Riding a large dual sport or adventure motorcycle the way we see them being ridden in the marketing videos is out of reach for the majority of us, however with the proper instruction, practice and coaching we can enjoy riding big bikes on trails, dirt roads or into the back country.
I am always looking for ways to improve my own skills and help others improve theirs too. I’ve trained with the best; from the folks at the BMW Performance Center to Dirt Wise, a program set up by a multiple time world enduro champion, both of which I highly recommend. I enjoy track days and take every opportunity I can to ride and chat with better riders.
I decided to become a professional rider coach after teaching my boys how to ride. The experience was successful, but I felt I could have done better. I signed up for and completed the training to be an MSF Rider Coach. I enjoyed teaching new riders the basics and to this day I believe there is no better course for a new rider than the MSF Basic Rider’s Course. The training to become an MSF Rider Coach has proven to be very valuable, both in coaching and in everyday life as well.
I offer one on one or small group (up to 3) coaching for riders with experience on pavement but want to start riding or become more comfortable riding off pavement. The physics of riding pavement, dirt, gravel, snow or mud are the same but the control inputs are, in some cases, opposite. This is much different than a group class because unlike the group experience everything we do is tailored to meet our goals.
A typical training day starts with a conversation about the goals for the day and any issues the rider would like to focus on. We then have a casual warm up ride on pavement or a residential dirt road to a large gravel lot. We’ll do some cone drills in the morning, take a break for lunch and then dirt in the afternoon, looking for opportunities to use what we practiced before lunch. Everything from the drills, the lunch spot and the afternoon ride are tailored to the rider.
Unlike a group class at a dedicated facility when you do an exercise, you don’t have to wait for the other riders to take their turn. I am focused on you alone verses one eye on you and one on everything else. In the group environment making progress can be a challenge vs one on one where coach is focused on the rider and repetition is immediate. My riders get more coaching, more tips, and more information in one day of one-on-one coaching than most riders get in a two-day course, while saving time and money.
I offer coaching out of my camp in Chester, Vermont. A full day is priced less than many multi day group courses. An added benefit is before we’re done, we’ll be out riding on natural surfaces using what we practiced.
If you would like more information or discuss open dates, please send me a note.