I have less than 200 miles on my first motorcycle and it was suggested that by a very experienced rider that I take Whitney's class at DBST.
I spent most of the day with Whitney yesterday, and I can say that Whitney is an unusually gifted instructor. We executed a series of drills, which were reinforced by a series of trail rides, which significantly scaled up my riding. I walked away with far better skills than those with which I walked in. I also walked away with legs that felt like jello and that continue to burn today.
I'm confident that whatever your level of riding experience the folks at DBST will be able to help you scale up. I look forward to returning with more questions after more real world experience and leveling up further.
We're very fortunate here in the general Western Washington area to have this great training resource so close by.
Gerry Z
-Gerry Z. 58 / Bellevue, 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 too feel the greatest benefit besides guided practice riding was that Whitney Koeberle was able to communicate and make clear the rationale for certain movements and actions. Smart animals like to have reasoning to go with our training Whitney provided both!!
-Deanna V. 45 / Seattle, 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
I had never been on a motorized bike before and I took the level 1 and level 2 with Jason and I think about everything I’ve learned when I am on the trails . The skills I have learned at dirt first have gotten me to a level where I can ride trails safely and have fun.
-Tia B. 49 / Everett
Great learning experience! It was awesome having the trail rides, then doing a couple exercises and being able to immediately apply the skills on the trail. Very cool see how you improved through out the day. Patient instruction and willingness to take the extra time to ensure you understand and do it correctly. Super fun day on the dirt bikes!
-CANDACE B. 26 / MARYSVILLE
My son (12) and I attended the class on Sunday. The instruction and training was exactly what we needed to get on bikes on our own. Such a great curriculum! Whitney worked with us on some great drills and is such a great resource. We are excited to get on the bikes and hit the dirt soon! Practice, practice, practice!
Thanks again,
Jim 44/ Brandon 12
-JIm B. 44 / Snoqualmie
If you’re a street rider and need more confidence and applicable skills to get more from your road rides, then consider getting dirty in one of these classes.
Not only will you hear plenty of relevant 80s references, like a VH1 flashback show, but you’ll be perched atop dirt bike seats as comfortable as an Olympic gymnastic balance beam. You’ll learn about “V Traction” techniques and proper elbow placement while your thighs burn as you push through practice drills and (thankfully) short, but fun trail rides.
You’ll soon discover almost everything you knew about riding a street bike is null and void if you want to ride in the dirt. However, don’t turn in your cruiser or sport bike just yet. The skills you learn are fully transferable back to your street ride and will also be handy if you decide to pursue more dirt riding.
Allow co-owner Jason to delight you with his tremendous depth and breadth of riding knowledge and real-world (ah, an 80s reference) experience. He’s demanding and detailed, yet incredibly supportive and very safety-minded…kinda like your grandmother with a mustache.
I recommend anyone looking to improve themselves to try a class with this group, especially if you like ballroom dancing. It’s an inside, but useful, reference so you’ll have to take the class to find our more.
-Matt S. 52 / Bremerton, WA
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 completed the 2-day ADV training class on my BMW 1250 GSA this past weekend and it definitely pushed me beyond my comfort zone, in a very good way. Day 1 was spent getting used to riding dirt in a controlled and safe environment. Jason’s coaching was hands-on, direct and very supportive. I left the day tired and sore but feeling good about my progress. Day 2 was a glorious sunny day riding forest service roads in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. There were some very challenging sections that Jason was able to coach me through when I was doubting my ability to make it. I made it to the top and was very happy I persevered and was able to complete the ride. I now have skills and knowledge that I can utilize both on and off the road that will make me a safer rider. I feel much more confident when my bike loses traction and I know how to react, and more importantly how the bike will react, in those situations. I highly recommend this course to anyone that wants to improve their overall riding skills and get more comfortable riding in the dirt.
-Mark R. 60 / Bothell
I have some street riding experience, but never took my bike off pavement. So I signed up for the class hoping to get taste of dirt riding and check if it is really as fun as it looks on Youtube. The course is really good - very well designed and taught, with each exercise is building on previous and being fun at the same time. At the end of the day I was much more confident, more relaxed and much faster. Jason is an incredible teacher, who can explain things clearly and provide precise and actionable feedback, he is also very supportive and his enthusiasm is contagious! %) I've had an awesome day and will definitely come back for more.
-Alex 37 / Bellevue
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
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 attended the Dirt First course at the 2017 Touratech Rally using their bike.
Unfortunately I didn't get to practice the techniques right away. I thought I may have wasted the course but I have recently done some dirt rides where the training kicked in and WOW.
My Dirt riding with my 2015 F800GS has improved dramatically. It's like I have a whole new set of tools to draw on when riding. The enjoyment level has gone up twofold.
Thank guys!
-Michael F. 65 / Joseph, Oregon
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
My 13-yr old daughter and a friend signed up for the 2-day camp in July. Jason is an amazing teacher, he is very knowledgeable and a great coach. My daughter said riding a dirt bike is much harder than she thought it would be but Jason made learning fun. He is direct in his approach without being intimidating and is very patient. I would highly recommend Jason and his school to anyone! Well worth the investment in time and money.
-Mike M. 55 / Bellevue
