Mountain-bike Instructors’ Award Scheme (MIAS)
In February 2008, as part of a plan to enhance the club’s expertise in planning and leading rides for all abilities from beginners to experienced riders , six Woollybacks club members attended a 2-day course in the Rivington area provided by Mountain Bike Instruction.
Day 1 concentrated on background and theory, and the agenda covered navigation, route planning, access, risk assessment, group management and basic repairs (practical).
This gave us a broad picture of the issues involved in leading a group, especially a group of beginners, and a useful example of how to go about coping with the paperwork of route planning and risk assessment. Although this was aimed primarily at people working with guiding companies, schools, young people, etc, it was still very relevant to a club like ours, and should prove useful in formulating policy and practice, both for existing members and when introducing new riders.
The second day was spent on our bikes and after appropriate instruction by the course leader, club members were put on the spot to try out their skills in technical instruction, leadership, and navigation. This worked very well, as everyone was happy to have a go, and accept comments from the instructor and other Woollies on their performance. It was eye-opening to break down riding skills, and teach them to ‘beginners’, and highlighted a need in the club to help less experienced riders do the basics, such as tackling dropoffs. Our individual riding skills were also assessed.
The course leaders, Ray and Mike, were very capable, had lots of experience, and made the course an enjoyable weekend. There was a great atmosphere too, and that’s down to the attitude of the Woollies on the course: very positive, supportive, with a good dash of humour. It’s what the club is all about.
We all passed Level 2 of the Mountain-bike Instructors’ Award Scheme (MIAS),accredited by the Awarding Body Consortium(ABC). The intention is to continue club training with first-aid courses, an essential part of MIAS, and skills courses.
The club is moving forward. Watch this space!
Roger
Course participants: Eric, Neil, Dave K, Paul, Si, Roger
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