INTENSIVE INSTRUCTOR CAMP (3 WEEKS)

How do you fancy a mtb trip of a lifetime spending 3 weeks in Frances premier mountain bike region training to become a certified instructor/leader? This is an intensive package where you where you will be given all of the training and experience needed to fast track your way through the MIAS mountain bike leader qualification pathway. The programme consists of 3 weeks of training, a navigation qualification, a first aid qualification and your assessments For MIAS levels 1,2 and 3 qualifications.

Who is the intensive mtb instructor course for?

This camp can attract a wide range of people from different backgrounds who have varying goals but all share a passion for mountain biking . Below is a list of common reasons why people take MIAS courses:

• People wanting to fast track into a new career as a mountain bike leader/guide/coach.
• Students looking for something  productive to do in their summer holidays.
• People looking for a part time hobby job where they can share their passion with others.
• A chance to use your annual holiday leave from work for an incredible experience.
• Outdoor professionals from other sports who would like to expand their repertoire and products that they can offer to clients.
• Mountain bikers who would like to improve their skills, knowledge and safety practices.
• Riders who would like a new challenge/goal to help motivate their progression within the sport.
• People looking for an excuse to come and spend 3 weeks riding in the Alps!

These courses are for people with a genuine interest in mountain biking and candidates are expected to already have a reasonable amount of competence on a bike and have a reasonable level of physical fitness before joining the programme.

Learn a little bit about MIAS

MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) is a British mountain bike instructor qualification scheme that has been around for over 30 years. It was started in 1989 and has now qualified over 20,000 instructors who work all over the world. This intensive course will take you through the 3 levels of MIAS mountain bike instructor qualification, each progressively qualifying you to teach/guide to a higher level.  The qualification level that you finish the course with will depend on your performance within the sylabus.

MIAS  qualifys you to lead/instruct in the UK within remit of your qualification level. The MIAS qualification is also internationally recognized but you must check with each country what level of qualification is required to work legally and what additional paperwork in required eg work permits. Sometimes this can even vary between departments in countries and it can change from year to year. Please check with your local government about their requirements. For example, in France you need to complete the highest qualifications and apply to the ministry of sport for a Carte Professionnelle.

If your home country is a also member of EO mtbing (France, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Holland, Slovenia) then it is best for you to train with your home nation qualifying body. However if there Is an exceptional reason why someone from another EO mtbing country wants to take  course then it can be permitted. For example, someone wants to do their training in English language. Or someone lives in France and does not want to travel long distances to their home nation to do a course.

The 3 levels of MIAS Qualification:

• MIAS Level 1 (Non-Technical Terrain)

This qualification is aimed at those who wish to lead groups of beginners in non-technical terrain (forest tracks, canal towpaths etc). Basic Skills - allowing access into low-level terrain, with little potential hazards. i.e. country parks, canal towpaths, bridleways and cycle paths in non-wilderness areas where help is almost immediately accessible. Successful candidates will need to have a current 2 day First Aid Certificate before they can be awarded their qualification.

• MIAS Level 2 (Technical Terrain)

This qualification is aimed at those who wish to lead groups of beginners in non technical terrain and intermediate riders in technical (singletrack/rocky /demanding terrain). For low level ride on bridleways and wilderness areas. Intermediate Skills - allowing access into Wild Country, with the potential hazards that surround such terrain so good map reading skills will be needed to achieve this qualification. Successful candidates will need to have a current 2 day First Aid Certificate before they can receive their qualification.

• MIAS Level 3 (Mountainous Terrain)

This is a qualification for those wishing to lead advanced riders in areas defined as mountainous by mountain training UK. You will already need to be a MIAS level 2 or equivalent and show evidence through your log book that you ride regularly in mountainous terrain. You must be proficient with advanced map reading and use of GPS. You will be able to guide groups beyond 30 mins of cycling assistance. You will require advanced riding techniques to ride unpredictable mountainous terrain with drops up to 1 meter and a high level of group management. AALS may require you to hold additional qualifications to work in this terrain (e.g. ML or equivalent qualifications/approved prior learning). Includes Red/Black bike park trails. You will be assessed within the same syllabus as the level 2 but all areas need to be performed to a higher level.

What is covered in the course:

• Group management
• Communication
• Coaching skills
• First aid and dealing with emergencies
• Navigation
• Route planning

• Risk assessment
• Management
• Legal issues
• Recording systems

• Access & conservation
• Equipment requirements
• Riding skills
• Emergency repairs

What equipment do you need?

• A well serviced mountain bike suitable for the terrain (Level 3 candidates should be on a modern all mountain/enduro bike with a dropper post)
• A vehicle to get to different riding locations in the area
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Pads suitable for a long day out with climbing (e.g enduro style knee/elbow protection). This comes down to personal preference.
• Eye protection (for all conditions)
• Appropriate clothing for all weather conditions
• Backpack 20l is ideal for a guide.
• Water carrier
• First aid kit
• Tool kit for all trail side repairs
• Map of the area
• Compass
• GPS (essential for Level 3 candidates)
• portable battery charger for phone/GPS.
• Some basic spare parts for your bike e.g inner tube, rear derallieur hanger, break pads.
• head torch/Rear light

Bike recommendation

Bike choice is a very personal thing and not an easy task with so many options available on the market. Ride Camps work closely with Commencal bikes and can reccomend the META as a great option that could take you through all levels of instructor/guide qualifications. We would be happy to advise if you have any questions or need for recommendations for the above equipment list.

Dates & Price

08/08/21 - 29/08/21 (3 weeks)

€1600 Per person

What is included in the price:

• Mountain bike training 6 days per week from 9 - 3
• Outdoor first aid course 2 days
• NNAS navigation qualification 2 days
• MIAS level 1, 2 & 3 assessment and qualification fees (including certificates and first year of MIAS membership).
  

What is not included in the price:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Insurance
• Lift Pass