Grow up with an adventure seeker dad, and it’s pretty inevitable adventure would be the core of your being. We at GRIT have gotten to witness not only Ben’s impressive riding ability, but also his fresh take on helping riders master some of the most technical of techniques. He lives and breathes the D.A.R.T (Dragoo Adventure Rider Training) curriculum & mission, and is passionate about teaching bike mastery through competition skills. Becoming a certified coach in 2019, Ben has poured himself into coaching both locally, and all over the US. He’s been invited to guide/coach a variety of tours including Overland Expo, Dirt Daze, the Redneck Ramble, and Rendezvous in the Ozarks. For his classes held here at Grit, check out the descriptions below, or email info@gritmotoadventures.com with any questions.
Guest Trainer
Ben Dragoo
Adventure Bike Skills (Levels 1 – 2)
Ready to level up your off-road skills? Ben Dragoo’s D.A.R.T. Level 1-2 course is designed to guide both beginners stepping into dirt riding for the first time and seasoned street riders transitioning to the challenges of off-road terrain. Even experienced riders will discover new techniques to enhance their mastery of maneuvering over obstacles and uneven ground.
This two-day course builds a strong foundation in essential skills like balance, body positioning, peg weighting, and clutch control, empowering riders to find stability and flow on unpredictable terrain. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, Ben leads you into more advanced challenges, from handling hills and navigating off-camber sections to recovering from hill fails, surmounting obstacles, and even towing a fellow rider.
Ben’s instruction blends precision and encouragement, making sure you feel supported as you learn to overcome each new obstacle. Whether you’re looking to develop rock-solid fundamentals or take your off-road riding to the next level, this course delivers skills, confidence, and a sense of camaraderie you won’t forget. Join us, and discover what your bike—and you—are truly capable of.
LEVEL 3 TRAINING OVERVIEW
“Rocks and Sand” level 3 course covers exactly what the name suggests and gives the rider the skills and experience to ride (and get unstuck) in deep sand and negotiate rocky, steep terrain successfully.
ITINERARY
The agenda for a two-day class typically includes an 8 a.m. start on the first day of class, ending around 4; and an 8 a.m. start on the second day, ending with graduation around 3. Start and end times may vary according to time of year, daytime temperatures, etc.
Teaching Style
Ben has lived and breathed the D.A.R.T program under his dad throughout his life. And by having the opportunity to witness so many classes and training sessions, Ben is an impressive rider and an even better communicator. Now being certified, he continues to help evolve and push the program and their coaching techniques. He has a unique and extremely personable way of assessing riding techniques and offering tweaks and pointers meant just for you. His students are quickly at ease under his instruction, and inspired by his abilities as a rider. His classes are never a one-size-fits-all, as both Ben and Bill Dragoo are extremely skilled at finding the right balance for each student.