proximity of immediate aid. Typically these might be; way marked cycle tracks, canal tow paths, and forestry tracks. These would involve skills such as; climbs, descents, pedal kicks, short track stand and wheel lifts.

Candidate requirements: Basic off-road bike riding skills. Current First Aid Certificate or be working towards obtaining one.

MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Level Two (MBL2) : Technical Terrain, 2 days

For Instructors who wish to lead groups into moorland, upland or mountainous terrain up to 600 meters and within 30 minutes walk of habitation. Technically a little more demanding and will employ climbing and descents over loose surfaces, single track, log hops, jumps, small drop offs, deep mud and water crossing.

Candidate requirements: Strong off road riding skills including descending/braking in a controlled manner, effective climbing and pedaling techniques in rough/rocky terrain, step drops (up to 1/2 metre). Current First Aid Certificate or be working towards obtaining one.

Both Level 1 and Level 2 courses are run together. Candidates and the course instructor will decide after the initial assessment period which certification the individual candidates will undergo on the course, level 1 or level 2. Levels 1 and 2 cover different leadership needs, however at all levels candidates will undertake basic training in the following:

  • Personal & group equipment
  • Access
  • Cycle maintenance
  • Trail maintenance
  • Navigation
  • Coaching skills
  • Risk assessment & management
  • Recording systems and procedural paperwork
  • Group & trail management
  • Emergency procedures

Costs

Two day MIAS training and assessment course for levels 1 and 2 is £325 per person. This cost also includes registration with MIAS training, training pack, log book, training, assessment, certificate

Upcoming courses

Please contact mark@mtbinstruction.co.uk for dates and availability

Reviews

Last two days MTB course in Canterbury was really productive for me thank very much for your excellent teaching. Hopping to see you around and I will be keep in touch. Ganesh

I had a great time with Mark it was a thoroughly enjoyable course. As per the compliments letter. Ben

Thanks  Mark for a wonderful weekend’s training. It was so super to not think about anything except riding! You were brilliant. Good luck with your move. Lisa

I absolutely loved it – THANK YOU so much for your patience and guidance. MTB is defo not something that comes naturally to me and I was very nervous about it. You were excellent… I have been looking at mountain bikes!!! Thanks again for everything and hope to see you again. Have a great time guiding – what a brilliant life. Woohaaaa. Mat

Hi Mark, just wanted to thank you for a really enjoyable and well-constructed course this weekend. I don’t know whether it by design or just your inherent style, but there was a lot of very subtle but clever teaching going on, which I think had a massive impact on riding confidence and also brought out the best in everyone. Regardless of any learning, I also had a great time, lots of fun, and got to hang with
a great bunch of people. Stay safe and very best wishes.
Matt

Hi mate, thank you for the weekend, really enjoyed that! I would like to do my level 3 at some point in the near future so will give you a shout. Dave