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Quick Links
WHAT is DirtBike School?
WHO should take DirtBike School and when?
What do YOU NEED to take DirtBike School?
WHEN and WHERE is DirtBike School offered?
Interested in PRIVATE / family sessions?
Who are the COACHES?
Interested in HOSTING sessions on land in your area?
How much does DirtBike School COST?
What DISCOUNT is offered to NSORRA members?
How can you REGISTER for DirtBike School?
What happens AT TRAINING sessions?
What happens AFTER TRAINING sessions?
Frequently Asked QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is DirtBike School?
DirtBike School is a fun, one-day, hands-on introduction to safe and responsible off-highway motorcycle riding. The course utilizes a controlled environment to promote and improve:
- Safety Knowledge,
- Environmental Awareness, and
- Riding Skills.
It's a fun, safe, and orderly way for both novices and experienced riders to learn how to properly operate an off-highway motorcycle. A small portion of the coaching occurs in a classroom style setting. The majority of time is spent coaching while students are riding within a closed course.
DirtBike School meets all requirements for safety training in accordance with the regulations associated with the Nova Scotia Off-Highway Vehicles Act. Currently, DirtBike School is the only off-highway motorcycle safety-training course approved by the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) (http://www.msf-usa.org/) in the United States owns the DirtBike School (http://www.dirtbikeschool.com/). The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national, not-for-profit organization sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BRP, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles.
The DirtBike School is operated here in Canada by the Canada Safety Council and offered by certified coaches in association with Nova Scotia Off Road Riding Association (NSORRA) here in Nova Scotia.
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Who should take DirtBike School and when?
DirtBike School is a practical introduction to off-highway Motorcycle for new riders. It is also a good refresher for experienced riders to practice sometimes forgotten or unused skills and techniques.
Anyone 6 years or older can attend DirtBike School.
All Off-Highway Motorcycle riders between the ages of 6 and 15 years old require training by October 1, 2008 and must be supervised while riding.
All parents or guardians require off-highway motorcycle training to directly supervise off-highway motorcycle riders under 16 years of age.
All Off-Highway Motorcycle riders 16 years or older requires training by April1 2012 unless exempt. See “Off-Highway Vehicles in Nova Scotia” (http://www.gov.ns.ca/NATR/ohv/whocanride.asp) for a list of exemptions.
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What do you need to take DirtBike School?
Students are encouraged to be on site 20 minutes before actual start time.
It is preferred all students wear full motorcycle specific protective gear, but it is not mandatory. At a minimum, students must bring the following to a DirtBike School Session:
- Registered, insured, and appropriately sized Off-Highway Motorcycle in good, safe operating condition, with a kickstand (preferred) or a portable stand (at this time rental bikes are not available but may become available in the future)
- Participant waiver form (signed by their parent or guardian if under age 18)
- Approved motorized vehicle helmet (DOT, Snell, ANSI or BSI)
- Eye protection (visor, safety glasses, VESC8 or V-8 goggles)
- Long-sleeved jacket, long pants, and gloves
- Over-the-ankle boots with low heels (Sneakers or rubber boots will not be allowed)
- Weather appropriate clothing (Rain gear is suggested as the course runs rain or shine.)
- Lunch and refreshments to keep hydrated throughout the day
As an option, students may bring additional protective gear, such as:
- Neck pads,
- Chest / back protection
- Shoulder / arm protection
- Kidney / back belt
- Hip / leg / knee pads
- Sunscreen, insect repellent
- etc.
It is recommended all potential students review the following DirtBike School documents, in preparation for DirtBike School:
Tips & Practice Guide pdf
(http://www.dirtbikeschool.com/downloads/MSF_TnPG.pdf)
Parents, Youngsters and Off-Highway Motorcycles pdf
(http://www.dirtbikeschool.com/downloads/40219_MSF.pdf)
In addition, the following Nova Scotia Government's OHV Handbook includes the rules, regulations, and behaviours that will allow you to enjoy riding your OHV while helping to keep you and others safe on the trail.
(http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/ohv/riders_handbook.asp)
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When and Where is DirtBike School offered?
See the list below of when and where tentative DirtBike School sessions are offered. Please contact the appropriate coach as indicated to register for the session you may be interested in attending.
To date we have hosted training sessions at the following locations:
- South Alton
- Halifax - Exhibition Park
- Middle Musquodoboit - DNR Educational Centre
- Falmouth - Foc'sle Farm
- Craigmore, CB - Craigmore Creek riding grounds (An NSORRA sponsored riding area)
- Brigewater - Multi Activity Recreation Centre
The Stay tuned as we may be offering sessions in Sackville and possibly in various other locations throughout the province, such as in Cape Breton, Springhill, Digby, Bridgewater, etc.
We are currently in the process of establishing additional training sessions for the 2010 riding season.
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Interested in private / family sessions?
If interested in arranging a private group or family session, please inquire with any of the following coaches.
Who are the coaches?
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Interested in hosting sessions on land in your area?
NSORRA is looking to establish other training sites in various areas throughout the province, particularly in Cape Breton, and in the northern and southern parts of the mainland. If interested in hosting training sessions please inquire with any of the coaches listed above. Keep in mind the potential training site must meet the following criteria:
- Lots of land about 200' x 150'
- Relatively flat firm soil/grass
- No pavement or substantial ruts/ditches/obstacles
- Preferably the sites should have access to a very minor slope to enable hill practice.
- The sites should be easily accessed by cars/trailers, with a suitable parking area.
- Preferably the sites should have access to nearby toilet facilities.
- Optionally the sites should have access to a nearby shelter big enough to hold 10 people.
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How much does DirtBike School cost?
The total cost is $100 per person, payable to the coach hosting the course. See below for information on our discount for NSORRA members.
