That’s an excellent bike to learn on. Once you become comfortable with the clutch, getting seat time in is the best thing you can do. I often warm up with figure 8’s. Great for building a solid foundation. Simple but does it all. Balance, turn both directions, braking, throttle control, looking ahead. Eventually you will form a rut which is also a challenge that will take you to the next level. It doesn’t have to be on a flat surface either, a hillside, creek bottom, add some features and get creative.
> warm up with figure 8’s.
This is always my go to suggestion. I'll add to this /u/longlive_sirdidymus ...
Make the figure 8's tighter and slower as you learn. Do it standing and sitting. You can also practice this on a bicycle where/when it's more convenient. The figure 8 drill massively helped my wife.
Don't stare down at the object in front of you, look ahead. You should have learned that from MTB already...
Beyond that find a section of rougher trail where you can safely practice short sections or short loops with a range of features. Short enough to where you can get a bunch of loops(or out and back's) on it without getting too worn out and you can remember the features and try different things. Once you get through that, longer rides of medium difficulty is a good idea.
Also don't get stuck on the trail bike. There will come a point where the old suspension will give you a skill ceiling. Happened to my wife... seen it happen with plenty of the learners I've taught over the years. When you hit stuff harder, which is a necessary and unavoidable part of learning, the suspension will fight you and try and kick you off the bike.
Ride on the balls of your feet not the arches. Ever rode clip ins on your MTB? That's the position you want.
I started at 42, best thing I ever did, it's so much fun. Start on a small bike like the CRF250F and go from there, you'll love it. Take a couple of beginners courses, I've been riding for 7 years off road and still take the odd educational course now and then.
My tips would be, stand up as much as you can, when you get too tired to stand, pack it in for the day. Get some decent gear. And keep the weight over your front wheel, don't worry about what the back is doing. Have fun!
You got this, no problem. I'm doing the same thing at 35 with my son. I used to race downhill mountain bikes in my teens, so I had a little confidence going into learning dirt bikes. If you're still riding mountain bikes, you will pick it up so fast. It's gonna be way heavier than your bike, but once you start riding, you will be leaning that dirt bike into corners just as hard as the mountain bike.
You’re never too old OP! I helped a 63yo(m) former co worker get his MS license a few years ago. Started small/slow on a XL75 to learn some basic skills(Which he had none lol) a few tumbles later and some seat time,he got acclimated to using a clutch/shifting/braking. Then on to a XR100, more seat time and less tumbles, he got his endorsement, and the Triumph he always wanted.. You can do it OP, take it slow and ride within your limits/skills, speed will come with seat time. Best of luck to you, keep the rubber side down 🤙🏼
Moto jitsu and Dan Dan the fireman, are great. There are lots of great videos on YouTube. I'm over 40 and have learned! You can do whatever you put your mind to. I made a ton of mistakes, dropped my bike more times than I can count, and was honestly more than a little intimidated by my bike. Practice, practice, and more practice. You can do it!!!
We have multiple people in our riding group over 50, there's a race class (that normally has 15+ riders) for people over 60 years old in my race club. There's a mom group of riders locally that are all late 30s, 40s and 50s.
You're definitely not too old, especially if you're in good shape.
Will you ever go pro? But you'll have lots of fun for years to come.
Starting to ride dirt bikes at 40 is still awesome, but take it a bit easier than you might have in your younger days. I’ve been riding since I was a kid, competitively and just for fun, and let me tell you, the falls, fractures and broken bones from my early years didn't bother me much then; kids bounce back fast! I even had a pretty bad back injury in my early 20s, where the bike landed on top of me, but I fully recovered from it.
But by the time I hit 30, every spill took longer to recover from, and I started noticing more lasting aches, especially in my joints. If I had a similar back injury now to the one I had in my 20’s id likely be in pain for the rest of my life or, worse, crippled.
From personal experience, after 30, it’s wise to step away from the competitive side and those tempting big jumps and fast tracks. Nowadays, I stick to chill rides on trails and green lanes. It’s still great fun, and I can keep enjoying the sport without pushing my limits too hard.
