Who trains the trainers? We do! Pro-Active Adventure has been carrying out mountain bike leader training in Wales under this scheme longer than any other provider. We are currently the only provider who can deliver mountain bike leader training courses right through from level 1 to level 6.

Mountain biking is probably one of the countries biggest growing sports at the moment. We offer training and assessment for people who wish to become mountain bike instructors. The Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme is recognised by the A.A.L.S., C.T.C. and the A.B.C.C.

Moutain Bike Instructors Award Schemes

The Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme (MIAS) and The Welsh Mountain Bike Leaders Award (WMBLA) differs from other recognised courses in that it has national academic accreditation thought The East Midlands Further Education Council, which is part of the much wider collaboration known as The Awarding Body Consortium. The award is currently the equivalent of an NVQ.

Currently there is no UK wide National Governing Body. However, unlike other awards we do recognise that you may come with a life time of experience in outdoor education and mountain biking so we do recognise approved prior learning, as well as training undertaken with other recognised award providers. This means we can fast track some training if the prior training can be evidenced. This award has been used by guides and members of the armed services in: Chile, France, Spain, Singapore, New Zealand, Crete, Canada and Italy

The award scheme has three levels of instructor’s award covering 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
• Group and Trail Management
• Emergency Procedures

Level 1

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: Previous mountain bike experience.

Level 2

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: Basic Expedition Leaders Award or similar mountain experience.

Level 3

This is a development course for leaders who hold a MIAS or WMBLA level 2. Candidates can apply for exemption if they can demonstrate approved prior learning such as training by another recognised provider. The terrain covered can be above 600 meters and typically involves long descents, large drop offs and rock steps or a combination of technical manoeuvres one after another.

Candidate Requirements: Summer Mountain Leaders Award.

Coaching 4, 5, 6

This is for candidates who hold a MIAS or WMBLA 3 and who wish to assist on training courses and work towards course provider status.

Training And Assessment Courses

Schedueled courses take place monthly over a two day period at our centre in Llangollen, North Wales or Bishops Castle in Mid Wales. Most open courses usually take place over the weekend, however in the case of Outdoor Centres, Armed Services or The Police, we can organise courses at your location if you have five or more candidates.

The course is not about learning extreme manoeuvres or stunts, it is designed for people who wish to lead groups into wild country or mountainous terrain safely. However, there is obviously a need to achieve a level of technical competence.

View our download docs section for: course dates; course programme; an equipment list; and an course application form.

Costs

The costs illustrated below do not include VAT:

• Two day training course £145 per candidate (cost includes registration with M.I.A.S. training and training pack, and logbook)
• Assessment costs £95* per candidate, (cost includes external validation and certificate)
• Total cost for training and assessment two day course (Must have approved prior learning) £160
• Residential costs on request dependant on standard required within the centre.
• For group bookings please contact our office to obtain a specific quote for your course.

*Plus M.I.A.S. administration fee of £50 if assessment taken separately to training

Please contact us for details of your instructor training. If you want to download and print off the course application form then please click here.