I've been a street rider for 15 years and got my first dual sport a few years back. I've done a little off road riding, but frankly I'm terrified of it. My husband thought this would help me gain some skills that would boost my confidence and make it more enjoyable. He decided he could probably learn a thing or two as well, so we took the level 2 class together.
First of all, wow! it's hard work! I learned so much from this class though! I think it was definitely a little harder since I've been a street rider for so long; there are a lot of things that are quite opposite between the two riding methods. To be honest, I was beside myself with anxiety; how many times am I going to drop my bike, how many people are going to be waiting for me, how frustrated are people going to be with my lack of skill, etc. But our instructor (the owner, Jason) was absolutely fantastic and so incredibly patient with me. There was no judgement from anyone and it seemed like everyone in our group was learning and having fun too. Even in our group of 8, which they considered large, everyone got some real personal attention and coaching. By the end of the day I was able to ride and actually maneuver in sand, which is something I've never been able to do - skill or confidence-wise. And my husband, who has done some pretty extreme off road riding learned a lot as well. The principles behind the teaching methods here are pretty spot on and I'm definitely excited to ride more now! I also believe it would be worth taking the class again to really master some of the skills learned here. I would recommend this operation to pretty much anyone interested in off road riding - there are 3 levels of skill courses, so there's something for everyone and you'd be amazed at how even just a little coaching can improve your riding. Thank you Jason!
-Lara D. 40 / Portland, OR
Our 10 year old Grandson took this class yesterday and we are still talking about the amazing experience. He did not want to stop at the end of the day and will not stop talking about getting on his bike to practice (like the "guys" told him he should do). He went from being very tentative to now knowing how to control his bike, brake, shift, get safely off a hill and on and on. We will be signing him up for more classes. The best way to describe what these guys offered is my favorite 3 P's: Pride, Perseverance, and Patience!
-Jayden R. 10 / Monroe, WA
I consider myself a seasoned off-road adventure rider, having dedicated considerable time to training and honing my skills. After relocating to Seattle, I came across DBST and promptly approached Jason for an advanced level course. To my surprise, he recommended the intermediate level instead. Though hesitant at first, I took his advice. Just an hour into the course, I realized Jason's assessment was spot-on. The day-long session was both challenging and enlightening. I picked up invaluable insights on handling and significantly enhanced my riding skills to use on my KTM 1190 Adventure R. Looking forward to more training opportunities with DBST!
-Renat B. 38 / Seattle
I took the beginners class with a couple of girlfriends just for fun and as something I’ve always wanted to learn. We were very apprehensive in the beginning, but Whitney was patient and encouraging. It was a fun and positive learning experience (which is all I really hoped for), and I am looking to schedule my next class as soon as possible! Next time with my kids after we purchase bikes of our own!
-Cristiana C. 39 / North Bend
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
Used to ride off-road motorcycles in the 70’s & early 80’s but had not been on one for 35+ yrs! Decided to give the Level 2 class a try with some reservations that I’d be holding the others up. But thanks to the spacious facility, well-designed curriculum and excellent instruction, it worked out just fine. I did the package wherein DBST provides the bike and all the equipment and was particularly grateful for the helmet - which helped hide the silly grin that otherwise would have been evident to all, all day long. Thanks, DBST. Heartily recommend your course to anyone looking to learn how to ride a bike; brush up on their skills; or take their riding to the next level.
-Dean H. 59 / Everett WA
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 have been riding street bikes throughout my life and have always wanted to learn how to ride dirt. I wanted to make sure I had quality training and Jason came highly recommended. I was short on time and wanted to maximize how much I could learn, so I opted for a 1:1 lesson.
In short, I could not have been more impressed with Jason and his entire operation. Every detail was entirely professional - from the grounds, to the classroom instruction, to the on-the-bike training, down to the immaculate way Jason and his team take care of their gear. It is clear why so many people turn to this program.
Jason is a master - he communicates clearly, give cues that make the technique click,
provides correction patiently, and uses analogies to dance, sport, and everyday life that make you connect to the training. Plus, when you watch him ride you realize how effective the techniques can be.
Jason lit the fire in me. I have the bug. And I’ll certainly be coming back. Thanks team!
-Max B. 37 / Marysville
I took the Level I and II courses a month into learning to ride, and, a year later, I can say they were the best thing I did to improve my riding. The clear instruction combined with the controlled low traction environment reveal so much about the fundamentals of good riding (lean angle, body position, traction management, ...). Also, the dirt experience prepared me to turn down fire roads and rip on some fun light adventure rides.
I took Level II again a year later as a refresher / skill assessment. Definitely worth coming back to the course more than once as so much is covered and the instructors will find ways to push you.
Also, it's just plain fun. Friendly atmosphere. Small class sizes. A single track course with swoopy turns and just enough sticker bushes to keep your adrenaline up.
-Marc 33 / Seattle, WA
I've been riding street for over 35 years. In a cross country trip a couple years ago I ran into a couple young men in a small Utah town riding the TAT... After talking with them I had a new bucket list item. But then I knew I'd need to learn some new skills and chance my riding style significantly.
I started with the intermediate class and it was freaking AWESOME!! I learned so much and gained a crazy amount of confidence. Not only with the dirt bike but also with skills that carried over to street riding. I will be going back a few more times over the next couple years ago when I head out on my big adventure in 2020 I can do it with confidence.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!
-Jennifer P. 52 / Castle Rock
Our 10 year old son begged us to let him ride a dirtbike for quite awhile. We were hesitant, especially since neither my wife nor I have any experience riding. Jason and Whitney are great. They are super knowledgeable and friendly!! They truly enjoy what they do and it shows! The lessons our son has taken with them have been terrific. We now have a dirtbike addict in our family. We would highly recommend Dirtbike Safety Training here in Washington!
-Josh C. 44 / Seattle
My 13 year old daughter and 9 year old son LOVED their first experience dirt biking last weekend with Jason and Whitney! They both have been mountain biking since they were little but my oldest was begging to get on a dirt bike :). Both instructors were awesome at gauging the individual kids' progress throughout the day (there were three kids total in the class) and they moved at the perfect pace for each, especially with my son who is definitely more of a visual learner. They were extremely patient, encouraging, personable, and professional. I was so impressed with how much the kids learned in one session--it was so fun to watch the kids riding around with ease by the end of the day. I would definitely recommend and am confident we'll be coming back for more soon!
-Carol F. / Sammamish
I've been riding street bikes for about 15 years with limited off-road experience. Recently, I've been interested in doing more off-road/dual sport riding. I took the Level 2 course and it was awesome!
It was a small group (3 students) with lots of individual instruction from Whitney. The supplied gear and bikes were nice. The course and trails are fun and Whitney's a great instructor. Definitely a great experience and I'd highly recommend it to others looking to develop their off-road skills/techniques.
-Andrew K. 36 / Seattle
I was thrilled to learn about DBST after riding off road for 10 years without feeling I had a fundamental approach or technique. My 11 year old son and I took the Level 2 class with Jason, and we had a blast. The curriculum specifically addressed exactly what we both needed to smooth out our riding to improve endurance, speed and fun. It felt like every exercise unlocked another mystery, and we both can't wait for opportunities to practice these concepts and come back again.
-Ben A. 46 / Bellevue, WA
I've been riding street for about 10 years and my wife for about 4. We didn't pretend to know anything about riding in dirt before this class and we learned a great deal! Focus on fundamentals and body positioning made all the difference in feeling confident and capable on a dirtbike. What a perfect way to celebrate my birthday and walk away with some very valuable skills - I'll be back! Thank you very much Jason!!!!
-Gabe A. 29 / Kent, 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