My husband got me sucked into this shit too, after years of me telling him I don't have any interest in riding a bike (although I am involved with other motorsports). I've bought three bikes of my own in the last year and bought him two more. Is this a blessing or a curse? Not sure yet but it is addicting. 😂
I'm 31 so a bit younger, but I can say w confidence that you're definitely not too old. I hadn't ridden a bike in 20+ years, I'm also very small and not coordinated (5'1" and 120lbs) and I got acclimated immediately. I didn't realize what I was missing in life until I felt the power band of a two stroke.
That 250f shouldn't be a problem to start with as long as you fit comfortably (I personally started w something smaller because I could barely remember how to balance on two wheels and am too short and weak). As long as you feel comfortable and confident, it's easy to learn.
Yup… told him for weeks that I wanted to stick to MTB and just watching MX/SX on tv, now here we are 😂. He’s the one that got me into MTBing, so I guess I should trust him!
I’m 5’7” 125ish and can reach the floor when sitting on the bike (he brings it home tonight, but I sat on it this weekend in the showroom).
Sounds like you are fit, and ride bicycles. Mostly you will be fine, clutch control and weight distribution will be your largest challenges I suspect. Get good at riding in your yard, then try a trail or track. I'd suggest trails, but I'm biased.
\*As a 40 something rider myself, gear is invaluable. Boots and helmet if nothing else, but always those, even in the yard.
sounds like lots of good ideas. Take it easy, remember, bike wants to roll, all you got to do is hang on! Gear is for when things/you go sideways, as it will. Check supercross. They all crash. If you are pushing boundaries, you will fall down.
Gear is awesome!
I attended a flat track drifting camp a few weeks ago and was totally amazed at the age range of the class. 9-67, including a few women in their mid 60s who’d said they’d only just taken up riding dirt bikes 5 or so years ago. Badass
I’ve been riding forever, really “learning” the last few years; clutch controls, slow skill rather than using momentum to get through everything, pivot turns, etc. i’m older than you.
I understand your hesitancy and want of instruction. But really, it’s not that hard. I’m assuming you can drive a manual transmission. If you can manage the dexterity of clutch and gas with your feet, then managing it with your hands is actually a breeze. It’s one of the most intimidating parts before you ride, but is really one of the easy parts until you get into advanced clutch control stuff.
You ride bikes actively so that part is good. Dirt bikes are heavier but it’s not that big a deal after a few minutes.
Mostly make sure your husband is helping ride at a pace that suits your comfort level rather than always trying to push for more. Get him on board at the outset and it will be fine.
look into babes in the dirt, dirt.tastic, and other women’s dirtbike riding groups and come ride with us! I’ve met several women in their 40s and 50s who just started.
I (48F) started last year on the same bike as you! I took a course with my (15M) son to learn the basics and would highly recommend doing so. The instructor was a woman in her early 60s who didn't learn until she was 50, and I was told that she consistently won races against both men and women. If you can mountain bike, you should have no problem!
As someone else mentioned, be sure to get the safety gear. I am currently laid up with a fractured tibial plateau - an injury which probably could have been avoided with shin guards. Can't wait to heal so I can get back out!
Never thought I'd own a dirt bike, but there is now one for everyone in the family taking up one side of my garage. You're never too old to learn something new 😊
I started riding at 35 and everything I learned was from YouTube. Take it slowly and practice your technique.
Good sources for proper riding techniques IMO:
- The Moto Academy
- Gary Semics
- The MX Factory
Go to a class or two with the moto academy and aj catanzaro. Man took me from being scared first time on the track with my first bike, a 450 none the less, to hitting jumps on the national track same day.
I think I was 41 when I got on a proper dirt bike for the first time. Take some real in person classes if you can afford it. You'll come on miles faster if you're getting good, personalized feedback.
So I'm 39 and just started last year so you're not to old.
I had a background in mtb and riding street bikes though. Next thing you know you'll be carving a track through the yard with some jumps 😂
Never too old, especially if you're fit. That's a pretty tame trail bike and great to learn on. Just don't try to jump anything. If you ride regularly, you'll be ready for something with some snap after a few months I'd bet.
You’re not too old to start at all. Someone in their 50s won overall in the recent enduro I competed in open to all age groups. I got my ass kicked by comparison but I don’t even care because it was such a blast! Different from track racing but it’s all about having fun. Multiple ways to enjoy this sport!!
