MTB Leader Training

nicktomkinson

I have been given the opportunity to go on a MTB leader training course next year.

After looking around for available courses I have come to a conclusion that there are three main 'industry standards'? (listed below)

MIAS - Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme

British Cycling Mountain Bike Leadership Award

CTC MTB Leader Courses

Now I'm wondering which one I should go for?

After gaining the qualification I would like to use it as a MTB leader in the outdoor industry.

Can anyone who has done any of these courses offer any advice / opinion please?

ahug

I think you've missed the industry standard out from that list. MBLA trail cycle leader and mountain bike leader.

Its certainly the equal of all those mentioned and in my opinion better in ways, but the biggest plus will be that it has by far the biggest pool of tutors running more courses at more venues and is certainly cheaper than some of the others.

Check it out

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/scotla ... ling-smbla

by the way I'm also involved in trail building in Perthshire and we are running a raffle at the moment www.justgiving.com/bradleywigginsraffle

trailpuppet

Speak to these guys; http://cyclewise.co.uk/index.php/mounta ... lification

If I was to do it again this is what I would go for.

The standard of delivery of the SMBLA courses is pretty varied. The new BC one will probably superced the original Scottish initiative which has served it's purpose we'll but has never been properly funded or developed imo :?

You say you hope to get a job in the "industry" What doing and where?

nicktomkinson

ahug wrote:

I think you've missed the industry standard out from that list. MBLA trail cycle leader and mountain bike leader.

Is that not the course run by British / Scottish Cycling that I linked to in my OP?

@trailpuppet - I say 'outdoor industry' but the situation is that my wife, and most of her family, are involved in social care and there may be an opportunity to use a qualification like this on a part-time basis.

trailpuppet

Good reason Similar to the reason I did the courses up to MBL. Check with your wife's employers which quali they recognise, if any :idea: For MBL you start at TCL level which has some limitations(all documented)and focuses on group management, map reading, route planning and all the safety stuff for you and your group.
You are probably aware you need a log book of rides, first aid and a child protection check/cert :?:

All info and log book downloads here;
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/scotla ... -Downloads

You might also like to consider this; http://www.dft.gov.uk/bikeability/

ahug

nick

Your link went to British Cycling Level 2 Mountain BIke Leaders Award. Whilst as far as I'm aware the courses are extremely similar there are far more MBLA TCL courses administered by Scottish cycling avaliable.

nicktomkinson

I briefly looked at the Scottish Cycling MBLA but as it was on the British Cycling website I (wrongly) assumed it was the same course as the one run by British Cycling.

The courses do look similar but there is a price difference, the Scottish Cycling MBLA being less expensive. I wonder why there are the two courses, run by essentially the same people?

nicktomkinson

trailpuppet wrote:

You are probably aware you need a log book of rides, first aid and a child protection check/cert :?:

Yup, I've started to use the Strava app every time I ride. Hopefully that will give me the information I need for the log book?

I've got dates for a 2 day REC first aid course (just need to wait until 2013 to book) and I already have a current local authority full CRB check certificate.

trailpuppet

The courses do look similar but there is a price difference, the Scottish Cycling MBLA being less expensive. I wonder why there are the two courses, run by essentially the same people?

BC do not run the SMBLA course, they only "endorse" them(if that is the correct term? )
Depends on your viewpoint BC finally getting involved has just muddied the waters and created more confusion. However something needs to be done to "regulate2 what has become a "growing industry" imo.

Brief history of the SMBLA course goes back to the year there was the fatal kayaking accident on the South coast. Outdoor Ed departments had to review their systems and qualifications after this event. This was around the time when mountain biking was being introduced into schools outdoor activities. In Scotland Jim Riach who at that time worked for Scottish Cycling got involved with http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/index.asp to help develop a mountain bike course for those delivering mountain biking in schools. This was then rolled out to other organisations and grew to what it is now.
Rik from Drumlanrig/Riks bike Shed has SMBLA cert number 1. If I had registered with SC at the time I would either have had nbr 1 or 2 :roll: We took part in the very first course at Mabie
There are people out there with better knowledge of this than me however, my memories are fading/muddled :roll:

current local authority full CRB check certificate.

Being a volunteer I need 2, one for the cylce club and one for schools cycle training.

nicktomkinson

@trailpuppet - thanks for all the info :-)

anj132

http://www.fullysussed.co.uk/instructor-courses.html

A course in the South West with some details if that's any help as well

trailpuppet

Re: MTB Leader Training
by nicktomkinson » Tue Nov 13, 2012 1:40 pm

@trailpuppet - thanks for all the info

Nae bother, all in a good cause when helping kids like you intend doing. Special needs swimming is another "hobby" of mine, hence 2 CRBs!
Noticed you are in Cheshire. The Cyclewise BC course is the one I would go for, the set-up those guys have got is excellent
Also a good excuse to have a break and ride in the Lakes
I am only n hr or so away from there so could be classed as my local trails. My MBL tutor also tutored the guys for their tcl. AFIK our LEA use them and Jules Fincham for courses; http://www.cyclewildscotland.co.uk/ Jules is another very experienced and respected guy, been on a couple of his courses courtesy of LEA