What is Systemic Cycles?

Systemic Cycles is a set of tools to explore a bioregion by bike in a systemic manner. One key element is to move human-powered to internalize the experience of physically exploring a region. The systemic aspect is to interconnect and focus on relevant aspects of the bioregion, actors in the field of sustainability, water and energy flows, food and food production, sustainable economies, and in the best case starting points of regenerative development in this bioregion. By riding the bike we interconnect these nodes, we experience, sense, and learn. We interact, and, in a second state, become a co-designer and interconnector within the bioregion. Systemic Cycles evolves from an exploring to a weaving and activating “tool” for a bioregion.

Roles and skills

A Systemic Cycles weaving guide is a curious explorer, a skilled bike rider with an interest and background in sustainability and resilient design, and an experienced guide. The guide is aware of the complexity of leading a diverse group that is moving through a bioregion as weavers for regenerative futures, in a sporty manner. These are skills and aspects to develop, deepen and evolve within the Systemic Cycles weaving guide certification course.

Modalities beyond bicycling

While bicycles are the primary mode of moving due to their accessibility and the unique perspective they offer on interacting with the environment, there is value in other slow-moving practices like walking, kayaking, ski touring, and horse riding, depending on the place. These activities similarly promote embodied cognition and direct engagement with local communities and environments.

Benefits of becoming a Systemic Cycles weaving guide

Becoming an SC weaving guide offers numerous benefits, including new business opportunities, personal development, third-party certification and access to a global community of practice. Guides gain a comprehensive skill set that encompasses sports guidance, systemic design, and the ability to connect people, places, and projects toward resilient, regenerative systems. The certification opens doors to new tourist products, learning experiences, and a network of regional development actors, enhancing the guide’s capacity to contribute to bioregional economies.

Course structure and application

The certification course is a hybrid model, beginning with self-paced online courses and followed by a cycling week in the Venice lagoon bioregion, Italy. It includes virtual meetings, field trips, and post-trip mentoring, focusing on the application of SC practices. Applicants must have completed specific prerequisites, including cycling experience and partial completion of the ETH DRRS MOOCs. The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to plan and lead SC tours in their bioregions.

Dates and location

Application period: March 30 – April 15, 2024
Virtual course start:  April 29, 2024, 8-10pm CET (Zurich time)
Cycling week: May 5-11, 2024
Location: Camping Ca’Savio, Venice lagoon, Italy
Virtual course finish: June 30, 2024, 8-10pm CET (Zurich time)

Costs and logistics

The course fee: €3,000*
(theory classes, field trip organization, trainers, mentoring, and subscription to the LSL explorer database)
*for those who cannot afford these costs, please contact us to discuss how we can support you.

The participants cover the cost of travel to Venice at their own expense.

Approximate estimation of additional accommodation and food costs: around €600.
(There are various options for accommodation to choose from, including shared bungalows or personal tents, and hotel stays during the multi-day trip.)

Application

Send your documents as one .pdf by email to contact@monviso-institute.org, latest by April 15, 2024.

The documents should contain:

• a screenshot of your progress in the ETH DRRS Massive Open Online Courses MOOC#1 and #2 by the time of applying. At the start of the cycle week, MOOC#1 needs to be successfully passed and MOOC#2 needs to be done at least halfway
• a one-page letter of motivation, describing why you are applying for the guides course and what your goals with the new formation are
• a bicycle touring report showing substantial cycling experience at least over the last five years (free format table)
• proof of international health and accident insurance
• proof of personal/professional liability insurance
• proof of a first aid course (or of signing up for one)

More detailed information

Download a .pdf document with a more detailed explanation of the Systemic Cycles weaving guide certification course here.

Visit the Systemic Cycles website.