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 14 / Washington
I had such a great time, and learned so much! Jason and Whitney are such amazing instructors, they are very patient and like to work one on one when your struggling. Going on the trail before you learn the skills in the middle and at the end really helped to see my progress, thanks so much for a great time and new skills to keep me safe!
Chelcey 20 / Tulalip
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 52 / Bremerton, WA
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 40 / Marysville, WA
I had a great time learning a lot of new information to help transfer some of my "seasoned " street abilities over to off road. A very humbling experience ; ) but that is exactly why I decided to take the Level II class to gather more information and experience to become a better/safer rider while out on my adventure rides. Our groups instructor Jason was very hands on, informative, encouraging making sure everyone understood the principles that were being taught! I will definitely be looking forward to the next class that I will be able to take.
Gary 58 / Tulalip
Hi Jason and Whitney! I took your level 2 class on 4/29, and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. Though I had ridden on the street for 30 years, I had never been off-road. I was leaving for an 1,100-mile motorcycle tour in Morocco two days after the Dirt First class, and knew it would include about 10% off-road riding, so I hoped your course would at least give me the basics to be able to participate fully in the tour. Well, it did much more than that. I was not only able to do the entire trip confidently, I even was able to give a fellow novice off-road rider a few tips on how to navigate turns while seated or standing, side hills, and so on! I am so grateful for the expertise that you imparted, and I am 100% sure that it made the difference for me to be able to experience all of what the tour had to offer. In fact, there were several times where I simply could not have continued the tour, had I not had the skills that I acquired at Dirt First. I hope to be back soon for more practice with you, and thank you again for the great day! Best, Ben
Ben 47 / Washington