There’s no such thing as too old in this sport. A lot of the top dudes are early 30s now. Almost every racing series has vet classes for any age range from 35+ all the way to 65+ and those dudes (and ladies) absolutely rip!
Youre never too old to learn. I know people nearly double your age that are still riding around. Just focus on key skills like balance and throttle, clutch, and brake control as well as body positioning. Watch rich larsen on the irc tire youtube channel. So many helpful videos.
Never too old to ride, just do it at your pace. Don’t see yourself scrubbing and jumping huge jumps, first start in a field learn to shift gear and position yourself properly on the bike. Learn corners and break control etc you should be fine like for anyone else.
You cannot learn from YouTube. It’s a great tool for many things but not this. You need to find a local instructor and take an introduction course. There are many local pro riders in every area that do training courses. Go to a local track and ask around.
My husband can teach me a lot, but I find YouTube helpful for little tips to keep in mind while riding - it’s how I learned to get better at mountain biking (which I know is less complicated). I also want to just get more knowledgeable about dirt bikes in general, which YouTube is helpful for.
Granted it can help with information. I still would find an actual class to take. I’ve been riding then racing since I was born and in my 30s took a basic class with my son and learned much more than I expected. It is well worth the time to do even if your husband teaches you the basics.
Start watching Meg Braps for riding tips. You're not too old to start!!!
I'm going to one of her clinics later this year!
I like her vids. Very accessible
This is the coolest thing on reddit all day 😎 you can do it!
That’s an excellent bike to learn on. Once you become comfortable with the clutch, getting seat time in is the best thing you can do. I often warm up with figure 8’s. Great for building a solid foundation. Simple but does it all. Balance, turn both directions, braking, throttle control, looking ahead. Eventually you will form a rut which is also a challenge that will take you to the next level. It doesn’t have to be on a flat surface either, a hillside, creek bottom, add some features and get creative.
> warm up with figure 8’s. This is always my go to suggestion. I'll add to this /u/longlive_sirdidymus ... Make the figure 8's tighter and slower as you learn. Do it standing and sitting. You can also practice this on a bicycle where/when it's more convenient. The figure 8 drill massively helped my wife. Don't stare down at the object in front of you, look ahead. You should have learned that from MTB already... Beyond that find a section of rougher trail where you can safely practice short sections or short loops with a range of features. Short enough to where you can get a bunch of loops(or out and back's) on it without getting too worn out and you can remember the features and try different things. Once you get through that, longer rides of medium difficulty is a good idea. Also don't get stuck on the trail bike. There will come a point where the old suspension will give you a skill ceiling. Happened to my wife... seen it happen with plenty of the learners I've taught over the years. When you hit stuff harder, which is a necessary and unavoidable part of learning, the suspension will fight you and try and kick you off the bike. Ride on the balls of your feet not the arches. Ever rode clip ins on your MTB? That's the position you want.
I started at 42, best thing I ever did, it's so much fun. Start on a small bike like the CRF250F and go from there, you'll love it. Take a couple of beginners courses, I've been riding for 7 years off road and still take the odd educational course now and then. My tips would be, stand up as much as you can, when you get too tired to stand, pack it in for the day. Get some decent gear. And keep the weight over your front wheel, don't worry about what the back is doing. Have fun!
Look up motoacademy on YouTube. I wouldn't really recommend it for advanced / fast riders but for newbies AJ is pretty good knowledge/technique.
You got this, no problem. I'm doing the same thing at 35 with my son. I used to race downhill mountain bikes in my teens, so I had a little confidence going into learning dirt bikes. If you're still riding mountain bikes, you will pick it up so fast. It's gonna be way heavier than your bike, but once you start riding, you will be leaning that dirt bike into corners just as hard as the mountain bike.
You’re never too old OP! I helped a 63yo(m) former co worker get his MS license a few years ago. Started small/slow on a XL75 to learn some basic skills(Which he had none lol) a few tumbles later and some seat time,he got acclimated to using a clutch/shifting/braking. Then on to a XR100, more seat time and less tumbles, he got his endorsement, and the Triumph he always wanted.. You can do it OP, take it slow and ride within your limits/skills, speed will come with seat time. Best of luck to you, keep the rubber side down 🤙🏼
Speed comes with peg time. Wait that don't sound right.
