Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bring my own bike or ATV to the training course?
- Where is the course located?
- Does the course run rain or shine?
- Can I be in the same group as my friend?
- How do I know what gear I'll need?
- At what time does the course start and end?
- Do you train absolute novices?
- How old does my child have to be to train with you?
- Do females take the course?
- I have been riding for twenty years. Can you teach me anything?
- I have never ridden before. Will I be in the same group as people who have riding experience?
- Which bike will I ride at the course?
- Can I pay when I get to the course?
- Who is responsible for damage to the equipment?
- Can I watch while my child is being trained?
- Can I help teach?
Can I bring my own bike or ATV to the training course?
Yes but, it must meet the requirements. For trail use your vehicle must have ownership and insurance, a green or blue license plate, current OFTR, OFATV or OFSC sticker and a quiet exhaust pipe.
Where is the course located?
The main training site is one hour's drive north of Canada's Wonderland. Please check out our Main Training Site Location and Directions pages for more information.
Does the course run rain or shine?
Yes! The course runs rain or shine! In fact, off-road riding is enjoyable in the rain: There is no dust, the traction challenges actually help teach control, and you don't have to do the laundry.
Can I be in the same group as my friend or family member?
Yes, you can be in the same group as your friend or family member, provided you both have the same riding experience level and you both are in the same age group. However, you cannot ride together if separating you would maximize the groups' learning potential, safety or enjoyment. For full-day students, after the initial morning lessons we often join up with parents or pals for a nice easy trail ride.
How do I know what gear I'll need?
We will provide full, warm snowmobile gear and the safety motocross gear for spring, summer and fall riding.
At what time does the course start and end?
Our full-day sessions start at 8:30 AM and end at 3:30 PM. Lunch is at 12:30 PM, with breaks scheduled before and after lunch.
Do you train absolute novices?
Yes, we do train absolute novices. And, in fact, most of our students have never ridden before. Our staff are very experienced with teaching novices. Most of our adult staff also teach at the Humber College Rider Training or at the Rider Training Institute
How old does my child have to be to train with you?
For a child to ride motorized vehicles we recommend that the child should be at least six years old and that they must be very good at riding a bicycle. Visit our Tips From the Pros (Off-Road Motorcycles and Children) for more information on children riding motorcycles.
Do females take the course?
Yes! Females of all ages and experience levels enjoy great success at our course. If you are thinking of joining a significant other who is already into motorcycles, then our training is a fun, non-intimidating way to learn from professionals (we do not recommend that your loved ones teach you how to ride).
I have been riding for twenty years. Can you teach me anything?
Absolutely! If you are a street rider, off-road terrain training will greatly enhance your control on pavement, especially when pavement traction is challenged (for example, gravel has been dumped on the road by a truck, when the pavement is wet, etc.). Collision-avoidance training (such as emergency stops) on grass or gravel will help you develop a feel for traction and slide control.
I have never ridden before. Will I be in the same group as people who have riding experience?
No. We assign students to groups of similar ability, age, and style of vehicle. For example, children who are on bikes with no hand clutch will be in a different training group from children who are tall enough to ride a motorcycle with a clutch.
We also assign groups according to the perceived skill acquisition rate. Most adults will take a little longer to learn shifting or climbing hills than their teenage children! Fear or a little intimidation will slow down the student's learning rate, so we try to group folks together according to a fun, non-intimidating lesson flow.
There is no test at the end of our course. We are happy as long as you are having fun, learning and are safe. Our most common coaching tip for teens is "slow down, you don't need so much throttle to climb the hill." For adults, we sometimes have to remind them that the gas is the control on the right: "You need to give it a little more throttle to get up the hill."
Which bike will I ride at the course?
We will select the appropriate motorcycle or ATV for you according to your rider profile (experience, riding level, age and height). If you want to train on a high-performance bike, such as the Yamaha WR 250, then you are welcome to do so if we feel that your experience level matches the skill demands of the bike. The performance bikes carry a premium for you to train on them.
Can I pay when I get to the course?
Yes and No. Our course is very busy, with a high demand for training. We can only confirm bookings for paid registrations. Payment can be made by phone with Visa, or by mailing a cheque to us. Or you may hold your reservation with Visa and pay cash on the day of the course. We have a 48-hour cancellation policy in place.
Who is responsible for damage to the equipment?
