Our whole team went to race to El Salvador this past weekend (46 riders). The race was divided into two different events: those who wanted to participate in the Latin American Championship (2 days - which you should have attended as the racing level was very high) and those who wanted to participate in the Central American race only (1 day). At the end of the events, two of your students excelled, Felipe Vaca and myself. Felipe Vaca came in 4th in the Latin American Championship and I came in First in my category (Experts C). The amazing details of both riders were the following: Felipe Vaca had never raced in a Latin American event where the best of all Central and South America race, yet he came in 4th. I raced Experts C and not only was I the only race in my class to finish the race, thus taking the championship, but also beat all the other riders in my category in all the free zones, including all the riders in Experts A (20-30 years old) and Experts B (30 to 40 years old). I would have beat them in the overall, but some jerk instructed many of us to take the novice route and by the time we figured it out we had lost about 20 minutes.
 
I have to tell you that many of your techniques helped us excel, such as the 6 point riding technique, the flat corner riding position, the wheeling techniques and so on.
Sincerely Yours,
 
C. FELIPE DANZILO
Col. San Carlos, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Centroamérica

Hello Shane,

Thanks again for the amazing two day training! I know you will find this hard to believe (I would) but I was actually AT LEAST 3 times as fast this weekend than I have ever been… and I was in control doing it.  I was riding with riders of the AWRCS, and they told me I the difference in my riding is night and day from the 3 weeks previous (before your classes). I recommend your classes and DVD to everyone at any level of riding.

- Ryan

DEAR SHANE,
THANKS FOR A VERY INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL DAY OF TRAINING AT BRUSHY MTN.
WE HAD NEVER SEEN NOR CONSIDERED SOME OF THE TECHNIQUES YOU GUYS SHOWED US. OUR LEVEL OF TRAINING HAS BEEN RAISED FAR BEYOND WHAT WE EXPECTED THANKS TO YOU. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A TWO DAY EVENT IN THE FUTURE. A SPECIAL THANKS FOR BEING SO PATIENT WITH EVERYONE AND THE TIME YOU SPENT WITH my son. HIS CONFIDENCE LEVEL WAS REALLY BOOSTED BY YOU GUYS. 

THANKS, LARRY BOLLINGER

This school was the best money I ever spent in the twenty-five years of riding motorcycles.  It was an excellent experience and I would recommend this school for any rider. Thanks again for all you do for the sport.
-Christian Guerrero

Shane, Just wanted to say thanks; you picked Dylan up 200 times last weekend. This weekend Dylan finished 4th at his super cross and first in his hare scramble. Your school made the difference.

Jennifer and I really enjoyed the class last weekend. We now have a lot of new things to practice every time we go out riding.
I got my very first dirt bike in 2001, I was 36 years old. I liked it so much and got so excited that Jennifer got one too a couple of months later. 6 months later we entered the Elsinore GP, that was a little crazy but fun! Since then we have done a lot of things that we never thought we would/could on two wheels. Taking your class will help us improve our riding technique and help ride more technical single track in the mountains. This is what we love doing.

Overall Jennifer and I really enjoyed the class and learned a lot. We feel lucky that we got to meet you and Cole and learn from you both.

Thanks again for a great class and weekend!
Jennifer and Pierre Reynes

Shane,

A belated "Thanks" for your class on 10/8 and 10/9.  I'm a C class rider and I can't tell you how much I've improved in the 3 weeks since your class.  I've been practicing all the skills you taught and have realized, that like in any other sport, practice makes perfect. I especially appreciated the patience and attention that you all paid to all the participants! 

Shit Hots!

Hi Guys!  I hope the trip home was a safe one.  I just wanted to say thank you again for the weekend.  Nate said “that was the best weekend on my life” and those are the words mom’s and dad’s live for.
-Tammy and Nate Harsh
Elkins, WV

Shane,
I attended the school with three of my riding buddies. We all had a great time. I ride with these guys every week and I know their abilities. Following those guys later in the class I noticed drastic improvement in all three. It was really cool to hang with you and we enjoyed watching you ride. I appreciated the personal pointers you shared with me. We have all decided to incorporate your drills in our training. I have called several friends to tell them how much fun we had, so email me future schools in FL and I'll get them the info.

-Dan Lichtenwalter

Thanks again to you and Cole for a great weekend. George and I had a great time, even though our bikes started being a little temperamental on day two.
 
