My wife and I were travelling to Palm Springs. We were looking for a way to learn to how to ride a dirt bike properly. We are experienced street bike riders, but not familiar with dirt bikes. We took the two day ultimate course, and it was great.

We drove out a on the palm to pines highway (which is a fun, twisty road). Anza was easy to get to in about an hour. MotoVentures was just west of the casino, on the north side of the road.

The training area is ideal for learning how to ride a dirt motorcycle. They have a flat area for basic skill development (proper turning technique, braking, riding standing up, etc.). They have terrain for hill skills (how to handle your bike if you don't make it to the top of hill, riding sideways, turning, judging traction, etc.). Then they have terrain for some more advanced skills (riding in sand) and for some very fun trail riding.

Gary (and the other instructors, Brandon & Rob) are not just great riders. They are great instructors. They know how to explain the target skill, step-by-step. They can demonstrate and exaggerate the target skills. And they can watch you with focus on what you are not doing properly. Gary has written a great book, with high quality photos illustrating skills. The book is a fine example of his professionalism.

Food and beverages were provided at breaks and lunch.

We had a great time. Skill development, safety, and fun. It was the complete package.

PS. I wish how I could figure out how to link this review under "Palm Springs Things-To-Do", because it is close enough to count.

Kent and Sandi

My wife, daughters and myself attended a one day program in November. It was a fantastic day! My wife (47) and daughters (15 and 17) had never been on a motorcycle or dirt bike before. Gary and Rob (one of the instructors) were fantastic. The instruction was in-depth, fun, safe and moved along at the pace of the group. Within a few hours they were riding really well. The equipment is new, and very reliable. I had ridden a street bike for years and was in another group. Once again it was challanging for me, but that is what I wanted. It was a ton of fun. It was the highlite of our trip to California. They took a few breaks, provided lunch and snacks (which were good). They provide everything you need for the day. Come as you are. Before we arrived Gary spoke with us on the phone to ask us about our experience, fears etc. He was very supportive and made sure he knew exactly what we needed for a fun and safe day. We spent the night before in Temecula, and it was an easy 30-40 minute drive to Motoventures the next morning. The scenery is also beautiful in this area of California.

I've been to the California Superbike School and other great training programs, but MotoVentures was my favorite. Gary LaPlante and his guys are great teachers, and have first-class equipment, and have the perfect "riding ranch" for enhancing your skills, whatever level you're starting at.

Professional roadracers have taken lessons from Gary, so don't get the idea that you already know it all. You don't. I've been riding dirt and street since I was 12, and I learned a ton. Sometimes, you just need to *undertand* what your body already knows.

My son and daughter loved it too. The wife was too big a chicken, but she had fun at the local wineries!

Just do it. It may be the best few bucks you ever spend.