The Mountain Bike Leadership Level 1–2 Course is designed to train and assess individuals in the essential skills required to lead mountain bike groups safely in various off-road environments. Level 1 focuses on leading rides on non-technical, low-level terrain, such as canal towpaths, forest tracks, and bridleways. Level 2 prepares leaders for more challenging routes, including single-track trails and moderate technical features. The course covers key areas, including route planning, group management, risk assessment, trail-side repairs, and emergency procedures, ensuring that leaders can provide a safe and enjoyable experience for riders of varying abilities. The award is administered by MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme), a recognised organisation providing mountain bike leadership and instructor training across the UK and beyond.
The Mountain Bike Leadership Level 1-2 Course covers a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge required to lead groups on mountain bike rides in off-road environments. The course content includes route planning and navigation using maps and digital tools, understanding trail grading and selecting appropriate routes for group abilities, and managing groups effectively on varied terrain. Participants learn to carry out dynamic risk assessments, recognise hazards, and implement strategies to reduce risk during rides. Practical skills such as basic trail-side repairs, bike checks, and maintenance are also covered to ensure mechanical issues can be managed on the trail. Additionally, the course develops leaders’ confidence in dealing with emergency situations, including incident management and first aid considerations, while promoting good environmental practice and responsible trail use.
Level 1: Non-Technical Terrain – 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.
Level 2: Technical Terrain – 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.
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.
Please note, both Level 1 & Level 2 courses are run together. Candidates and the course instructor will decide after the initial assessment period which certification the individual candidates will undergo on the course.
Duration: 2-day residential course
Location: CCAT Capel Curig, Snowdonia National Park
CCAT Halton near Lancaster, Lake District & Yorkshire Dales National Park
Course fee: £40
Eligibility: CFAVs
To register for the MIAS Mountain Bike Leadership Award (Levels 1-2), aspiring leaders must meet the following requirements:
- Age & Experience: Must be at least 18 years old for Level 1 and above with a genuine interest in off-road biking and a minimum of 12 months of off-road riding experience.
- Competency: Have basic off-road mountain biking skills. Participants must arrive competent enough to focus on leadership skills rather than bike basics.
- First Aid: Hold a valid First Aid certificate, minimum 8 hours for Level 1, 16 hours for Level 2 and provide proof at the start of assessment.
- Registration & Logbook: Enrolment includes registering with MIAS and receiving a logbook to record ride experience and group-leading practice between training and assessment.
In summary, candidates need relevant riding experience, be the appropriate age, hold a first aid qualification, register with MIAS, and attend equipped and prepared for both training and assessment.
MIAS qualifications are widely recognised throughout the UK and show others that you have reached a nationally accredited standard recognised by:
- Health and Safety Executive (UK)
- Health and Safety Authority (Republic of Ireland)
- Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (UK)
- Coaching Ireland
- Ofqual (England)
- SQA (Scotland)
Please speak to your detachment or contingent commander if you are interested in attending this course.