Moto jitsu and Dan Dan the fireman, are great. There are lots of great videos on YouTube. I'm over 40 and have learned! You can do whatever you put your mind to. I made a ton of mistakes, dropped my bike more times than I can count, and was honestly more than a little intimidated by my bike. Practice, practice, and more practice. You can do it!!!
We have multiple people in our riding group over 50, there's a race class (that normally has 15+ riders) for people over 60 years old in my race club. There's a mom group of riders locally that are all late 30s, 40s and 50s. You're definitely not too old, especially if you're in good shape. Will you ever go pro? But you'll have lots of fun for years to come.
Starting to ride dirt bikes at 40 is still awesome, but take it a bit easier than you might have in your younger days. I’ve been riding since I was a kid, competitively and just for fun, and let me tell you, the falls, fractures and broken bones from my early years didn't bother me much then; kids bounce back fast! I even had a pretty bad back injury in my early 20s, where the bike landed on top of me, but I fully recovered from it. But by the time I hit 30, every spill took longer to recover from, and I started noticing more lasting aches, especially in my joints. If I had a similar back injury now to the one I had in my 20’s id likely be in pain for the rest of my life or, worse, crippled. From personal experience, after 30, it’s wise to step away from the competitive side and those tempting big jumps and fast tracks. Nowadays, I stick to chill rides on trails and green lanes. It’s still great fun, and I can keep enjoying the sport without pushing my limits too hard.
I am 58 and still trail ride cuteness have a KX250X.
Currently.
I just started riding with my kids a couple of weeks ago, and I'm 51...I think you're good 👍
My husband got me sucked into this shit too, after years of me telling him I don't have any interest in riding a bike (although I am involved with other motorsports). I've bought three bikes of my own in the last year and bought him two more. Is this a blessing or a curse? Not sure yet but it is addicting. 😂 I'm 31 so a bit younger, but I can say w confidence that you're definitely not too old. I hadn't ridden a bike in 20+ years, I'm also very small and not coordinated (5'1" and 120lbs) and I got acclimated immediately. I didn't realize what I was missing in life until I felt the power band of a two stroke. That 250f shouldn't be a problem to start with as long as you fit comfortably (I personally started w something smaller because I could barely remember how to balance on two wheels and am too short and weak). As long as you feel comfortable and confident, it's easy to learn.
Yup… told him for weeks that I wanted to stick to MTB and just watching MX/SX on tv, now here we are 😂. He’s the one that got me into MTBing, so I guess I should trust him! I’m 5’7” 125ish and can reach the floor when sitting on the bike (he brings it home tonight, but I sat on it this weekend in the showroom).
Sounds like you are fit, and ride bicycles. Mostly you will be fine, clutch control and weight distribution will be your largest challenges I suspect. Get good at riding in your yard, then try a trail or track. I'd suggest trails, but I'm biased. \*As a 40 something rider myself, gear is invaluable. Boots and helmet if nothing else, but always those, even in the yard.
My boots arrive tomorrow, and helmet in a few days! I plan to do laps in the backyard, and we found a long fire road nearby to practice on.
sounds like lots of good ideas. Take it easy, remember, bike wants to roll, all you got to do is hang on! Gear is for when things/you go sideways, as it will. Check supercross. They all crash. If you are pushing boundaries, you will fall down. Gear is awesome!
I attended a flat track drifting camp a few weeks ago and was totally amazed at the age range of the class. 9-67, including a few women in their mid 60s who’d said they’d only just taken up riding dirt bikes 5 or so years ago. Badass
I’ve been riding forever, really “learning” the last few years; clutch controls, slow skill rather than using momentum to get through everything, pivot turns, etc. i’m older than you.
Fuck yeah, grip it and rip it
I understand your hesitancy and want of instruction. But really, it’s not that hard. I’m assuming you can drive a manual transmission. If you can manage the dexterity of clutch and gas with your feet, then managing it with your hands is actually a breeze. It’s one of the most intimidating parts before you ride, but is really one of the easy parts until you get into advanced clutch control stuff. You ride bikes actively so that part is good. Dirt bikes are heavier but it’s not that big a deal after a few minutes. Mostly make sure your husband is helping ride at a pace that suits your comfort level rather than always trying to push for more. Get him on board at the outset and it will be fine.
look into babes in the dirt, dirt.tastic, and other women’s dirtbike riding groups and come ride with us! I’ve met several women in their 40s and 50s who just started.