Both of us got a great deal out of the class and we can't wait till we go to our little mid week grassy area to start practicing some of the slow riding and wheelie techniques, (It's nice and soft to crash on), plus it's got a few good logs that we'll try and conquer.
Thanks again, look forward to taking the class again in another year or so.

Chris (and George) Edwards

Shane and Cole, 
Thanks for the great instructions, techniques, practice and critiquing our skills.  I thought you did a great job and were accommodating and friendly.  I like how you started us out on a free ride, to get us warmed up and the want to ride out of our systems (SMART).  
 
I know you have to make money, and flyer said 15-25 riders, but 26 riders to instruct, was too many to get the most out of the training.  I would have paid more money for less riders (15 Max) with more personal instructions. 
 
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed every minute of the school.  You did a good job with time management and the subjects you covered.  You confirmed that I was doing a lot of thing right, but I learned a lot of new techniques to practice. 
 
I am now 54 years old, I have been riding (on and off) since I was 12 years old, motocross in the good old 70's and started racing FTR Hare Scrambles and Enduros in 2005.  I enjoy riding and hope to ride far in the future.  Thanks for helping me be a better and safer rider.
 
Wishing you the Best mate!
Steven M. Krutsinger
Note: class sizes have now been reduced to 20 riders max.

Shane and Cole,
What a great class, you both take a very straight forward and practical look at the sport of off-road racing, my son Kody had a great time and learned alot. We road right after your class and he says that you have really given him a higher level of confidence knowing the correct body positioning and usage of his bike controls while attacking the obsticals on the trails, as apossed to just blowing through a section and hoping for the best. It is also comforting as a father to see my son riding as fast as he does through the woods with "quality skills" he has learned from such accomplished instructors like the two of you.  It was a very interactive class and you both were very patient with all of the students making sure everyone was able to complete every skill you taught.

Stay Safe!
Kirk Tolliver
Magnolia Texas

One of the biggest benefits to the riding school is having Shane pull you off the practice track and point out your body position and timing in and out of corners. I wish that I would have had the training in my youth or at the point that I starting competing”
Ed Ponikvar Vet A

Shane – I just wanted to let you guys know how much we appreciated the school this weekend. I knew that Blake would enjoy it and I figured that he’d learn a lot but I never imagined it would be as beneficial to him as it was. The instruction was great. The drills were well thought out and the repetition was helpful. Both of the kids left with a lot of confidence and a lot of goals to work toward.

Anyway, thanks again. I hope we can get you guys back down here next year or sooner!! Good luck to both of you.

Robbie Clark
Network Operations Director
A-Z Office Resource, Inc.

Shane and Cole - 
I wanted to thank the two of you for the excellent instruction Laura and I received at the Dirtwise school in West Point.  We both had a great time, and we both came a long way as riders.  You guys did a great job presenting the information, and Cole, you really earned your cut with those demos.  I would not have believed that downed tree was crossable until I saw you do it. 
 
I especially want to thank you both for how nice you were to the two of us; knowing we would likely be the least skilled people in the class, we were pretty nervous going in.  You guys did a great job of approaching us with the insturction and encouragement it took to keep us progressing.
 
Good luck to you both going forward, and I hope to see you on the trail someday.
Regards,
Brent McDade
Memphis, TN

Shane & Cole,
I had a great time at your school at West Point, TN.  I will recommend the school to anyone I know. I should have taken a class like this years ago. Also, wish I had put the new tires on before the class but that's life. Thanks for your patience and for hangin out with us at the RV's some. It was nice to get to know a little about both of you guys.   

Right O,
John Bowling

I wanted to personally thank you for the Texas riding School at the Outlaw Trax opportunity. I was thrilled to receive the most improved rider award, the Ironman sprocket arrived at my home a few days ago – thank you. I have also enjoyed the DirtWise CD, but as you noted you –must practice- the techniques. I have a practice routine and get to our trail head early so I can go through the techniques which I have written down. MX track on Wed under the lights also planned as there is a big flat areas and logs to cross.

