This unit applies to off-road cycling guides who are responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating off-road day cycling tours for groups of participants. This unit also applies to leaders working for outdoor education or adventure providers; volunteer groups; not-for-profit organisations or government agencies.

SISOMBK302A Apply advanced off-road cycling skills

SISONAV302A Apply navigation skills in an intermediate environment

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan an off-road cycle tour for participants.

1.1. Conduct relevant assessments to determine the conditionofparticipants.

1.2. Develop a tour plan according to participant's needs, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Select an off-road cycling route to suit abilities and group objectives according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Identify potential hazards and obstacles associated with off-road cycling and procedures to minimise risks.

1.5. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information and determine tour plan.

1.6. Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the tour.

2. Select and check equipment.

2.1. Select off-road touring bicycles and equipment according to contextual issues, organisational policies and procedures, and proposed cycling conditions.

2.2. Perform routine pre-departure checks on bicycles and equipment, and correct any deficiencies.

2.3. Check safety and repair equipment to ensure suitability to the group and the off-road cycle tour.

2.4. Ensure bicycles are adjusted, in good working order and suitable to participants and the off-road cycle tour.

3. Brief participants.

3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the off-road cycle tour in a manner suitable to the participants.

3.2. Outline logistical details and safety procedures for the tour.

3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use during off-road cycle tour.

3.4. Inform participants of procedures in case of separation from the group according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.5. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the off-road cycle.

4. Lead an off-road cycle tour.

4.1. Evaluate cycling conditions and provide direction and advice to group during the off-road tour.

4.2. Monitor individual and group progress, including cycling posture, techniques and rate of travel appropriate to conditions, and provide ongoing feedback.

4.3. Monitor variable factors and implement appropriate modifications to tour.

4.4. Respond to any emergency or non-routine situation, according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.5. Conduct routine and non-routine bicycle maintenance checks and repairs in the field.

5. Complete post tour responsibilities.

5.1. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.

5.2. Evaluate relevant aspects of the off-road cycle tour.

5.3. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan an off-road cycling tour that meet their needs

convey information about the safety and logistical aspects of the tour

interact with participants to create a safe and positive environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan suitable off-road cycling tours according to participant's needs and abilities

make decisions about potential hazards, obstacles and risks that may affect tours

conduct pre and post tour checks and maintenance on bicycles

modify aspects of tour according to all variable factors and non-routine situations

planning and organising skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate equipment and location with suitable route

organise participants into manageable groups for off-road cycling

language and literacy skills to:

produce a plan for the cycle tour

complete post-tour participant and self evaluations

first aid, maintenance and emergency response skills appropriate to off-road cycling to enable initial response in emergencies.

Required knowledge

legislation and organisational policies and procedures and rider etiquette to enable safe conduct of all off-road cycle touring activities

minimal impact cycling codes to ensure protection of the environment

location specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential hazards and any special restrictions applying to the area

equipment and bicycle types, construction features, characteristics and technology used for off-road cycling

personal and protective cycling gear and the design and or construction features that make it appropriate for off-road cycling activities

maintenance tools and spare parts to conduct routine and non-routine maintenance checks and repairs

communication methods used between cyclists and motorists

off-road cycling techniques used according to different terrain and gradient

hazards, obstacles and risks associated with off-road cycle touring and how to negotiate these

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the activity

principles of nutrition to maintain health and energy during the cycle tour

emergency and first aid procedures relevant to the location to ensure risk minimisation to self and others.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

plans within activity constraints and guides and monitors groups in a safe and professional manner

applies contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems or variable factors that may arise during off-road cycling tours

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure the safe guiding of groups in off-road cycle touring activities in locations with suitable terrain to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

an off-road cycling location with suitable terrain to guide participants

participants to take part in off-road cycle tour

off-road cycling, navigation, tools, spare parts and safety equipment

resources and information regarding participants and location to plan, guide and document off-road cycling tours for a variety of participants.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of planning and guiding processes and interacting with participants, including conveying information for safe participation

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge and application of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of all off-road cycling activities throughout tour

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

review of off-road cycling tour plans

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Guidance information for assessment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Condition of participants may include:

previous experience

physical development

age

injuries and illnesses.

Plan may include:

aims and objectives

date, time and duration

location, route, equipment and resources

safety and emergency requirements.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use and maintenance of bicycles and equipment

communication protocols

assessment procedures

time and budget constraints

confidentiality of participant information

code of ethics.

Group objectives may include:

self improvement

meeting people

fitness targets

adventure and recreation.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Obstacles may include:

bridges

water

tree branches

bumps

depressions and pot holes

drainage grates.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment and course failure.

Relevantsources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

media

land managers or agencies

coastal patrol or coastguard

volunteer marine rescue

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Food and water requirements may include:

menu planning and preparation

range of foods.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

individual food requirements and allergies.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

Bicycles may include:

off-road bicycle

hybrid bicycle

mountain bikes.

Equipment may include:

safety and first aid equipment

navigation equipment

tools and spare parts

in-field repair kit.

Relevant information may include:

logistical details

risk and hazard prevention and management

off-road cycling techniques

responsible and safe behaviour.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather

equipment failure

cycling conditions.

Maintenance may include:

brake checks and adjustment

gear checks and adjustment

wheel alignment

chain lubrication

tyre pressure

seat and handlebar adjustment

bearing adjustments

bottom bracket replacement

tube replacement or repair

tyre replacement

cleaning

chain replacement

cable replacement.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques:

rescue techniques employed.

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation

This unit contains employability skills.