Drop Bar Bike Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor
Length: A 3-day course that certifies an individual as a Drop Bar Bike Fundamental Skills Instructor.
Cost: $650 USD (including $65 annual membership dues).
Time: The online prework will take approximately 24 hours, including a quiz after each chapter.
With the widely popular and growing sport of Road and Gravel biking, we have developed this skills course for coaches and instructors who teach people riding in these disciplines. The BICP Drop Bar Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor course was developed to provide comprehensive training for “drop bar” bike skills. This material is valuable for many types of leaders, people working as ride instructors for biking clubs, and outdoor recreation educational programs, or for recreational riders wanting to be better prepared when riding with friends.
The BICP Drop Bar Level 1 Fundamental Skills Instructor Certification course is intended to be an all-inclusive training for fundamental skills coaching, an intensive course focused on skill analysis, effective teaching, and skills progressions with evaluations in each of those areas.
Level 1 Prerequisites:
- BICP Ride Leader Certification.
- Current First Aid & CPR certificate.
- Wilderness First Aid certification is strongly recommended.
- Three or more years of mountain bike experience.
- Volunteer work or work experience in the bike-related industry.
- At least 16 yrs. Old.
- Good communication skills.
- A strong desire to help others have more fun and progress safely.
- Ability to perform basic trailside repairs (flat tires, broken chains, and shift adjustments).
- Fluent in the English language including reading and speaking.
In order to pass the BICP Level 1 course, participants must complete the online coursework (approximately 24 hours), demonstrate an understanding of the material, and perform suitable teaching simulations.
MINIMUM RIDE STANDARDS
The BICP Certification courses are skills teaching courses, not skills learning courses. Participants must be able to perform the skills listed below at or above the BICP Ride Standard prior to attending the in-person course. Successful demonstration of these skills during the course is a requirement for certification. Please contact the BICP for information on a skills prep course if you need help meeting these ride standards.
Neutral and Ready
Move smoothly between standing Neutral to a Low Ready using all Ten Fundamentals.
Bike/Body Separation Forward and Back
Slide the body forward and slide the body back while maintaining a level plane.
Bike/Body Separation Side to Side
Lean the bike from one side to the other side while maintaining a balanced Ready position, using all Ten Fundamentals.
Braking
Apply both brakes for a controlled and complete stop from a range of speeds, using all Ten Fundamentals.
Shifting
Perform seamless/silent up-shifts and down-shifts during a gentle climb.
Ratcheting
In a Tall Ready position, perform multiple ratcheting pedal strokes, while staying balanced. Minimum of 1 bike length.
Riding Straight Lines
Ride an elevated feature 6 inches (15 cm) off the ground.
Small Circles
Ride a small 8 ft (2.4 m) circle, using all Ten Fundamentals.
Switchbacks
Ride a section of switchbacks of varying grades – in both directions.
Climbing – Seated – Standing
Proper use of bike body movements while maintaining a balanced position and traction on both wheels.
Restarting on a Climb
Restarting on technical slopes of varying grades of difficulty.
Dismounts – Climbing and Descending
Dismounting the bike on technical slopes of varying grades of difficulty.
Braking on Descents
Come to a complete stop, on a downhill slope of varying grades of difficulty, then continue pedaling.
Descending
Ride a short descent while maintaining stability and control.
Rock Dodge
Dodge a set of four cones in a square formation 12 ft (3.6 m) apart – in both directions.
Cornering
Maintain a balanced position while leaning the bike through a 90-degree corner, at a moderate speed – in both directions.
Roll Down
Roll Down a 12-inch (30 cm) feature, while keeping both wheels in contact with the ground.