o Safe riding – this is a highly valued perspective and was one of the key takeaways from the school
o Metal aspect – the ”positive can do” metal attitude that was preached is so vital – many times I was already beat or making excuses before I even got on the bike. Now I listen to my thoughts and change the negative to positive (which does take some work)
o Fear factor decreased – learning how the bike reacts in all types of situations (front tire skid, wheelie too, high, foot on arc) with practice prepares you instead of the Oh Sh*t! freeze up mode
o Forcing me to stand – it took a lot of mental and physical strength for me to stand up all the time (except in turns) during the school but I forced myself and my legs and back were surely sore for 4 days. I –was- a lazy sit down rider. As ya’ll noted, this would get more comfortable and natural with practice and indeed it has. I am not nearly as tired (still have to really think STAND however) now and am convinced that standing has significantly improved my overall skills
o Slow Race – new twist, to make it more interesting I make a trials course through the tight trees, in sand, etc and go as slow as possible.
o The best part is I actually lead our group of 5 back to the trail head last weekend – my friends were very impressed saying man you improved significantly, what happened to you? I couldn’t keep up. Mind you I was typically the last one in. I felt much more at ease and comfortable and actually following the faster guys they seemed to be riding slower. I am trying to get into that “zone” as I noted when I try too hard I over rev the bike, get sloppy, and feel as though I am going faster, but I am not. The smooth, thinking about the lines I will take, getting into the rut smoothly, weight back for breaking and of course standing and way forward (compared to what I use to do) pays off.
o And finally my riding experience has become more fun and enjoyable – what a hoot!

At 51 years old, I saw the myth busted as all dogs –can- learn new tricks!!!

Best request, with the highest appreciation and thanks!

Shane,
My children, Brandon and Spencer, attended your Dirtwise School in November hosted by the River City Dirt Riders.  They really enjoyed the weekend.  When they got home, they showed their Dad everything they had learned and set up a training course in the driveway.  They also went out and added a lot of obstacles to our trail so they could improve their skills.  It was really great to see how excited they were after your school.  
On December 8, we went to our first hare scramble since attending your school.  Spencer went out and WON!  Better yet, he won by over 2 minutes.  Amazing!  Spencer hasn't won a race in over 4 years.
Thank you for the opportunity to have my boys learn from you.  It was truly inspirational.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Tiffany St. John

DEAR SHANE AND COLE,  I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU ONE MORE TIME FOR AN INCREDIBLY AWESOME AND EXTREMELY INFORMATIVE WEEKEND. JEREMY AND SPENCER HAD A GREAT TIME AND ARE STILL TALKING ABOUT IT. SHANE, I'M SO GLAD YOU DIDN'T LET JEREMY SKIP OUT ON GOING OVER THAT HUGE LOG . THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME EITHER OF THEM HAVE ATTEMPTED GOING OVER A LOG OF ANY SIZE, AND THAT THING WAS HUGE! THIER CONFIDENCE LEVEL IS MUCH HIGHER THANKS TO YOU TWO AND DIRT WISE. MY CONFIDENCE LEVEL IN THEM IS ALSO MUCH HIGHER NOW, THAT THEY HAVE LEARNED THE PROPER SKILLS TO BE BETTER, FASTER ,AND MORE IMPORTANTLY SAFER RIDERS. THANK YOU.     
-YOUR FRIEND MARK.

Shane,

Your Dirtwise school is the greatest.  I can’t believe how hard you work to pull it off.  Steven and I had a great time and learned a ton of new stuff.  I thought I’d pretty much seen or heard it all in 40 years of off-road riding but you take it to a new level when it comes to understanding the sport.

I knew that we’d have to practice the skills that we learned in order to master them.  I was surprised, though, at the amount of information that I was able to put to immediate use.  Best of all is the immediate change I’ve seen in Steven.  You changed him in one weekend from a tentative rider who mostly stopped whenever he encountered a difficult obstacle into a confident off-road rider. 

We rode a local family/youth enduro last weekend which is run every year in the area that we normally ride.  Last year, the top 28 riders zeroed the score.  This year, they stepped up the speed averages so that nobody zeroed it.  On the first loop, they ran us through the roughest section at 24mph.  The end of the section was about 3 miles before the gas stop, so I decided to go on to gas and go back for Steven if he didn’t show up after a few minutes.  He caught up to me about a mile later!  I have never been so stoked in my life as when he came riding up and gave me the thumbs-up sign.  It turned out that he’d stopped to help a woman who’d fallen in front of him and blocked the trail.  He said he was able to get himself going again on the rocky uphill using his “Wattsy skills”.  They ran us through the same section at 30mph on the second loop and Steven finished it only 4 minutes behind schedule.

