Recommendations for Off Road Riding Schools

[R Doug]

I REALLY wanted to attend a Shane Watts school near my home, but the date does not work for me.  I *may* have the chance to attend a Shane Watts school later in the year in NC or SC.  But, it may be difficult for me to make those particular dates.  The thing I like about the Shane Watts school is the fact you ride your own bike.  But, that makes it difficult to attend one of his classes further than a day's drive from my home.

So, I'm looking at other off road riding schools.  My goal is to improve my enduro abilities.  I'm not looking for an MX school.

One school which I ran across over on ADV is the AdMo-Tours Dirt Bike Training near Las Vegas.  Besides, I can always use an excuse to visit Vegas.  Also, this school rents bikes out to students.  Plus.

http://www.admotours.com/rides/dirt_bike_school/dirt_bike_school.html

I would like to hear other's experience with the schools listed above or provide recommendations for other schools.  

[R Doug]

Well, I just sent an e-mail to heather at the Jimmy Lewis school.  From what I have read, it appears to be exactly what I'm looking for.

http://www.jimmylewisoffroad.com/

[Dan K]

Rich Oliver's Mystery School out west.  Great equipment, great instruction, awesome tracks - tracks of all kinds - for learning on.  Single track uphill, down hill, oval, banked, combos, jumps - it's a great place to learn dirt.

- Dan

[servicerifle]

Doug (and Dan) if you are reading my Cambodia report, wait 'till the end and you'll know why I'm in THIS thread.  (incredible timing, Doug!)

I want to do some more dirt classes, too.  I'll be back in the US in October and would love to do some intense training and trail riding while I'm on my vacation.  I'd also consider hooking up with someone from this site if their timeframe matches.  Ya'll let me know what you find out please.

Oh, and I would consider doing the BMW school in Spartanburg SC, but so far it looks like you MUST ride a GS (650/800/1200) on the course.  I'd rather ride a dirt bike.  Yes, I own a 1200GS.  That doesn't mean I want to do single track with it, lol!

[servicerifle]

Doug, I got something that might work.  PM me if interested.

[ST for me!]

Shane Watts' DVD's are a good start to work on fundamentals before ya get to the hands on stuff

[R Doug]

Shane Watts' DVD's are a good start to work on fundamentals before ya get to the hands on stuff

   got 'em.

[ST for me!]

Have ya ever hit any of the Hatfield McCoy trails down south? Your 530 would absolutely love it!

[R Doug]

Have ya ever hit any of the Hatfield McCoy trails down south? Your 530 would absolutely love it!

I plan on doing that and/or Burning Rock soon.  To date, I have not ridden those trails.

[ST for me!]

You'll absolutely love it, I'm heading down in May for my 7th or 8th trip, can't keep track. I've hit all the trail heads and would recommend Pinnacle and Indian Ridge, they now have a connector which will get ya around 200 miles of trail in one trip. Check out Ashland Resort for accomodations.  

[servicerifle]

I think I am going to go to the BMW school in Spartanburg.  I'd better start lifting more, so I can get that big GS up over and over again.  

[R Doug]

I think I am going to go to the BMW school in Spartanburg.  I'd better start lifting more, so I can get that big GS up over and over again.  

Just work on having a strong back.  

[servicerifle]

Yeah...


You know, I'm fairly convinced they are one of the best offroad schools East of the Mississippi.  I've contacted several others (including the one I referred you to) and never heard anything solid back from them.  I get the impression it is really more of a second job for some folks (probably is) and they do it when/if they want some extra money.  So, BMW puts the school on professionally and they obviously do a good job of it, but they require you to do it on a 1200/800/650GS.  The weights are 423/407/377 dry.  In some ways I could see being thankful of that 45 lbs being shed over the course of two days, but in others I reckon it would be fun to do my learnin' on a bike I already own and know well.  Either way, I think Spartanburg is going to be the direction I go.

Thoughts on the bike choice?

[Craigc]

I'm heading to the BMW school on 5 20/21. I ride a 1200GS at home so I thought riding one at a school would be the logical move so I could get the most out of the classes. I don't know if it will work out that way, but that is my plan. I'm riding down from MA and taking about 2 weeks for the whole trip.

[R Doug]

At the expense of some bruised (at the least) ribs and a gimp walk, the school has made me much more proficient off road. I can't wait to get home and work on my new skills!

[Huron52]

Please Doug.... tells us really how it was.  

[R Doug]

Please Doug.... tells us really how it was.  

It was well worth the time, money, and effort. Once I am back home and can type on something better than my iPad, I'll provide a brief report.


 

[kurtw]

Looking forward to the report!!

[R Doug]

Looking forward to the report!!

 



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