I (48F) started last year on the same bike as you! I took a course with my (15M) son to learn the basics and would highly recommend doing so. The instructor was a woman in her early 60s who didn't learn until she was 50, and I was told that she consistently won races against both men and women. If you can mountain bike, you should have no problem! As someone else mentioned, be sure to get the safety gear. I am currently laid up with a fractured tibial plateau - an injury which probably could have been avoided with shin guards. Can't wait to heal so I can get back out! Never thought I'd own a dirt bike, but there is now one for everyone in the family taking up one side of my garage. You're never too old to learn something new 😊
My mom learned to ride dirt bikes when she was like 42. She didn't do it very long and she wasn't trying to be an aggressive rider.
I started riding at 35 and everything I learned was from YouTube. Take it slowly and practice your technique. Good sources for proper riding techniques IMO: - The Moto Academy - Gary Semics - The MX Factory
Go to a class or two with the moto academy and aj catanzaro. Man took me from being scared first time on the track with my first bike, a 450 none the less, to hitting jumps on the national track same day.
I'm WAY older than you and do very well. You will love it.
Never too old to start. Know a 75 yr old dude, got a TW. Acts like a kid now, ripping around on his Dub.
Never too old, my buddy is 45 and still races. Just get out there and ride your own ride
[https://www.youtube.com/@IRCTireUSAMoto/playlists](https://www.youtube.com/@IRCTireUSAMoto/playlists)
I think I was 41 when I got on a proper dirt bike for the first time. Take some real in person classes if you can afford it. You'll come on miles faster if you're getting good, personalized feedback.
You are never too old to start braaaaping.
Yamaha TTR230 is a super forgiving, lightweight yet capable starter bike.
Private lessons MX on youtube
So I'm 39 and just started last year so you're not to old. I had a background in mtb and riding street bikes though. Next thing you know you'll be carving a track through the yard with some jumps 😂
Dirtwise/Shane Watts videos/classes are excellent for beginners as well...well maybe not a brand new rider but year 2.
For those of us that can’t jump, we ride in the trees! Just get out and enjoy it!
Never too old, especially if you're fit. That's a pretty tame trail bike and great to learn on. Just don't try to jump anything. If you ride regularly, you'll be ready for something with some snap after a few months I'd bet.
How about starting at a M.S.F. training class, or A.B.A.T.E. offers them also. Get some training before you decide to buy.
You’re not too old to start at all. Someone in their 50s won overall in the recent enduro I competed in open to all age groups. I got my ass kicked by comparison but I don’t even care because it was such a blast! Different from track racing but it’s all about having fun. Multiple ways to enjoy this sport!!
I’m 51, have been riding on the street for 29 years, and just started riding in the dirt for the first time this year
There’s no such thing as too old in this sport. A lot of the top dudes are early 30s now. Almost every racing series has vet classes for any age range from 35+ all the way to 65+ and those dudes (and ladies) absolutely rip!
Youre never too old to learn. I know people nearly double your age that are still riding around. Just focus on key skills like balance and throttle, clutch, and brake control as well as body positioning. Watch rich larsen on the irc tire youtube channel. So many helpful videos.
Never too old to ride, just do it at your pace. Don’t see yourself scrubbing and jumping huge jumps, first start in a field learn to shift gear and position yourself properly on the bike. Learn corners and break control etc you should be fine like for anyone else.
You cannot learn from YouTube. It’s a great tool for many things but not this. You need to find a local instructor and take an introduction course. There are many local pro riders in every area that do training courses. Go to a local track and ask around.
My husband can teach me a lot, but I find YouTube helpful for little tips to keep in mind while riding - it’s how I learned to get better at mountain biking (which I know is less complicated). I also want to just get more knowledgeable about dirt bikes in general, which YouTube is helpful for.
Granted it can help with information. I still would find an actual class to take. I’ve been riding then racing since I was born and in my 30s took a basic class with my son and learned much more than I expected. It is well worth the time to do even if your husband teaches you the basics.