OMBI is the Ontario Mountain Bike Instructor program. It has been designed to train mountain bikers to teach others the great sport of mountain biking and to competently lead day tours. Anyone who would like to do either of these, either formally or informally, is an ideal candidate for the course.

The course is conducted on a weekend, running from 9 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m. on both days. The course is organized in a seminar format, with students leading their peers in various activities, such as teaching a basic riding skill. Because the course is short in duration, the majority of the time spent will be on evaluation of the candidates’ abilities, rather than on training of the candidates in basic knowledge. Candidates are therefore expected to come to the course with a good understanding of mountain bike repair skills, basic riding skills, and some instructional ability. The instructor will evaluate each session, and their peers will provide feedback to the students.

The first part of the course will be devoted to discussion of the OMBI program, and providing some standards on methodology of instruction to the students. During the first series of seminars, OMBI candidates will present a short discussion on a topic such as selection of clothing appropriate to weather conditions, proper nutrition and hydration, planning and risk management for group rides. etc.. Part of the first day will also be devoted to site inspection and planning for outdoor teaching demonstrations which will take place on day two. This portion may be shortened if candidates are very familiar with the area. The schedule is flexible, and events can be changed to suit weather conditions.

The second day of the course will be devoted to demonstration of teaching and coaching skills: the candidates will lead their peers in learning a skill such as negotiating small logs, ascending or descending steep grades, or proper braking technique. The instruction by the OMBI candidate is expected to be directed at the level of a novice rider.

Candidates will be asked to physically demonstrate how to repair a flat rear tire, and to discuss the management of other repair problems such as drivetrain, shifting and brakes. A complete list of mandatory repair subjects will be given to candidates on the first day of the course, with demonstrations and discussions taking place on the second day.

Each candidate will be required to present a complete repair kit for evaluation. The kit should be suitable for managing the common problems encountered when leading a group ride or teaching a group of novice riders. The kit will by definition be more substantial than that which an individual would carry for personal use only.

OMBI candidates must have a minimum of Standard First Aid certification through a recognized training program (Red Cross, St. John’s, Ski Patrol, etc.). Proof of certification is to be provided at registration or on the day of the course. Students will be required to present their first aid kit for evaluation on the first day of the course. This kit should be suitable for treating common minor cycling injuries, and be of sufficient capacity for a group leader.

If you are interested in becoming an OMBI and have the necessary experience and qualifications, then a course registration form can be obtained from the OCA office.

For a list of courses please click here. Registrations must be received at least one week before the course date to allow course instructors/OCA staff to prepare resources and course materials. Courses with insufficient registration will be cancelled and all applicants will be notified one week before the course. Applicants can choose to attend a course on a later date.