Mountain Bike Leader Award

Please contact us directly if you wish to organise a custom course, min number for courses to run is 3 and max is 6.

Mountain Bike Leader Level 1/2

The MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Award MBL1 & MBL2 courses are run together as part of the course.

Course Director will decide with yourself during the training period which assessment you will undergo Level 1 or Level 2.

The course consists of training and assessment over two days. However we strongly suggest that you look at the pre-requisite and ensure that you meet these before the course.

Click on the button below to download course content

The purpose of the MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Award Scheme is to promote the safe enjoyment of mountain biking in an off-road environment. The MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Award provides training and assessment in the technical and group management skills required by those who wish to lead groups in a variety of on and off-road environments in the UK and abroad.

Please note group sessions need a min of 3 riders, if not booking is moved to date when numbers are met.

It integrates training, experience and assessment in a variety of testing conditions as well as some basic on road training. Since its introduction in Birmingham in 1989 the award has become recognised by Local Authorities, MOD, Emergency Services, Outdoor Education Centres and statutory Youth Services as providing technical excellence in this field.

The MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Award scheme is recognised throughout the UK and abroad It is the national gauge against which standards of competence are measured. To prevent duplication and to compliment many of the existing awards which currently exist for walking. This award has been run in conjunction with standards which have already been set.

Bespoke dates at other locations are available outside of the advertised dates if required.

MBL1

This award allows access into low-level terrain with few potential hazards, i.e. country parks, canal towpaths, and non-wilderness areas where help is almost immediately accessible. Includes blue forest trail routes.

MBL2

The leader will operate within 30 minutes of cycling assistance. AALS may also require you to hold additional qualifications to work in this terrain. Includes red forest trail routes. Ratios 1:10 with an assistant. This award is used outside the UK in altitudes above 600 meters to lead groups on cycle/mountain bike routes defined by map and ground. (Consideration should be given to MBL3 for leading groups in harsh mountain terrain on non-recognised routes).

Candidates who wish to be assessed at level 2 must be able to demonstrate strong off-road skills, including steep drop-offs up to 1/2 metres, descending / braking in a controlled manner, and practical hill climbing and pedalling techniques.

MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Award Syllabus

The MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Award MBL1 & MBL2 courses are run together as part of the course. We will decide with you during the training period which assessment you will undergo; Level 1 or Level 2. The system consists of training and assessment over two days.

• Group Management + Communication

• Risk Assessment

• Riding Skills

• Navigation + Route Planning

• Equipment Checks

• Basic / Emergency Repairs

Assessment

• You will be asked to navigate and lead the group between two pre-determined points.

• You will be expected to either teach a skill or coach an activity appropriate for the group.

• You will also be asked to demonstrate competence as a mountain bike rider, and have a sound understanding of basic bike mechanics.

• You will need to be able to comfortably complete a demanding 30km off road ride at a moderate pace.