MIAS differs from other providers in that, we do not self certificate. All of our certificates have gone through an academic external process.
Courses are Externally Moderated to ensure that high standards are maintained throughout our operating centres and to give our clients the maximum benefit of a professional MTB course qualification.
Employers recognise the MIAS qualifications!
If your dream is to work as an MTB guide abroad or in the UK why not get on the phone to some of the big operators and ask them about their position on the MIAS awards scheme. It is approved by the CTC, ABCC, AALA
Afan Valley MTB is a Ministry of Defence supplier
“Number 71568 site code 00” so we can be paid through the DGMF based in Liverpool.
Each year, hundreds of participants gain A MIAS qualification.
They are particularly beneficial for those who wish to gain employment or work as independent operators within the travel industry. They are also very popular with Teachers, Youth Leaders, Scout Leaders, Military Instructors etc.
Please read this information carefully you will find all the information you need to decide what level of MIAS accreditation to go for here.
The purpose of the Mountain bike Instructors’ Award Scheme is to promote the safe enjoyment of all aspects of mountain biking in an off and on road environment.
The scheme provides training and assessment in the technical and group management skills required by those who wish to lead groups in a variety of off-road environments, in the United Kingdom, other than in winter conditions. The scheme also incorporates on road management training. It integrates training, experience and assessment in a variety of testing conditions in off-road country.
The Level 1 qualification is aimed at those who wish to lead groups of beginners in non-technical terrain (forest tracks, canal towpaths etc).Students must have a current First Aid Cert.
The Level 2 qualification is aimed at those who wish to lead groups of beginners in non technical terrain and intermediate riders in technical (rocky /demanding terrain). For L 2, riders must have a BELA or eqivalent or APL.
The Level 1 & Level 2 courses are run together. The course director will decide after an initial assessment period which certification the individual candidate will undergo on the course, Level 1 or Level 2.
The course has national accreditation with:
The Association of British Cycle Coaches (A.B.C.C.), Cyclist's Touring Club (C.T.C.) and is recognised by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service. AALA. MIAS is is a member of the Adventuremark accreditation scheme and the Council for Learning outside the Classroom.
The MIAS Course syllabus
Group management / communication / coaching skills / navigation / route planning / risk assessment / management
legal issues / recording systems / access / conservation / equipment requirements / riding skills / emergency repairs
The syllabus shown above is assessed to meet MIAS requirements by the following methods-
Candidates who wish to be assessed at Level 1 must be able to demonstrate basic off-road riding skills.
Candidates who wish to be assessed at Level 2 must be able to demonstrate strong off road riding skills including step drops (up to 1/2 metre), descending / braking in a controlled manner, effective climbing and pedaling techniques in rough / rocky terrain.
Total cost of Level 1 or 2 Training / assessment (2 full days) £210.00 (including Adventuremark Certificate and Log Book).
How to book a place click on link
MIAS Mountain Bike Leader & MIAS Welsh Mountain Bike Leader Course joining information
Payment terms; a £100.00 deposit must be paid by card at the time of booking or alternatively an official Purchase Order can be used (until we receive either of these, you have no booking) The balance of £110.00 must be paid before or on the first day of the training assessment course. For Military personnel we are a MOD Supplier, Number 71568.
For Courses held in South Wales check the venue and course start times with Paul Peet on 07882 595694 or
01639 893661. 2012 courses held at Unit 3 Glyncorrwg Community Workshops SA13 3 EA
MTB Leader Course Joining Instructions
Students should use their own bikes, an inspection of conformity and safety will be performed by them before they ride (H&S). Alternatively we can provide bikes at a minimal cost of £25.00 for the course duration but this must be arranged and paid for in advance of the course or on the first morning.
Tea and Coffee will be available during the day, please bring along a packed lunch on both days and any soft or energy drinks that you prefer.
You must let us know in advance of any medical problems, allergies etc that you have. For the Bike Maintenance module we provide Latex protective Gloves. If you have an allergy to Latex then please bring along some protective gloves that suit your skin.
