MountainBike Instructor Award Scheme

The purpose of the Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme is to promote the safe enjoyment of mountain biking in an off-road environment. The scheme 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.

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 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.

MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Level One (MBL1)

Non Technical Terrain – (2 days) 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.

MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Level Two (MBL2)

Technical Terrain – (2 days +) this award allows access into open country, with the potential hazards that surround such terrain. 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.I

This award is used outside the UK in altitudes above 600 meters to lead groups on cycle/mountain bike routes that are defined by map and ground. (Consideration should be given to MBL3 for leading groups in harsh mountain terrain on non-recognised routes).

The course has national accreditation with The Association of British Cycle Coaches (A.B.C.C.), Investors in People Award and is recognised by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA), Adventuremark.

Please note, both Level 1 & Level 2 courses are usually run together.

Candidates and the course instructor will decide after the initial assessment period which certification the individual candidates will undergo on the course.

At the start of the assessment course, the candidate must hold a currently valid first aid certificate. A minimum of 8 hours first aid training for Level 1 and 16 hours for levels 2 & 3 is required.