Customer Reviews

Five Stars!

We survey every client and use the feedback to assure we continually improve. And, we consistently receive the highest satisfaction scores.

Here are client comments from recent classes:

I had the opportunity to take the D.A.R.T. Level 1 and 2 recently and I wanted to post a review. I am 56 years old and am in pretty decent shape (if pear is a shape . . . just kidding). I knew I needed to get in shape, I had been running, pushups and kettle bells. Bill said in our virtual meeting that our physical fitness will be the limiting factor. I did find that to be true . . . next time more high rep squats . . . . On our arrival we had a fellowship, meet and greet the night prior.  I was pleased to see all ages of men and women of different backgrounds.  I was a little intimidated thinking I would not be any good and I did not want to fail.  My fears were quite unfounded.
 
The next day we started with several exercises; I appreciated that the skills built on the previous activity.  I found myself thinking, ‘I don’t know if I can do that…’ however I was able to do it.   Bill explains that “skills are applied knowledge” and that is true.  All four styles of learning are addressed; we listen to what we are going to do, we watch an instructor do the exercise, then we practice it.  The way D.A.R.T teaches is WORKS!  
 
I was spent after day one; I would love to say I did not drop the bike, but actually that was a great learning point.  It is going to happen, I was okay, the bike was okay and you wrestle the grey hippo (2008 BMW 1200 GS ADV) back up (there are always helpers around) and get back on and try again.   By the way, pretty much all ADV bikes were represented there. AT the end of the day, I was exhausted when we got back to the hotel.  I swam for a bit, ate, rehydrated (Gatorade) and fell asleep at about 8:30 PM.  
 
The next day was a mud fest.  Guess what, we got some free lessons on how to handle mud.  I had so much fun and again, the grey hippo wanted to wallow in the mud and I got some more exercise.  Some of the lessons again seemed challenging, but I had to remind myself I did not think I could do some of the previous exercises and told myself “I can do this!” (okay, at times it was a question mark, not an exclamation point.)  Once again, there was a touch of trepidation, but I tried and I was successful.  That is not to say I was always 100% competent.  I found my nemesis; for me it was the rut.  I was able to get through it, but not very gracefully.    
 
I was sad when the class was over; I proudly rode my bike with dried mud, grass, etc. back to Houston.  I learned a lot, made some friends and developed new skills and I had a change of mindset.  I look forward to the Level 3 class.  I would highly recommend this class to anyone; the way Bill Dragoo and his cadre of instructors and scouts teach this class works.  
– Bill Shockley, Levels 1 and 2, Spring 2023
 

I found myself applying many of the elements learned from the level 1 & 2 instruction. Upon completion of the course, I find that I now have a different mind set towards adventure riding (in a good way).
For me personally, the best parts of the class was the community, everyone was rooting for each other, cheering each other on to have victories.

The instructors were ALL amazing and good people. They helped me slay some key dragons. I owe Zeke and Aaron each a steak dinner for picking up my bike so many times while cheering me on persevere, make adjustments and succeed. Their positive attitude was contagious. I did not feel overwhelmed with too many pointers or advice all at once which helped me focus on what was most important.

The pre-class information regarding fitness was spot on. This needs an exclamation point. From my experience in this class I am resolved to take my fitness to a whole new level to not only have a better adventure rider experience, but to help me be a much better rider.

It’s difficult for me to point out any areas for improvement with the class. I signed up for the class to learn and for adventure. I feel that the class far exceeded my expectations. As a matter of fact, this was probably some of the most fun I’ve had in many, many years…..

Therefore, yes I highly recommend this class. I will likely take it again early next spring with my friend Bill Shockley who recently completed the level 1/2 class. I’ve got unfinished business, and I am resolved to master some of these important skills, and I’m sure I will have more questions.

FYI, Holiday Inn Express at Purcell was a great place to stay, centrally located with regards to the classes, and management allowed us to park our bikes in front of the main entrance by the lobby. Our bikes were safe and secure.

