MIAS Instructor Training...

joec1

Ok, bit of an odd one peeps...

Im keen to become a Mias Instructor (to allow me to take groups of kids from my youth group, out mountain biking on gentle field like xc loops)

ive been riding for a few years, and am quite capable with the riding side, and the looking after kids side of the course, but am a little worried that i might fall down with the course criteria,

Has anyone else taken this course? i would like to pass level 2, but for my needs level 1 would be perfectly acceptable.

My main question is what level of knowledge and understanding do i need prior to the course, and what level will i actually be tought? i cant seem to find any course criteria information,

Cheers joe...

x-isle

I have MIAS Level 2 and found it very easy to complete (to the point that my log book mentions that I should be Level 3).

It doesn't have much to do with the riding, although this is what depicts which Level you are assessed at.

I found the course very interesting as it covers basic navigation, route planning, risk assesment etc...

You mention that you are hoping to take groups on XC loops, if this is graded technical trails, then you need Level 2. Level 1 only allows you on fireroad non-technical terrain.

Also bear in mind that you will require a HSE approved First Aid qualification which currently is minimum 8 hours, personally I don't think this is enough and think that eventually they will change the rules to a full outdoor incident type qualification which is the route I've gone.

Hope this helps and if you need any further help, just drop me a line.

Regards

x-isle

I went through all that and never actually answered your question.

As for previous, you don't really need anything as the course is designed to teach you.

However, that said, a lot of MIAS courses only allow you to attend if you have previous Mountain Leader qualifications or similar experience.

This isn't really a requirement which is why I chose to do my training with MBI - http://www.mountainbikeinstruction.co.uk - Ray Mazey (the instructor/assessor) is a real great guy, a good sense of humour and a good instructor.

MBI don't ask for the previous qualifications, in fact, they don't need any prereqs, even the first aid. However, you can't run under your MIAS until you get the first aid.

Not only that, the location is perfect for the training/assesment too!

joec1

ah the first aid bit is covered as i am a St John Ambulance Trainer assessor (which should just about tick that box haha)

Im hopefully training as part of a group that the local council are arranging it for... (same costs etc just in wiltshire instead of having a long drive)

cheers for your help you have no idea how helpful you are being.

How did they access the final day? was it through an assessment that allowed for x amount of errors? or was it more a question and answer paper?

Cheers

Joe

x-isle

I'm sure different assesors will run it differently.

However, the format for my 2 days was as follows;

Day 1

---

Didn't even need the bike, it was all theory on the route planning, risk assesing, navigation, basic on-ride biek repairs.

There was a written test type thing, but this was more of an ongoing assesment

Day 2

---

Out on the bike, practising Navigation, being able to pin point a location using a compass, OS Map and land points. Instruction, the basics of how to coach in a good way and on going riding assesment. The riding got more technical as the day went and this is how it was decided which level you would acheive, there were certain technical elements that had to be demonstrated to prove that you can do it. If you can't do it, then you can't coach it.

At the end, the assessor then gave feed back and you are told which level you have acheived and handed over a signed log book.

As with most outdoor qualifications, this is kept up to date with all your types of rides and the book gets sent off after 5 years for stamping again, should MIAS think you need to be re-assessed, they inform you.

joec1

Well,

Ive taken the jump, and booked up

x-isle

Brill! Let us know how you get on!

joec1

yea its a while off yet, but its the first time ive ever done this sort of thing

the course leader had a great chat with me, and we deicded i would actually be ideal for level 2 and maybe upto level 3 (pending the outcome of this course first)

getting excited now though

x-isle

Good stuff. Level 3 is a different ball game, you need to have mountain leadership qualifications to tackle that one.

It's something I've not bothered with as it only means you can lead groups over 600 Meters, of which I don't get that high.

Just out of interest, who are you doing your course with?

joec1

my course is being run through wiltshire county council, a Mr Neil Haskins is taking it

yup, thankfully the mountain leadership stuff can be achieved easily enough through my volountary Group. so im not too bother about that.

x-isle

Well, I hope it all goes well for you. The only issue (for me) with getting a Level 3 is I know that my log book won't have many (if any) led Level 3 rides in there, so wouldn't be able to keep it up on renewal.

JayKingFunk

I did my level 2 MIAS with Ray Mazey too, I thought he and the course were both excellent!

J

makingtrails

Apart from cost what are the differences between the CTC mountain bike leader courses & the MIAS ones's?

CTC Courses are £300 - £400 where as the MIAS one is £220. You get an extra day with the CTC but can it be much more benefical?

jam1e

I'm considering going for this course but one thing I have found that isn't widely advertised is that MIAS require you to be WGL/ML qualified if you intend to lead groups in the "wilderness" such as the Highlands, Lakes etc etc.

Worth looking into if you're thinking of leading in national parks and not just centres etc. I found these guys to be really helpful ref the WGL/ML courses.

http://www.peakmountaintraining.co.uk/displaypage.php?path=wgl