Health and Safety elements must be observed at all times as they are by Afan Valley employees during the role play carried out through the course. You must bring along appropriate clothing re-hydration pack and energy bars
Joining notes and the timings are
Day 1 08.45 registration, 09.00-10.30 Course Modules, 10.30-10.45 Break, 10.45-12.30 Course Modules, 12.30-13.15 Break 13.15-13.45 Bike prep for riding skills, 13.45-16.15 Personal riding skills module, 16.15-16.30 Break 16.30-16.40 de-brief, 16.40-17.15 Route planning for day 2.
Day 2,
We meet at the appointed departure point that you will have been informed of at 08-45 prompt
At 09.15 we leave on the group riding module. We aim to be back at base for 14.00 and debrief the L1 and L2 groups independently. You should get away no later than 15.30.
A copy of the Instructors assessment and your log book will be given to you if your course dues have been paid, your Adventuremark Certificate will arrive through the post within 30 days
You will need clothing to include wet weather gear, suitable shoes, an approved helmet, a day glow or florescent cycling over vest, riding glasses, suitable riding gloves, a basic emergency repair kit for the cycle and yourself which must include two high calorie bars and a full drinks bottle. Please carry identity at all times with a record of your blood group if you have it.
Polish up your riding skills, navigation skills, risk assessment skills and leadership skills.
A valid First Aid cert is required for Level 1 and Level 2 before the qualification is active. Military personnel are exempt from first aid cert.
Courses are Externally Moderated to ensure that high standards are maintained throughout our operating centres and to give our clients the maximum benefit of a professional MTB course qualification.
Employers recognise the MIAS qualifications!
If your dream is to work as an MTB guide abroad or in the UK why not get on the phone to some of the big operators and ask them about their position on the MIAS awards scheme. It is approved by the CTC, ABCC, AALA
Afan Valley MTB is a Ministry of Defence supplier
“Number 71568 site code 00” so we can be paid through the DGMF based in Liverpool.
Each year, hundreds of participants gain A MIAS qualification.
They are particularly beneficial for those who wish to gain employment or work as independent operators within the travel industry. They are also very popular with Teachers, Youth Leaders, Scout Leaders, Military Instructors etc.
Please read this information carefully you will find all the information you need to decide what level of MIAS accreditation to go for here.
The purpose of the Mountain bike Instructors’ Award Scheme is to promote the safe enjoyment of all aspects of mountain biking in an off and on road environment.
The scheme provides training and assessment in the technical and group management skills required by those who wish to lead groups in a variety of off-
The Level 2 qualification is aimed at those who wish to lead groups of beginners in non technical terrain and intermediate riders in technical (rocky /demanding terrain). For L 2, riders must have a BELA or eqivalent or APL.
The Level 1 & Level 2 courses are run together. The course director will decide after an initial assessment period which certification the individual candidate will undergo on the course, Level 1 or Level 2.
The course has national accreditation with:
The Association of British Cycle Coaches (A.B.C.C.), Cyclist's Touring Club (C.T.C.) and is recognised by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service. AALA. MIAS is is a member of the Adventuremark accreditation scheme and the Council for Learning outside the Classroom.
The MIAS Course syllabus
Group management / communication / coaching skills / navigation / route planning / risk assessment / management
legal issues / recording systems / access / conservation / equipment requirements / riding skills / emergency repairs
The syllabus shown above is assessed to meet MIAS requirements by the following methods-
Candidates who wish to be assessed at Level 1 must be able to demonstrate basic off-
Candidates who wish to be assessed at Level 2 must be able to demonstrate strong off road riding skills including step drops (up to 1/2 metre), descending / braking in a controlled manner, effective climbing and pedaling techniques in rough / rocky terrain.
How to book a place click on link
MIAS Mountain Bike Leader & MIAS Welsh Mountain Bike Leader Course joining information
Payment terms; a £100.00 deposit must be paid by card at the time of booking or alternatively an official Purchase Order can be used (until we receive either of these, you have no booking) The balance of £110.00 must be paid before or on the first day of the training assessment course. For Military personnel we are a MOD Supplier, Number 71568.
For Courses held in South Wales check the venue and course start times with Paul Peet on 07882 595694 or
01639 893661. 2012 courses held at Unit 3 Glyncorrwg Community Workshops SA13 3 EA
MTB Leader Course Joining Instructions
Students should use their own bikes, an inspection of conformity and safety will be performed by them before they ride (H&S). Alternatively we can provide bikes at a minimal cost of £25.00 for the course duration but this must be arranged and paid for in advance of the course or on the first morning.