  • Wayne Oullette, Levels 1 and 2, Spring 2023

I was really impressed from everything beginning to end. You could easily increase tuition for the amount of value given. On the second day after lunch (level 2) for a new rider that large hill was quite intimidating. numerous of us had never taken a motorcycle up and down anything. It would have been alot better confidence building to have a session to just make laps up then down going east to west to just know you can go up it and get down it before the exercise of learning the clutch control. There was just so much going on then, traffic coming at you, the intimidation of getting up, safely back down, etc. Trek coffee and the food were great. Ask the participants to give google reviews to DART and the vendors. That will help all businesses involved out a lot. Those reviews send more people their way big time. Thank you for everything! The instructors all did great! My mind is spinning how much I learned. – Kyle Tate, April 2022

It was a very well put together course with training you will apply out on the trail. Bill and his crew are professional, courteous and patient. I would highly recommend anyone who rides an adventure bike to take this class. – Joel Rogers, April 2022

Was able to put the training to use in Bisbee, Arizona within days after attending the class. Every aspect of Dart training was put to use, and more than once, lifting those bikes once gravity came into play. We had loose gravel hill climb and we had failed hill starts, climbing/descending hairpin turns on loose gravel. Even though levels 1 and 2 class didn’t get into sand, it was discussed and how to deal with it. Overall my trip would or could have had been difficult without the training that Dart provided. And the one thing that always was up front in that “ATTITUDE MATTERS!” Thanks SO much for the training. – Steve Mooney, April 2022

I’ve taken lots of training classes. This is by far the best. – Anonymous, April 2022

Your team’s professionalism, knowledge/experience and instructional abilities are among the best I’ve ever seen. I learned so much during Level 1 & 2, but more importantly I know what I have to work on myself to get better. Thanks for what you and your teams does for a sport we love!! BTW- lunch was great too. – John Grutzmacher, April 2022

This is the best motorcycle training I’ve experienced. I’ve taken two MSF classes and the DART experience (drills, obstacles and quality of instruction) is the best so far. – Mo Parker, April 2022

Excellent class and set up. My intent was to become more familiar with my bike and gain that level of confidence I have on the road off the road. Expectations exceeding and still grinning! Thanks for excellent instruction. – Barry Thomas, April 2022

And more comments from 2021:

Custom/Private Classes:

– Great Adventure Riding Training. Bill and his team are the best and his D.A.R.T. Level 1/2 and Level 3 training exceeded my expectations! If you have been on the fence about taking his training don’t wait

– I found the afternoon of ‘GS Trophy’ prep to be very helpful/valuable for my overall skill development and a huge confidence builder.

– It is not everyday you get to meet a person like Bill Dragoo. He is a fascinating person with incredible credentials and histories behind them. I had the unfortunate situation of not being able to attend one of his regular classes and had to schedule a private class instead. That, actually, turned out to be a very fortunate situation indeed.

The 2 days of training I have spent with Bill have been a joy, from a personal level, and invaluable on a skill improvement level. His full dedicated attention was definitely a nice to have but also extremely hard physically.

The class is just what I needed. I used to ride a long time ago and I am getting back into it. In the two class days, I believe I have been able to improve my skills more than in years of riding. Bill was always giving tips and recommendations on how to improve the exercises… and he pushed me enough to make the class, not only fun, but also challenging.

I will definitely take more DART courses so I can continue increasing my skills in the activity we all love.

Thank you Bill for sharing your wisdom with the world.

Levels 1-2 (Basic/Intermediate)

– The best motorcycle instruction I have had.

– Wow, such a great course and an amazing overall experience. The instruction was hands on and professional, I appreciated the ongoing direct feedback that helped me stretch out of my comfort zone and improve throughout each day of the course. The progression of exercises and the skills covered were planned out very well, building on each other in a way that made sense and built confidence. I have taken other off-road courses, but the Dragoo DART course was by far the best – the ongoing feedback that I received was so much more helpful and effective than the more hands off method of other schools where a demo of an exercise is shown and you’re told to repeat it with little feedback on what you’re doing wrong or how to improve. By the end of the Level 1/2 course I had gained much more confidence in my braking skills, slow speed maneuvering, etc. I definitely plan to come back to take additional courses at DART with Bill, Susan and Ben Dragoo and their excellent team of instructors, and I would highly recommend DART to riders of all skill levels.

– Excellent training. I wanted a course to increase my handling of bike in off-road situations. The clutch and balance skills have increased my abilities, and therefore my confidence to tackle many more trails. The instructors did an exemplary job of teaching, and positively correcting my errors. I never felt the least bit bothered by how I was being corrected. The class and instruction were great. Will practice and refine my new skills and be back for level 3 training. I wouldn’t recommend changing a thing. Great job. Thanks.