Thanks again.  We appreciate how hard you work to put on the school and are very impressed with the results. 

Cheers,

Mike

Just wanted to thank you so much for a wonderful weekend in Idaho City--we all had such a great time.  You were so awesome in explaining everything and really helping my sister out (YaJenne)--she had a blast!  It was very humbling for me--but I look forward to practicing the skills you taught and hopefully coming back next year much better  (I'm going to try to master my wheelie by then!!) I got a little frustrated at myself on day two with some (or I should say alot) of the advanced techniques but am going to work on it.  Although I started riding young, my hubby and I had about a 13 year break from riding secondary to med school and residency and 4 kids and we really only started riding again about a year ago--so the riding school was very helpful at this point in our life.  Thanks for all the words of encouragement for me and never once did you tell me my bike was too big for me (KTM 300)--I really appreciated that.  I know I'm short but think I can keep working at it and get comfortable on this bike.  I kept telling my husband it was worth the money just to watch you ride!!  You're awesome.  Good luck to you in all your upcoming events!!  Hope to see you next year back in Idaho!

Thanks again,
Necole Javernick-Hodges (and Bryan Hodges, YaJenne Javernick, Oty Berg, Kozmo Pender)

Shane, just wanted to say thanks for this past session, we had a great time, learned a lot and learned a lot about what we dont know, Dan had the time of his life and Syd is feeling a bit more confident, you are an excellent teacher and a humble man. Dan remarked that whenever you talked about "good riders" you always mentioned someone else, pretty sharp for a 12 year old kid. Good luck on the rest of your season.
Steve, Syd and Danny Kruse

Steve Kruse
General Manager/Mountain Operations
Timberline Ski Area

G'day Shane, our bikes are washed,the chains lubed & filters washed after yesterdays school at Mediden MC.  Janet & I want to let you know we think you class was the best riding school we've attended. And we've gone to a few. We loved the explainations of how and WHY for each technique, and how you would build each step upon the previous lesson. Now we're true believers about practicing the basics.  We wish you continued success with the school.  We will recommend it to everyone who wants to become a better off-road rider. 
Cheers, Glenn & Janet
 

The school was awesome. Watching you do a drill or section was a treat in it self but your detailed description of what you did and why you did it was worth all the money. I learned something during each of your talks. The line selection demo and talk was my favorite followed closely buy the rutted turn and downhill -- uphill where I tried something's I might not normally go for. Your stressing of the importance of practicing the fundamentals will be taken to heart by this student. You can plan on seeing me again and I will bring some mates too.   
Thanks for all,  Bill
 

Shane,
 
I just wanted to send a huge thank you to you for a fantastic two days of top quality riding instruction and practice at your Oct. 9-10 Dirtwise Riding School.  It was an experience I won't forget. 
 
During the two days, you took the time not only to show us how to do things, but thoroughly explain why we would want to do them that way.  When it came time to demonstrate, you showed how riders of various levels of ability could apply it within their own comfort zone (or only slightly above it), but you also demonstrated how not to do things, or the consequences that can occur.  And to top it off, you were down to earth and extremely patient with those of us who were having trouble getting some of the techniques down- I promise to work on my clutch-throttle issue.
 
I didn't expect to see so many young riders at your school, with 5 of our group of 12 being under 13 (I would guess).  I think you did a great job working with all the students, young and old, novice and advanced, slow and faster.  For my money, little Neil was the man, being 8 years old, and doing the same trail and drills on his 65 that the rest of us were attempting on much larger machines.
 
I know that I have come away from your school with techniques and drills that, with practice, will make me a much better, safer rider.  Thanks again for a great two days and a huge amount of knowledge.  Best of luck with your future schools.  Dana and I were already talking about coming back in a year or two for another session.
 
Jim Heffron
Brewerton, NY
 

Shane,
        Just a thank you from the Mooseknuckle crew. The feed back I've recieved from everyone was very positive, even the A and AA riders were more than happy with what they learned and the way the school was structured. I personally learned a ton having never had any formal instruction and have been riding on and off since age 5.
   I had a great time Tuesday afternoon trail riding with you realizing what a rare opportunity that was.
   To anyone unsure about the class, if you have the opportunity, regardless of your riding level, don't pass it up, Shane's a great teacher.

