Ashley Prarie City 2011

Taking off

Ash is currently learning to use the clutch and getting better at it every time we take her out. It is always a new experience to use a clutch however I think it is an important thing to learn at any age.

Here we go

Here is Day One learning balance. She is going very slow very cautious.

Learning the Clutch

When teaching someone to ride a dirt bike, there are some basic fundamentals I think everyone should learn.

1.  You will Crash - Period -  As a person who rides dirtbikes, if you haven't crashed during the day you really didn't ride.

2. Learn to slow down - clutch, front brake 30% , back brake 22%

3. Not unlike snowboarding, Having some speed makes everything easier.

When teaching children I've found having a quiet bike that you can ride with them and talk over the top of it is a really nice way to teach them.

We can stop/start without much noise, I can give direction while riding next to her.  I don't want to bring the DRZ400 out and spit rocks, that will turn someone off of riding right away.  (as will jerks at public OHV parks) but that is another story.

Good bikes for learning off road

Following the DR200

Notice how she is able to watch me while she rides, I will over emphasize unloading the shocks, picking lines, etc.

I know many of us have learned "T-CLOCS" and other various methods while they are not terrible methods, they are more street bike based.  The big key with dirt bikes, if you have the gear wear it.  I've always thought the most important part of the apparel behind the helmet is the gloves.  You have a tendency to put your hands down when things go sideways.  Wear gloves.

Ashely on a motorcycle

A lot faster the next time round the track

Starting to push it now

This is building some cofidence in riding now.