– I am unable to find even one suggestion for improvement. Everything from pre-communications to the training was top notch. Thank you very much.

– I had a great time, and felt like not only did I learn a lot, but I received a lot of value for my money. I can’t wait to come back and spend the full 5 days with the Dragoo team to refresh my L1/2 skills and experience shop day & levels 3 & 4. Great instructors and good people having fun while getting better – what more can you say? Thanks Bill & Team!

– Great class, great instructors. Will definitely recommend to my friends.

– Bill Dragoo has polished his ADV motorcycle teaching techniques to a fine art. Very easy to understand and to the point, instructors demonstrate all exercises prior to letting us attempt, very direct with no extra fluff. DART has to be the very best motorcycle training course I have ever attended, at any price. Kudos to Bill, Susan and staff. I will return for LEVEL 3

– Tomorrow we are heading out for 5 days on the NBDR. I am excited and only a bit nervous because of this class. I am confident that my class experience has provided me the skills to handle the trail and, more importantly, to have fun. The instructors were amazing. They were supportive, encouraging and helped me to push my boundaries. Thank you so much!

– My only regret is that I took so long to take your course! Well, not my only one. Now I have to tell the Mrs. I “need” to buy a GS to go with my 701 🙂 I thoroughly enjoyed the training and the instructors, and felt as though I learned a tremendous amount and also conquered some fears (especially about how to fail properly on a hill). Thank you and I look forward to Level 3!

– It is obvious that you guys do not simply rest on your successes, but that you keep pushing to improve both the curriculum and the venues. I appreciate that.

– Great program; infinitely practical for adventure riding. It forces one to attempt skills that one might be hesitant to explore without expert assistance and encouragement.

– You guys Rock (and sand)!! My second time to take the class and the instruction, instructors, location, service, communication, photography, etc was top notch. I’ll recommend your classes to anyone I know that has a desire to ride offroad. Thank you for the opportunity to participate and I’ll see you again.

– I will recommend this course to any and all riders I can get to listen. My confidence and skill levels are a direct result of the training.

– My biggest regret is that I didn’t take these classes right when I bought my first adventure bike…I’d be so much further ahead in skill than I am now reading and watching videos. Outstanding mix of explanations, practice and feedback. Really opened my eyes to my limited mastery of fundamentals at slow speed. Speed can hide a lot of technical weakness. I’ll be back again and again!

– I’ve nothing but laudatory words for this class. Thoroughly enjoyed myself, spills and mud slides notwithstanding. The enthusiasm behind and quality of teaching were quite evident. Thanks for this not to be missed opportunity.

– Amazing!!! I learned so much and cannot wait to try my new skills on a BDR or The Continental Divide Trail. This class in a must! Excellent instructors.

Level 3 (Advanced – Rocks and Sand)

– Another excellent class. Very much appreciate being able to put the fundamentals from the L1/2 to work in the L3/4 class with the dynamic and practical conditions. That closes the loop perfectly. Would prefer a bit more escalating complexity in the rocks, although I understand that comes at the risk of damaging (bike and or rider).

I found it particularly helpful to hear the metric of success in sand redefined from almost all the other areas — It’s not if you fall, it’s when. The better riders just fall less. That’s very helpful to hear because it frames the situation more realistically. It’s that worry about falling precipitating the poor reflexes that themselves lead to a fall. Negative feedback loop.

I don’t know who plans the breaks, but whoever picks the time and duration does a pretty solid job of hitting the mark. There was a couple times I was mentally still in the game but physically gassed to the point of being just a soup sandwich. 5-10 minutes to bring it down was great.

– Great class! Great Instructors! Great Time!

– I had a total of 7 miles on my TW. I was starting from square one. I had never stood on my pegs! Despite being probably the least experienced in the class, I always felt respected, supported and welcomed – by the staff and the other class members. By the end of the two days, I was standing comfortably; I had conquered Quadzilla; I had fallen in the mud; and I had laughed a lot. Thank you for opening a whole new adventure world to me!

