which would you chose to do if you wanted to work leading groups?
I hear conflicting reports, some saying MIAS is older and more established and thus more recognised, then there's those who say the TCL is better as it covers more and is getting more and more established and that is will be overtaking MIAS in suitability.
what say the collective?
I can recommend the MBLA TCL qual as a good starting point, I did it a few years ago. Well organised people , they send you a decent book to raed a couple of times before your course covering pretty much every eventuality you might have to deal with as a leader, their "tutors" are all very experienced riders/guides and the whole deal seemed well planned and thorough. If you are planning on leading a lot it's worth moving on to their MBL qual as soon as you can.
I have several friends who have the MIAS qual and the impression I got was it's not quite as thorough/rigorous in terms of First aid/emergency proceedures, mech skills and indeed assessing your riding ability as an instructor/leader.
This may all depend on your instructor though...
I'm fairly sure you can lead abroad with the MBLA qual and not MIAS too, but worth checking out properly.
hope this helps
I'm fairly sure you can lead abroad with the MBLA qual and not MIAS too, but worth checking out properly
Yeah I heard that too. The MBLA insurance covers you for europe too.
As markcdo alludes to, it can very much depend on who the instructor is as the actual courses are fairly similar. First Aid requirements are usually acquired separate to the the award but are a neccessary requirement to achieve both awards. Both are recognised by overseas operators but in certain countries would not be sufficient in themselves without a country based qualification.
I get the impression that MBLA is more recognised amongst enthusiast MTBers but MIAS is well established in the Services/Police/Local Authority circles.
Depending on the sort of 'instructing' / 'guiding' you're interested in others to consider are the CTC set up and BC coaching.
I'm fairly sure you can lead abroad with the MBLA qual and not MIAS too, but worth checking out properly
Yeah I heard that too. The MBLA insurance covers you for europe too.
MBLA do two levels. Trail Cycle leader allows you to take groups out up to 600m, Mountain Bike Leader award lets you go anywhere. MBL is recognised in Europe, TCL isn't.
thanks for that, pretty much it seems it doesn't really matter which I have but I am edging towards the MBLA. I have just renewed my First aid anyway for my climbing qualifications so no probs there. not all that intetrested in working abroad with it and I just need it for leading novices on trail centres and established bridalways.