You can purchase optional damage insurance for some of our vehicles. Others require a damage deposit. See our Pricing Tab
Can I watch while my child is being trained?
Yes. We recommend that you watch while we train your child, especially if the family is considering buying an off-road vehicle.
Can I help teach?
No. Thanks for the offer, but we love your non-vocal support.
Yes but, it must meet the requirements. For trail use your vehicle must have ownership and insurance, a green or blue license plate, current OFTR, OFATV or OFSC sticker and a quiet exhaust pipe.
Where is the course located?
The main training site is one hour's drive north of Canada's Wonderland. Please check out our Main Training Site Location and Directions pages for more information.
Does the course run rain or shine?
Yes! The course runs rain or shine! In fact, off-road riding is enjoyable in the rain: There is no dust, the traction challenges actually help teach control, and you don't have to do the laundry.
Can I be in the same group as my friend or family member?
Yes, you can be in the same group as your friend or family member, provided you both have the same riding experience level and you both are in the same age group. However, you cannot ride together if separating you would maximize the groups' learning potential, safety or enjoyment. For full-day students, after the initial morning lessons we often join up with parents or pals for a nice easy trail ride.
How do I know what gear I'll need?
We will provide full, warm snowmobile gear and the safety motocross gear for spring, summer and fall riding.
At what time does the course start and end?
Our full-day sessions start at 8:30 AM and end at 3:30 PM. Lunch is at 12:30 PM, with breaks scheduled before and after lunch.
Do you train absolute novices?
Yes, we do train absolute novices. And, in fact, most of our students have never ridden before. Our staff are very experienced with teaching novices. Most of our adult staff also teach at the Humber College Rider Training or at the Rider Training Institute
How old does my child have to be to train with you?
For a child to ride motorized vehicles we recommend that the child should be at least six years old and that they must be very good at riding a bicycle. Visit our Tips From the Pros (Off-Road Motorcycles and Children) for more information on children riding motorcycles.
Do females take the course?
Yes! Females of all ages and experience levels enjoy great success at our course. If you are thinking of joining a significant other who is already into motorcycles, then our training is a fun, non-intimidating way to learn from professionals (we do not recommend that your loved ones teach you how to ride).
I have been riding for twenty years. Can you teach me anything?
Absolutely! If you are a street rider, off-road terrain training will greatly enhance your control on pavement, especially when pavement traction is challenged (for example, gravel has been dumped on the road by a truck, when the pavement is wet, etc.). Collision-avoidance training (such as emergency stops) on grass or gravel will help you develop a feel for traction and slide control.
I have never ridden before. Will I be in the same group as people who have riding experience?
No. We assign students to groups of similar ability, age, and style of vehicle. For example, children who are on bikes with no hand clutch will be in a different training group from children who are tall enough to ride a motorcycle with a clutch.
We also assign groups according to the perceived skill acquisition rate. Most adults will take a little longer to learn shifting or climbing hills than their teenage children! Fear or a little intimidation will slow down the student's learning rate, so we try to group folks together according to a fun, non-intimidating lesson flow.
There is no test at the end of our course. We are happy as long as you are having fun, learning and are safe. Our most common coaching tip for teens is "slow down, you don't need so much throttle to climb the hill." For adults, we sometimes have to remind them that the gas is the control on the right: "You need to give it a little more throttle to get up the hill."
Which bike will I ride at the course?
We will select the appropriate motorcycle or ATV for you according to your rider profile (experience, riding level, age and height). If you want to train on a high-performance bike, such as the Yamaha WR 250, then you are welcome to do so if we feel that your experience level matches the skill demands of the bike. The performance bikes carry a premium for you to train on them.
Can I pay when I get to the course?
Yes and No. Our course is very busy, with a high demand for training. We can only confirm bookings for paid registrations. Payment can be made by phone with Visa, or by mailing a cheque to us. Or you may hold your reservation with Visa and pay cash on the day of the course. We have a 48-hour cancellation policy in place.
Who is responsible for damage to the equipment?
You can purchase optional damage insurance for some of our vehicles. Others require a damage deposit. See our Pricing Tab
Can I watch while my child is being trained?
Yes. We recommend that you watch while we train your child, especially if the family is considering buying an off-road vehicle.
Can I help teach?
No. Thanks for the offer, but we love your non-vocal support.