Mountain Bike Leader

Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme Levels One and Two Training and Assessment Course

Level 1 Outline
For instructors to lead groups off road on way marked tracks below 600 meters and within close proximity of aid. Typically; cycle tracks, forestry, parks, canal tow paths.
Candidate requirements: Previous mountain bike experience.

Level 2 Outline
For instructors who want to lead groups on moorland or mountainous terrain up to 600 meters and within 30 minutes of habitation. Technically more demanding, climbs and descents on loose surfaces, small drop-offs, log hops, mud and water crossing.
Candidate requirements: Previous mountain bike experience, plus Basic Expedition Leader's Award or Mountain Leader award or similar mountain experience, experience in more technical terrain.

Pre-Requisites

The course will take place over two days and you will need to complete set tasks in the evening. This course is designed for people with a genuine interest in mountain biking and the outdoor environment so there is a level of expectation that you have at least a basic knowledge of biking and have a reasonable level of fitness. It is also an expectation that you will attend the course appropriately equipped as defined in your joining instructions.

Syllabus

Group Management And The Responsibilities Of The Group Leader

Candidates must be conversant with the main areas of responsibility of the mountain bike leader, in particular for the care and safety of the group.

a) General Responsibilities

I to parents, to individual group members and to the group as a whole.

II to the sponsoring authority or committee and to the head teacher or warden or club organiser sanctioning the expedition.

III to the general public, to environmental interests, to local residents or farmers, and to other mountain bikers.

b) Specific Responsibilities

I to identify the underlying aims and objectives and to define the specific purpose of the ride.

II to carry out initial planning, e.g. to obtain parental consent, authority clearance, personal and medical information, costing, insurance arrangements.

III to complete detailed preparations, e.g. plan routes, obtain access permission, weather forecasts and brief the group.

c) Operational Responsibilities

I to manage the group effectively by setting and reviewing targets, by positive decision-making, by delegation where appropriate, by proper group control and discipline, and by good communication.

II to meet the changing needs of the group and as individual members by observation, anticipation and good judgement, by sensitivity to the state of the group and of its members, with particular regard to their health and fitness, by maintaining confidence and enthusiasm despite uncertainty or stress and by adopting leadership styles appropriate to the situation.

III to provide safe and rewarding experiences for each group member through involvement and interest, enjoyment and achievement through imparting appropriate technical skills and competence, and through fostering environmental awareness.

Navigation

Competence as a navigator is a basic prerequisite of any mountain biker. Candidates will be expected to choose the appropriate navigation technique for the conditions they are operating in.

Candidates should be familiar with:

I relevant maps, scales and conventional signs.

II contours and other methods of showing relief.

III topological features.

IV relating the map to the ground and vice versa.

Navigation cont.

V measuring distance on the map and on the ground.

VI navigating across country by map alone.

VII suitable compasses.

VIII methods of relocation.

IX methods of navigating across country in poor visibility and in darkness.

X route finding without a map or compass.

XI route planning, including methods of recording routes.

Access And Conservation

Candidates should:

I be aware of the multiple uses of wilderness areas (e.g. hill farming, forestry, water collection, grouse shooting, stalking) all of which must be respected by the recreational user.

II appreciate the problems of conservation (e.g. wild and plant life, erosion) and be aware of the long-term effects of human pressure on the wilderness environment.

III know how and where to get information about access to wild country (e.g. from appropriate guide books and maps from the National Park Authorities, Forestry Commission, Nature Conservancy Council, national trust Local Landowners and other agencies).

IV appreciates the significance of access agreements and rights of way in wilderness areas, having regard to the fact that a large proportion of these areas are in private ownership.

V understands the nature of specially designated areas and limitations on their use (e.g. Nation Parks, national trust properties, Nature Reserves and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

VI be familiar with the mountain bike code and country code.

General Skills

I individual skills: pace, rhythm, foot use, conservation of energy, balance and co-ordination.

II group skills: leader and tail person, psychology of the group, corporate strength.

III group procedure on different terrain.

IV manual handling, cycles and equipment.

Technical Skills*

I demonstrate understanding of efficient gear selection applicable to terrain.

II knowledge of different frame types and relative advantages/disadvantages.

III be able to ride over an obstacle of moderate height.

IV controlling steep decent.

V ride up moderate slope on rough ground.

VI ride a ridge in a controlled manor.

VII negotiate shallow water course.

VIII ride with day sack and expedition equipment.

IX be able to ride in excess of 30 kilometres per day.

X good all round knowledge of maintenance on the move.

XI carry comprehensive tool and first aid kit.

XII carry pack appropriate for leading the group on the day.

* Appropriate to level of assessment, see resource pack from training for definitions.