I have been riding various street (Harley's, BMW GS, etc.) for the past 10 years, watching the dirt bikes and dual sport scene from the sidelines. I finally made a goal this year to do WABDR, picked up a new bike and started hitting local fire roads. I quickly found that my pavement skills didn't translate to dirt/gravel/rocks, and I was incredibly uncomfortable. Even had a couple incidences that could have ended up really poor. I decided it was time to put the ego aside and get some proper instruction when I found dirt bike safety training.
Fast forward to today, and what I got was the best - and most personalized - instruction I've ever had. Jason and his team are amazing. I learned more in 6 hours than in the past 10 years of riding. I have no doubt this has put me 6 months ahead of where I'd be at learning on my own. The class has an excellent progression of skills, that all build off of the previous skill learned. Riding position on dirt is completely different, and I walked away from today much more confident on dirt than I had ever hoped. Can't wait to come back.
-Travis G. 37 / Snoqualmie, WA
I rode on the street for about 15 years total and then hit the dirt. Many crashes later, I went to the intermediate class at Dirt Bike Safety Training. Jason and Whitney were excellent and although at first I didn't completely understand why we were doing some things the way we were, I definitely do after getting back out on trails. I took the skills I learned and expanded them into other skills. Huge difference in riding ability! Huge!
-Abraham W. 42 / Arlington Wa
Rode the Oct 2016 training course with Cody Webb, Jason and Whitney. These guys where great to work with, between their descriptions and technical advise pointing out body position, brake , and throttle control. It was awesome seeing how cody pull off going over large tires ,rock sections, and the endurocross track. He made it look effortlessly.
The new skills I learned helped me understand my bad riding habits, and a new derection in what I need to do to better my skills. These guys took the time with each of us on what we could do better. Once we started getting the hang of it. I was rewarding and the enthusiasm from the coaches kept us all wanting more. By the end of the day my skills improved and I now know the proper technics to better practice, and grow in off road riding. I'll be back for more training..
-Aaron R. 45 / Olympia, wa
I attended a level 2 course. What a great learning experience! I am really glad I took this course. Jason is an excellent instructor and Ben was right there to help. Both were encouraging and good communicators. If you are considering getting training from this company--do it! You will learn a ton and you will hear "elbows up" a lot, especially if most of your riding was on street bikes. I am moving to more off road riding and this class was an excellent way to build some foundation.
-Jeff R. 60 / Issaquah Wa
I am a beginner motorcyclist with no experience whatsoever. I took the level 1 class on a cold and rainy day and as I got there I wasn't sure how I was feeling about it. At the end of the day I can truly say that I have enjoyed this class and left feeling more confident. Jason was very patient and knowledgedable. I would definitely go back for level 2. I highly recommend this class!
-Karine C. 47 / Burien, WA
I attended the intermediate class on fathers day, with the company of my boyfriends dad! We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We learned so many new techniques, and especially as a new rider, learning the correct form of your body positioning was a huge help!! I learned so much about riding in general!
I would definitely take this class again, and I highly recommend it to anyone that is a brand new rider or even with 10 years of experience!
-Sonya S. 23 / Everett
I'm normally a rider in the middle of the pack, not the fastest, but I can handle pretty much any type of single track. Went into the level 2 class expecting to learn a few tricks, maybe a new way of doing something, at the least I'd have a fun day on two wheels, but what could I really learn, right? Boy was I wrong, way wrong, well I still had a great day on my bike, but I couldn't believe how many things I was doing wrong.
From the start it was obvious the instructors where excited to help, and fully vested in your learning and saftey. Every drill we ran was designed to build confidence, slowly adding things to make your riding base better. Can't wait to practice more and use what I've learned. I'll be taking the level 3 class later, can't wait to see what improvements that will bring!
-Cassidy S. 38 / Tulalip
Thank you Lisa and Jason.
I learned a ton and have lot’s to work on. It was a worthwhile class and your teaching skills are great, especially the “Carlton Dance”.
Thank for a great weekend.