Tea and Coffee will be available during the day, please bring along a packed lunch on both days and any soft or energy drinks that you prefer.
You must let us know in advance of any medical problems, allergies etc that you have. For the Bike Maintenance module we provide Latex protective Gloves. If you have an allergy to Latex then please bring along some protective gloves that suit your skin.
Health and Safety elements must be observed at all times as they are by Afan Valley employees during the role play carried out through the course. You must bring along appropriate clothing re-
Joining notes and the timings are
Day 1 08.45 registration, 09.00-
Day 2,
We meet at the appointed departure point that you will have been informed of at 08-
A copy of the Instructors assessment and your log book will be given to you if your course dues have been paid, your Adventuremark Certificate will arrive through the post within 30 days
You will need clothing to include wet weather gear, suitable shoes, an approved helmet, a day glow or florescent cycling over vest, riding glasses, suitable riding gloves, a basic emergency repair kit for the cycle and yourself which must include two high calorie bars and a full drinks bottle. Please carry identity at all times with a record of your blood group if you have it.
Polish up your riding skills, navigation skills, risk assessment skills and leadership skills.
A valid First Aid cert is required for Level 1 and Level 2 before the qualification is active. Military personnel are exempt from first aid cert.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Why Choose MIAS?
Do employers recognise MIAS?
We are a Ministry of Defence Supplier?
What is the Cost?
What Level qualification do I get?
Is MIAS accredited?
Is there a Welsh Qualification?
What does the syllabus cover?
When are the courses run?
Where are the courses run?
Course information in Welsh
Why Choose MIAS?
Do employers recognise MIAS?
We are a Ministry of Defence Supplier?
What is the Cost?
What Level qualification do I get?
Is MIAS accredited?
Is there a Welsh Qualification?
What does the syllabus cover?
When are the courses run?
Where are the courses run?
Course information in Welsh
MIAS MBLA Leadership - Scroll down the page for course dates
Why choose a MIAS Mountain Bike Leader Nationally Accredited Training & Assessment Course?
Much to the chagrin of some Road Cycling organisations there is no National Governing Body (NGB) in England/Wales to set the standard for the training of Mountain Bike Leaders. If you wanted to be a Driving Instructor, you could go to several accredited bodies that follow a similar training format and gain a qualification. The same is true of Mountain Bike Leading. So don’t be bamboozled with nonsense and pyramid selling.
MIAS became a member of an NGB style group called the 'Cycle Leader Training Board'. Other groups that signed up to this group included, CTC, BC, SMBLA, OTC, BSCA, AALS to name but a few. The MIAS scheme is used throughout Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland and in many overseas countries.
MIAS is endorsed by the AALA. Many national centres for outdoor leadership training use MIAS. The scheme is used by the Joint Services Adventure Instructor personnel who train outdoor educators for the military. We fast-track serving military personnel to L 2. The Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALA) control the provision of adventure activities to children and vulnerable adults. Being endorsed by AALA is the starting point for any award scheme.
Much to the chagrin of some Road Cycling organisations there is no National Governing Body (NGB) in England/Wales to set the standard for the training of Mountain Bike Leaders. If you wanted to be a Driving Instructor, you could go to several accredited bodies that follow a similar training format and gain a qualification. The same is true of Mountain Bike Leading. So don’t be bamboozled with nonsense and pyramid selling.
MIAS became a member of an NGB style group called the 'Cycle Leader Training Board'. Other groups that signed up to this group included, CTC, BC, SMBLA, OTC, BSCA, AALS to name but a few. The MIAS scheme is used throughout Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland and in many overseas countries.
MIAS is endorsed by the AALA. Many national centres for outdoor leadership training use MIAS. The scheme is used by the Joint Services Adventure Instructor personnel who train outdoor educators for the military. We fast-
Course dates for 2012. Course fees £210.00
L1 L2 Afan Valley S/Wales Sat Sun Feb 25-
L1 L2 Afan Valley S/Wales Sat Sun Mar 24-
L1 L2 Afan Valley S/Wales Sat Sun Apr 28-
L1 L2 Afan Valley S/Wales Sat Sun May 19-
L1 L2 Afan Valley S/Wales Sat Sun June 30-
Course dates Last updated 09-
Additional dates and courses are run mid-