– I can not say enough good things about this class, I had quite a bit of experience in riding rocks and some experience in deep sand on mostly smaller bikes but this class made me feel so much more confident and really made me refine my technique. Zeke pushed me to keep making it more challenging by slowing down, really think about my lines, dance around on the bike, and basically master the machine. I still have many areas of improvement but I cannot wait to challenge myself on my upcoming rides using the techniques I learned. Before I would kind of dread the rocky climbs and would power through and hope everything went well, I now look forward to changing how I approach the technical terrains. Thank you so much!

– In that there are not any further courses to take, I’ll commence planning to join DART on one of the overland trips that are available. Our time always seem to pass too quickly and I very much value the friendships that we are able to share with Bill, Susan, Jake, Ben, Zeke, Chris, Charlie and Todd.

On our arrival we had a fellowship, meet and greet the night prior.  I was pleased to see all ages of men and women of different backgrounds.  I was a little intimidated thinking I would not be any good and I did not want to fail.  My fears were quite unfounded.

 
The next day we started with several exercises; I appreciated that the skills built on the previous activity.  I found myself thinking, ‘I don’t know if I can do that…’ however I was able to do it.   Bill explains that “skills are applied knowledge” and that is true.  All four styles of learning are addressed; we listen to what we are going to do, we watch an instructor do the exercise, then we practice it.  The way D.A.R.T teaches is WORKS!  
 
I was spent after day one; I would love to say I did not drop the bike, but actually that was a great learning point.  It is going to happen, I was okay, the bike was okay and you wrestle the grey hippo (2008 BMW 1200 GS ADV) back up (there are always helpers around) and get back on and try again.   By the way, pretty much all ADV bikes were represented there. AT the end of the day, I was exhausted when we got back to the hotel.  I swam for a bit, ate, rehydrated (Gatorade) and fell asleep at about 8:30 PM.  
 
The next day was a mud fest.  Guess what, we got some free lessons on how to handle mud.  I had so much fun and again, the grey hippo wanted to wallow in the mud and I got some more exercise.  Some of the lessons again seemed challenging, but I had to remind myself I did not think I could do some of the previous exercises and told myself “I can do this!” (okay, at times it was a question mark, not an exclamation point.)  Once again, there was a touch of trepidation, but I tried and I was successful.  That is not to say I was always 100% competent.  I found my nemesis; for me it was the rut.  I was able to get through it, but not very gracefully.    
 
I was sad when the class was over; I proudly rode my bike with dried mud, grass, etc. back to Houston.  I learned a lot, made some friends and developed new skills and I had a change of mindset.  I look forward to the Level 3 class.  I would highly recommend this class to anyone; the way Bill Dragoo and his cadre of instructors and scouts teach this class works.  
– Bill Shockley, Levels 1 and 2, Spring 2023
 

I was really impressed from everything beginning to end. You could easily increase tuition for the amount of value given. On the second day after lunch (level 2) for a new rider that large hill was quite intimidating. numerous of us had never taken a motorcycle up and down anything. It would have been alot better confidence building to have a session to just make laps up then down going east to west to just know you can go up it and get down it before the exercise of learning the clutch control. There was just so much going on then, traffic coming at you, the intimidation of getting up, safely back down, etc. Trek coffee and the food were great. Ask the participants to give google reviews to DART and the vendors. That will help all businesses involved out a lot. Those reviews send more people their way big time. Thank you for everything! The instructors all did great! My mind is spinning how much I learned. – Kyle Tate, April 2022

It was a very well put together course with training you will apply out on the trail. Bill and his crew are professional, courteous and patient. I would highly recommend anyone who rides an adventure bike to take this class. – Joel Rogers, April 2022

Was able to put the training to use in Bisbee, Arizona within days after attending the class. Every aspect of Dart training was put to use, and more than once, lifting those bikes once gravity came into play. We had loose gravel hill climb and we had failed hill starts, climbing/descending hairpin turns on loose gravel. Even though levels 1 and 2 class didn’t get into sand, it was discussed and how to deal with it. Overall my trip would or could have had been difficult without the training that Dart provided. And the one thing that always was up front in that “ATTITUDE MATTERS!” Thanks SO much for the training. – Steve Mooney, April 2022

I’ve taken lots of training classes. This is by far the best. – Anonymous, April 2022

Your team’s professionalism, knowledge/experience and instructional abilities are among the best I’ve ever seen. I learned so much during Level 1 & 2, but more importantly I know what I have to work on myself to get better. Thanks for what you and your teams does for a sport we love!! BTW- lunch was great too. – John Grutzmacher, April 2022