Upon receipt of payment you will receive registration confirmation and a copy of the Tips & Practice Guide and the Parents, Youngsters and Off-Highway Motorcycles Booklet. Upon successful completion of the course you will also receive a completion certificate / wallet card. Individual coaches may offer additional materials, products, and services as well.
Cancellations - An administration fee of $35 will be charged on cancellations. No refund will be issued 48 hours prior to the course date. Individuals who register and fail to attend or fail to complete the program will not be eligible for refund
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What DISCOUNT is offered to NSORRA members?
NSORRA Members pay only $75 to participate in Dirt Bike School - a discount of $25 off the regular $100 price.
Click here if you are interested in becoming a member.
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How can you register for DirtBike School?
Choose location and date from list above. Call the appropriate coach directly and make necessary arrangements as indicated.
In the near future, NSORRA will be accepting credit card payments over the phone and possibly via secure Internet.
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What happens at DirtBike School?
Typically, prior to your course the coach will send informational booklets and confirmation of registration. Days prior to your course a coach may contact you to confirm attendance and answer any questions you may have.
Upon your arrival at the course, all riding equipment must be checked and approved by the coach prior to the start of lessons. This check is necessary to ensure that the riding gear you plan on using meets the required standards.
The MSF DirtBike School is designed to teach off-highway motorcycle riders the principles and behaviours of safe and responsible off-highway motorcycle riding. The course consists of classroom style discussion lessons, demonstrations, and practical riding lessons. The discussion lessons and demonstrations provide discovery and discussion of the principles and practices of riding an off-highway motorcycle. The riding lessons provide riders hands-on practice of riding exercises under the supervision of a Coach. On average, the lessons take about 5 to 8 hours in total to complete.
Lessons at DirtBike School will cover motorcycle checks and controls, riding stance / positions, balancing the motorcycle, braking, accelerating, shifting, straight line riding, turning, riding over obstacles, riding up and down hills, etc.
There is no written test. A rider's knowledge and skills are evaluated and tested throughout the class. Each lesson contains specific objectives and evaluation points. A rider works toward achieving the objective of a lesson by learning and practicing structured activities within DirtBike School. Riders are provided positive reinforcement not only to develop skills but also to recognize and appreciate safe, responsible riding practices.
The following video outlines some riding tips from AMA Supercross stars Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and Kevin Windham. The video footage is a 6-minute overview of the new one-hour DirtBike School DVD and demonstrates some of the DirtBike School lessons. If interested, you can purchase the DVD directly from MSF (http://www.dirtbikeschool.com/)
To watch the riding tips video, left-click one of the following links to play or right-click to download:
Hi Res Video 17Mb
(http://http.vitalstreamcdn.com/msfusa_vitalstream_com/DirtBikeSchool200604-21.wmv)
Lo Res Video 9Mb
(http://http.vitalstreamcdn.com/msfusa_vitalstream_com/DirtBikeSchool200604-21lo-res.wmv)
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What happens after DirtBike School?
Upon successful completion of DirtBike School you will receive a completion certificate/wallet card. The card may be carried when riding as proof of safety training.
In addition, basic personal information will be entered into a provincial database where you will be registered with the Nova Scotia Government as having received and completed off-highway motorcycle safety training. This information may be accessed by Enforcement Officers to confirm you have obtained off-highway safety training.
Similarly, age and gender information will be filed with the Canada Safety Council and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for statistics and billing purposes.
Individual coaches may offer additional materials, products, and services as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Do I need to bring a motorcycle and riding gear to the course?
A. Yes, you need to bring a motorcycle and riding gear to the course. Each student is required to have a motorcycle. Sharing motorcycles is not allowed as it creates excessive delays (Students will be riding most of the session). In the future, rental motorcycles and gear may be available.
Q. Are there class size requirements?
A. Yes, as follows:
- Ages 6 - 11: maximum of 4 students (unless in a family group session).
- Ages 12 - 15: maximum of 6 students. Can be taught with adults 16 and older (unless in a family group session).
- Ages 16 and older: maximum of 8 students.
- Note: Ages 6 - 11 cannot be taught with other age groups except in family/group classes.
Q. Can a six-year-old child really ride a DirtBike?
A. Yes, children are often the safest students because they don't have any pre-existing "bad riding habits." An experience like riding a DirtBike can give child self-confidence that will spill over into other areas such as school and team sports.
Q. Will I be taught to race?
A. No, but you will be taught the skills necessary to safely ride an off-highway motorcycle. Where that takes you is up to you.
Q. I have never ridden a street motorcycle before. Should I take a DirtBike course first?
A. That is a great idea. You will learn how to shift, balance, manoeuvre, and stop a motorcycle, plus some mental skills to help keep you safe.
Q. Is there a more advanced course available?
A. No, a more advanced course is not yet available in Nova Scotia.
Q. If I am unable to complete the course, what are my options?
A. Depending upon the circumstance you may be able to reschedule for a complete course (availability permitting) at a reduced cost.
Q. If I am unable to attend the course, am I eligible for a refund?
A. Individuals who register and fail to attend or fail to complete the program will not be eligible for refund.
Q. Can I change my scheduled course date?
A. There is a fee involved to do this and the request is subject to space available. No changes can be done 48 hours prior to your scheduled date.
Q. Can I cancel my registration at any time?
A. An administration fee of $35 will be charged on cancellations. No refund will be issued 48 hours prior to the course date.
Q. Do you offer any courses in French?
A. We do not have any specific courses in French but we may have some instructors who are bilingual. Please contact NSORRA or individual coaches for further information.
Q. Can I get a new graduation card?
A. A fee will be charged for a replacement card but you must contact the your coach with the date and place you took your course.
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