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 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
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
As a seasoned street rider, with 20+ yrs exp, riding everything from imports to Harleys, I figured there wasn't a whole lot of curriculum that would apply to me.... Boy was I wrong!!! I hired Mr. Jason Sherman to take me out on a private lesson. Wow, was I ever grateful. To Begin, Mr. Sherman was polite, professional, great at communicating and demonstration, and an all around pleasure to ride with. It amazed me, through his instruction, how much different the dirt from the street really is. In every exercise he was very thorough and helpful. He even helped me fine tune some of the control aspects of the Honda CRF 450x to fit me personally. From beginning to end, I had fun, and most importantly, learned valuable skills to keep the ride safe. I have already booked a follow up appointment for my next lesson! Thank you very much Dirt First and Mr. Jason Sherman.
-JD S. 40 / Marysville, WA
This class was phenomenal, and I believe that every dirt rider should be required to take this course. Going into this, I was incredibly nervous. I have never driven any motorized vehicle (except for a go-kart) before this, much less one with a manual transmission. The instructors took it slow, and by the end of the class, I was able to drive the bike (obviously), get over hills, turn a still bike around, brake hastily, go down hills, and use the clutch to modulate speed — all that in a day's work.
What truly amazed me, however, is when they pulled a student out of the group because they were struggling to drive the bike. She was falling over and over and couldn't get the hang of it. By the end of the day, she was able to drive the motorcycle. While she may not have learned as much as the rest, she got the basics. Believe me, if you saw how she was riding at the start of the day, you would think she was a different person by the end of it. The actions of the instructors show the dedication of these instructors and the fact that they indeed do this to help & educate others, instead of doing it just for the money. I would most certainly recommend this course.
-Erik V. 14 / Washington
WHAT AWESOME TRAINING!! (Yes, it is worth the shout out.) The trainers are patient and very knowledgeable, and their style of training bumped my skills up to the next level. I can now blip over logs!
I took a beginner to intermediate workshop that nailed down my basics. As a woman rider, the woman only workshop that I attended provided a very safe and fun learning environment. I recommend Dirt First to anyone from beginners to advanced.
-Jill O. /
Thanks to the guys from DirtFirst for bringing their amazing training to the Tourtech Rally. The course was perfectly balanced between verbal instruction and drills to instill great riding skills for us adventure riders on bigger bikes. When I went on my first major ride the next day, I could still hear Whitney and Jason's instructions and encouragement in my head for an awesome and safe ride. Check it out!
-Garth B. 53 / Vancouver, B.C.
My husband and I took the Advanced Skills (Level II) class together on July 14th and were so glad we took this class! This was a fantastic class and just what we needed to get to the next level to improve our techniques and skills. It exceeded my expectations! Jason was so patient, professional and passionate about teaching which made it so easy to pick up the new skills he demonstrated and helped us practice. He is an excellent instructor and easy to learn from. I highly recommend taking this class at least a few times. Can't wait to take the level III class when I am ready... hopefully soon! :)
-Irina P. 35 / Bothell
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 the 2022 Odessa 100 Clinic today. Amazing! I cannot express how impressed I was with Jason and his training. You can certainly tell that he loves what he does and he is great at it too. I hope to attend more training classes in the future.
Feeling exhausted yet super excited with the new riding skills I learned today.
I cannot thank you enough, Jason.
-Holly S. 53 / Odessa WA
Jason worked with me and my work schedule to get me out for a private lesson. Upon arriving he took the time to find out where I was at with my riding and where I want to go in the in the near future with it. Not only did he coach me through techniques and drills but explained the body mechanics of how the bike should respond to me and I should respond to the bike. He left me with awesome things to practice and how I can add challenges to the drills as I progress.🕺 Thanks Jason!
-Chad C. 38 / Leavenworth
Attended level 2 class. It was my first experience on dirt and it was fantastic. Instructors were positive and encouraging the whole time. I was particularly impressed with Jason's ability to explain the exercises in a variety of different ways so that they made sense to all the riders there, not just what to do but why to do it that way. The school bikes are nice rides, too. Wholeheartedly recommend training here for anyone who wants to learn to ride off pavement safely, efficiently, and enjoyably.
-John C. 39 / Redmond, WA
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
Hey guys, quick shout out after the Desert 100 class. Over the top instruction and communication. Ran the the 50 mile event on Sunday after the class. As fatigue sets in, the technical points taught, became the things I could rely on in all conditions. Great class, great job.
-Roger Z. 60 / Desert 100
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 took the ADV bike safety class a few months ago and have made an earnest effort to put the skills I learned into practice since that time.
I decided to post this testimonial because I'm earnestly astonished that my off-road abilities have improved so drastically after just 1 day of education and application of proper off-road technique. Today, I'm safely conquering terrain that would have sent me flying off my bike previously, haha!
1 caveat: the class is physically demanding, and it's a full day. Be prepared.
I'm looking forward to signing up for the next class in the series!
-Jake M. 49 / Tigard, OR