Thanks again,
Chris Page

Hi Shane,I left tenn. sunday without getting a dvd from you,I did however just order one from your website.I wanted to again thank you for your patience with my boys (Jake and Zach) and Donna.They all had a great time and learned alot.Jake told me sunday as we were loading up "Dad,this is the best weekend I've ever had,Thanks" Jakes confidence level is higher now than I've ever seen it.It truely was a great weekend for all of us,despite the poor weather conditions.  Donnas' shoulder is doing well, and we are looking forward to getting back to finish her school. Anyway thanks again and we look forward to hearing from you.        
                                                                    Best Regards,
                                                                                          John Sanford

Hey Guys,

 I woke up this morning and could hardly move.  But it’s one of those hurts so good type of thing.  I will be completely honest, I didn’t think I would get much out of this two day school.  The main reason being I didn’t know how a rider of your guys caliber could possibly bring it down and make it understandable to a rider of my caliber.  I could not have been further form the truth.  Basics.  I completely underestimated the basics.  In just the little time we got to practice on our basics I realized that not only are mine pretty dull, I saw immediate results taking it to the grass track or the hill climb, and especially ruts.  The format was excellent.  Shane you would explain everything so well and Cole you would show us exactly how to do it and not just show us slow it was at pace.  Not to mention the instant feedback I got by simply asking questions.  This school not only helped me this weekend but it is going to continue to help because my whole training routine is going to change.  I am going back to basics one day a week and hitting the trail to apply them.  Thanks again guys I really appreciate everything you have done.  Hope to see you guys out there.  Oh yeah and I hope you didn’t end up getting poison ivy on your neck Cole that would be a real bad place to get it!

       -Ronnie-

Also, to reiterate from previous feedback about the DirtWise July 11-12,

2008 school in CT. I was impressed with the positive results from the two-day training event. It really helped me get a better mindset for taking riding more seriously, becoming more proficient, stepping out of my comfort zone, and still having fun while doing it. I enjoyed the multiple attempts at running up the valley, twistin' it, shooting up the steep incline, hitting the log at the top of the embankment, and using the 180 wheelie

(semi-controlled) to blast down the hill to ride away clean... LOL...

Ah, the memories. The more time in the saddle (standing on the pegs) during both days helped me leave with a better feel for my bike and it's capabilities.

After the DirtWise school, I mostly practiced slow-riding skills (not much land around my house), and entered 5 different enduros. I took a 4th, 3rd, 1st, 1st, and 1st in C-VET class for the events... For the last of these races I even highpointed the C class. My 1st Highpoint and I was 10 points from the B-Vet competition!!!

I was stoked about the highpoint and within a few races this year I'll be booted into B Class which calls for a higher level of proficiency. That's why I'm asking about the camp.

Great times and best wishes to you and your family.

Thanks again and hope to see you on the trails too,

-Chris Ludwig-

Hey Shane thanks alot for the great time in Fountain, CO. It was amazing what we learned in the small amount of time we had. I look forward to working and using all of the skills we learned and using them to beat on my buddies.

Thanks again,

-Bo Rinehart-

Shane,

I had a great time!

I rode around the local riding area today. I can't say I didn't crash out as I usually push it beyond my tired point. I can say that I rode much much more in a shorter period of time! The few times I did crash I got going again pretty easily. The 90 degree wheelie and hill stop came in handy. The balance drills kept me standing in rutted uphills which would have previously forced me to go to the seat and get beat up.

I'm riding great! Thanks!

Bill
 

I have to tell you that since taking your school last year, my riding and confidence have been completely transformed. Not only did I get heaps faster, but I feel that I am much safer at speed and am prepared to handle some of the unknowns that come up in racing/riding situations. Thanks again!

Here's a pic of me on my way to 1st in the 30A class (9th overall including AA/Pro/A/B) in a local enduro/qualifier this weekend in San Manuel, AZ.

Cheers,

Dan Hayakawa

Hey Mr. Watts!  I just wanted to say thank you for the Dirtwise DVD's they helped me out so much. I bought your first Dirtwise movie back in 2007 when I was running 250C. In these two short years from watching your DVD's and learning from your style I have become a 250A rider and got 8th place overall this year and ended up winning the 250A championship. Your inspiration to me has lead me to pursue riding to whole new level by getting some major sponsors and support. I just wanted to thank you for the help you have given and the success of my career I devote to you and your help. Keep up the awesome work and you are really making a diffrence in the future riders of America.

Sincerly,

Tyler Macan # 8A