Probably have 100K miles on BMW plus several K on other bikes. Proves that any on with some mechanical skills can ride mostly on pavement, in a straight line, and fast. Switch to dirt and the game changes. A little late in life maybe to learn off road but I chose well. Jason of DBST did a fine job of keeping me on track and my head AND body in the game. Great demeanor, patience and skills. Even picked up my bike on a trail ride when the vegetation pulled me off the track : >}. I learned a lot. especially to practice practice on a lighter bike before taking my R1200GS on single track. I intend to be back to glean more confidence and skills. Thanks Jason.
-Dave 71 / Puyallup WA
Whitney and Jason are very skilled and patient instructors. They opened the door to the basic skills I needed for riding off-road. Renting a bike and gear made it safer and easier to learn. It was such an encouraging learning atmosphere that I took the clas a second time and learned even more!
-Sheri H. 43 / Renton, WA
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
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
Our 5 year old daughter Bryn took the beginner class with Jason. I can't thank him enough for his patience and excellent teaching skills. She's now hooked and has her own PW50 and can't wait to take another class.
Troy
-Troy H. 49 / Edmonds
The class I took was very worthwhile. Jason was the instructor and he is an excellent communicator and listener. I received some valuable techniques and he was able to troubleshoot some problems I was having with my riding.
-Paul M. 61 / Olympia 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 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
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
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
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
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
I've ridden street for over a decade, but learning how to handle dirt has always been high up on my list of aspirations. I couldn't have imagined a better instructor than Whitney. He was a patient and attentive instructor who adapted to each of his students' levels and progress, and not only showed us the hows & whats, but took the time to make sure we understood the whys.
The course site was perfect - comprehensive and well-maintained, with some fun little trails to zip through between lessons.
Highly recommend these classes for any skill level of riding.
-Benjamin 36 / Seattle
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've ridden street for over a decade, but learning how to handle dirt has always been high up on my list of aspirations. I couldn't have imagined a better instructor than Whitney. He was a patient and attentive instructor who adapted to each of his students' levels and progress, and not only showed us the hows & whats, but took the time to make sure we understood the whys.
The course site was perfect - comprehensive and well-maintained, with some fun little trails to zip through between lessons.
Highly recommend these classes for any skill level of riding.
-Benjamin 36 / Seattle
I had a fantastic private class with Jason. Having barely ridden a motorcycle for many years, I was looking forward to the class but nervous, especially on a large 450 bike. However, even the most basic initial instruction from Jason was enough for me to feel comfortable and confident right away, setting me up to enjoy and learn from all of the training exercises. I think Jason might be one of the best teachers/instructors of anything that I have learned, setting a mood for enjoyment and being professional but approachable. As well as being encouraging and patient, his explanations were clear, he was happy to thoroughly answer questions with deep knowledge and skill, and his demonstrations were incredibly useful. More generally the bikes and riding gear were perfect, and the riding area was well suited to a relative novice. Very impressed, thank you for a great experience DBST!
-Ro 36 / Redmond WA