This is the best motorcycle training I’ve experienced. I’ve taken two MSF classes and the DART experience (drills, obstacles and quality of instruction) is the best so far. – Mo Parker, April 2022

Excellent class and set up. My intent was to become more familiar with my bike and gain that level of confidence I have on the road off the road. Expectations exceeding and still grinning! Thanks for excellent instruction. – Barry Thomas, April 2022

And more comments from 2021:

Custom/Private Classes:

– Great Adventure Riding Training. Bill and his team are the best and his D.A.R.T. Level 1/2 and Level 3 training exceeded my expectations! If you have been on the fence about taking his training don’t wait

– I found the afternoon of ‘GS Trophy’ prep to be very helpful/valuable for my overall skill development and a huge confidence builder.

– It is not everyday you get to meet a person like Bill Dragoo. He is a fascinating person with incredible credentials and histories behind them. I had the unfortunate situation of not being able to attend one of his regular classes and had to schedule a private class instead. That, actually, turned out to be a very fortunate situation indeed.

The 2 days of training I have spent with Bill have been a joy, from a personal level, and invaluable on a skill improvement level. His full dedicated attention was definitely a nice to have but also extremely hard physically.

The class is just what I needed. I used to ride a long time ago and I am getting back into it. In the two class days, I believe I have been able to improve my skills more than in years of riding. Bill was always giving tips and recommendations on how to improve the exercises… and he pushed me enough to make the class, not only fun, but also challenging.

I will definitely take more DART courses so I can continue increasing my skills in the activity we all love.

Thank you Bill for sharing your wisdom with the world.

Levels 1-2 (Basic/Intermediate)

– The best motorcycle instruction I have had.

– Wow, such a great course and an amazing overall experience. The instruction was hands on and professional, I appreciated the ongoing direct feedback that helped me stretch out of my comfort zone and improve throughout each day of the course. The progression of exercises and the skills covered were planned out very well, building on each other in a way that made sense and built confidence. I have taken other off-road courses, but the Dragoo DART course was by far the best – the ongoing feedback that I received was so much more helpful and effective than the more hands off method of other schools where a demo of an exercise is shown and you’re told to repeat it with little feedback on what you’re doing wrong or how to improve. By the end of the Level 1/2 course I had gained much more confidence in my braking skills, slow speed maneuvering, etc. I definitely plan to come back to take additional courses at DART with Bill, Susan and Ben Dragoo and their excellent team of instructors, and I would highly recommend DART to riders of all skill levels.

– Excellent training. I wanted a course to increase my handling of bike in off-road situations. The clutch and balance skills have increased my abilities, and therefore my confidence to tackle many more trails. The instructors did an exemplary job of teaching, and positively correcting my errors. I never felt the least bit bothered by how I was being corrected. The class and instruction were great. Will practice and refine my new skills and be back for level 3 training. I wouldn’t recommend changing a thing. Great job. Thanks.

– I am unable to find even one suggestion for improvement. Everything from pre-communications to the training was top notch. Thank you very much.

– I had a great time, and felt like not only did I learn a lot, but I received a lot of value for my money. I can’t wait to come back and spend the full 5 days with the Dragoo team to refresh my L1/2 skills and experience shop day & levels 3 & 4. Great instructors and good people having fun while getting better – what more can you say? Thanks Bill & Team!

– Great class, great instructors. Will definitely recommend to my friends.

– Bill Dragoo has polished his ADV motorcycle teaching techniques to a fine art. Very easy to understand and to the point, instructors demonstrate all exercises prior to letting us attempt, very direct with no extra fluff. DART has to be the very best motorcycle training course I have ever attended, at any price. Kudos to Bill, Susan and staff. I will return for LEVEL 3

– Tomorrow we are heading out for 5 days on the NBDR. I am excited and only a bit nervous because of this class. I am confident that my class experience has provided me the skills to handle the trail and, more importantly, to have fun. The instructors were amazing. They were supportive, encouraging and helped me to push my boundaries. Thank you so much!

– My only regret is that I took so long to take your course! Well, not my only one. Now I have to tell the Mrs. I “need” to buy a GS to go with my 701 🙂 I thoroughly enjoyed the training and the instructors, and felt as though I learned a tremendous amount and also conquered some fears (especially about how to fail properly on a hill). Thank you and I look forward to Level 3!