Matt
-Matthew W. /
Jason
Thank you for the training. My desert race seemed much smoother as my turns/corners went better. I heard your voice telling me to keep my elbows up and sit forward. I still had some get offs but I believe they were due to me getting tired. Not a fast time as I rode with a first timer (granddaughter) but we both got the “I finished” t shirt. Will be in touch for more training for my wife. Take care
-Mike C. 66 / Clarkston, WA
HOLY MOLY - This training was exactly what I needed - the hands-on trail riding was the best! Instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and really listen to what you are asking - not to mention giving advice when needed. After taking this class, I was able to apply and carry forward the "dirt concepts" onto my R1200 GS and conquer the first section of the WABDR with no problems! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! ;)
-CINDY 47 / Port Angeles
Took the ADV class with Jason. I thought it was better to learn on my Africa Twin, since that was what I would be riding. After watching me ride it for a few minutes, Jason recommended trying a few things on a smaller bike. I was immediately more comfortable and confident. I elected to stay on the smaller bike all day. I recently went on a ride with my Africa Twin and found the training I received on the smaller bike was immediately transferable and made me a much better and more confident rider. Thanks to Jason and his training.
-Mark S. 59 / Puyallup
I recently purchased an adventure bike and was looking for an introduction to off-road riding, I participated in the level 2 class this past weekend in Marysville. I have ridden a road bike on and off for a handful of years but had never even sat on a dirt bike before this class.
The lead instructor was Jason and the second instructor was David, both exceptional riders and great teachers. Jason taught the level two class, made up of 7 or 8 students of all different shapes, sizes and abilities. The class and all of the lessons were useful to each and everyone of us. Each of us tested our abilities and I think we all felt greatly improved by the end of the class albeit each a little humbled.
Off road riding is difficult and this class showed me how little I knew of it. I hope to be able to practice riding over the next 6 months or a year and then take level two again to further improve and add to the skills I am building.
Jason as a teacher was extremely likeable and while demanding of the students, was always there to applaud and reinforce the students as they succeeded and/or improved.
I rented the bike from them, which I would highly recommend, they have a variety of sizes of bikes and made sure to have everyone on an appropriately sized machine. The bike they assigned me was in great shape and clearly well taken care of.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the class and thought both Jason and David were great instructors, I'd be happy and lucky to take another class with either of them and will definitely be returning to Dirt Bike Safety Training in the future for more lessons.
-Keith M. 40 / Seattle, WA
I did the Level 1 Course with Dirt First and was honestly a bit nervous before arriving. I had always just been a passenger and really wanted to see what it was like being in the driver seat for a change. Having zero and I mean zero knowledge of the most basic workings of a bike, I thought I wouldn't accomplish too much my first try. I couldn't have been more wrong!! I arrived not knowing where the clutch was or how to turn on a bike and left with experience in shifting, braking, body positioning, slow and stand up tight turns. The most valuable thing this dynamic duo gives you with this course aside from the vast knowledge and tips is safety, from the start and in every facet of what you learn with them. I have already signed up for another course. Thank you guys!!
-Ashlee . 34 / Seattle
Jason & Whitney got me into the level 2 class at the last moment. I’ve ridden and raced road bikes for many years and knew that rocks, ruts and hillsides were not on an equal footing with me. They definitely had the upper hand. After a fairly intense 6 hours of training Whitney was able to elevate my performance to an equal with those obstacles by teaching us the techniques to read the terrain, pick a track and execute that track. Now with practice on my own and further training I will get more comfortable and enjoy off-roading all the more. Be aware you’ll remember how much fun you had from your day with Dirt Bike Safety Training. Because, if like me, your quadriceps will be talking to you for a couple days afterwards, bringing a smile to your face again. And I highly recommend riding their motorcycles so you can focus on learning and not worry about scratching and denting your motorcycle. I road my GSA home as shiny new as when I got there. Did I mention I’m 71? Go for it!
-Larry W. 71 / Gig Harbor
Attended a class in the spring at another training field with Whitney and Jason. I credit Whitney with getting me to ride an obstacle I hadn't dared to tackle in 2 years of seeing it. That day at least a dozen girls rode it ahead of me without even blinking and I couldn't even get close to it. When I asked Whitney to take a minute and spot me on it just 1:1, he took the time to break away, gave me a few pointers and voila, of course, I did it just fine. That in turn enabled me to try bigger and harder things that again I'd never ridden. A lot of knowledge and skill behind the coaching, and also a big heart and desire to see you succeed. If you want to get to that next level, go train with these guys. I highly recommend them! !
-Motoflicka /
Patience, Expertise, Fun, Challenging.....instructor was top notch, the facility had plenty of room and varied obstacles....overall HIGHLY recommend. I did LEVEL 2 class and have only seriously been riding for about 8 months, greatly improved my skills. Just fueled my new passion even more!!! Braap ON!!!
-Nelson T. 52 / Tulalip riding center