– It is obvious that you guys do not simply rest on your successes, but that you keep pushing to improve both the curriculum and the venues. I appreciate that.

– Great program; infinitely practical for adventure riding. It forces one to attempt skills that one might be hesitant to explore without expert assistance and encouragement.

– You guys Rock (and sand)!! My second time to take the class and the instruction, instructors, location, service, communication, photography, etc was top notch. I’ll recommend your classes to anyone I know that has a desire to ride offroad. Thank you for the opportunity to participate and I’ll see you again.

– I will recommend this course to any and all riders I can get to listen. My confidence and skill levels are a direct result of the training.

– My biggest regret is that I didn’t take these classes right when I bought my first adventure bike…I’d be so much further ahead in skill than I am now reading and watching videos. Outstanding mix of explanations, practice and feedback. Really opened my eyes to my limited mastery of fundamentals at slow speed. Speed can hide a lot of technical weakness. I’ll be back again and again!

– I’ve nothing but laudatory words for this class. Thoroughly enjoyed myself, spills and mud slides notwithstanding. The enthusiasm behind and quality of teaching were quite evident. Thanks for this not to be missed opportunity.

– Amazing!!! I learned so much and cannot wait to try my new skills on a BDR or The Continental Divide Trail. This class in a must! Excellent instructors.

Level 3 (Advanced – Rocks and Sand)

– Another excellent class. Very much appreciate being able to put the fundamentals from the L1/2 to work in the L3/4 class with the dynamic and practical conditions. That closes the loop perfectly. Would prefer a bit more escalating complexity in the rocks, although I understand that comes at the risk of damaging (bike and or rider).

I found it particularly helpful to hear the metric of success in sand redefined from almost all the other areas — It’s not if you fall, it’s when. The better riders just fall less. That’s very helpful to hear because it frames the situation more realistically. It’s that worry about falling precipitating the poor reflexes that themselves lead to a fall. Negative feedback loop.

I don’t know who plans the breaks, but whoever picks the time and duration does a pretty solid job of hitting the mark. There was a couple times I was mentally still in the game but physically gassed to the point of being just a soup sandwich. 5-10 minutes to bring it down was great.

– Great class! Great Instructors! Great Time!

– I had a total of 7 miles on my TW. I was starting from square one. I had never stood on my pegs! Despite being probably the least experienced in the class, I always felt respected, supported and welcomed – by the staff and the other class members. By the end of the two days, I was standing comfortably; I had conquered Quadzilla; I had fallen in the mud; and I had laughed a lot. Thank you for opening a whole new adventure world to me!

– I can not say enough good things about this class, I had quite a bit of experience in riding rocks and some experience in deep sand on mostly smaller bikes but this class made me feel so much more confident and really made me refine my technique. Zeke pushed me to keep making it more challenging by slowing down, really think about my lines, dance around on the bike, and basically master the machine. I still have many areas of improvement but I cannot wait to challenge myself on my upcoming rides using the techniques I learned. Before I would kind of dread the rocky climbs and would power through and hope everything went well, I now look forward to changing how I approach the technical terrains. Thank you so much!

– In that there are not any further courses to take, I’ll commence planning to join DART on one of the overland trips that are available. Our time always seem to pass too quickly and I very much value the friendships that we are able to share with Bill, Susan, Jake, Ben, Zeke, Chris, Charlie and Todd.

Shop Day

– I thought Shop Day was very helpful.  We touched on a few key things I was nervous about and it reminded me I need to slow down and think about what I’m doing.  “Assess the situation” is great advice on all levels. I think I walked away with a little more confidence I could get myself out of jam, but must have the right tools on the bike.

– For me, hearing the battle stories of what went wrong and how you got yourself out of it is a great part of the learning process and something that sticks with you. 

– Shop day was a total winner for me. The task I set out for myself was fairly simple but I had a list of questions that Chris Young, Ben, Jake, and Zeke were able to answer very capably.

– Shop Day was awesome. As I mentioned at the beginning of the class, I was looking to have a better understanding of my TW and be able to handle some of the maintenance. Mission accomplished! It was also wonderful to spend time together and be able to ask questions of the many experts.