Mountain Bike Lessons - Dirty Wheels

We teach all skill levels:

• Haven’t Gotten Dirty Yet – brand new to biking, just learning the basics
• Both Wheels Have Hit the Dirt (Level 1) – riding green trails, learning to shift and brake smoothly
• Embracing the Dirt (Level 2) – riding green and blue trails, working on cornering, switchbacks, and moderate technical features
• Dirt Doesn’t Scare Me (Level 3) – ready for jumps, drops, steeper rolls, and more challenging terrain

See below for detailed descriptions on how we define skill levels:

• Haven’t Gotten Dirty Yet - New to biking. Just bought a bike, now what?! Come take a private lesson with one of our knowledgeable coaches, and we will help build your confidence and teach you the basics of biking that will prepare you for the Level I class.
• Both Wheels Have Hit the Dirt - Level 1 beginner You have been riding your bike 1 to 2 times per week, but riding on trails is still new and a little uncomfortable. A Level l rider knows the basics about front and rear braking but does not know quite know how to comfortably use both brakes in certain situations. You know how to shift your gears and can pedal with ease. However, you need to learn how to comfortably shift and smoothly pedal on different terrain more efficiently. Level I classes teach students all the fundamentals of mountain biking, so riders can enjoy green and easy blue trails.
• Embracing the Dirt - Level 2 beginner/intermediate You have been riding green and some blue trails. You're comfortable shifting gears and comfortable using both front and rear brakes, but continue to need improvement in braking around corners and downhill. A Level ll rider can ride corners but hasn't learned detailed techniques for smoothly maneuvering the bike through the three parts of a corner. A Level Il rider can climb hills but struggles with switchbacks and rockier terrain.
• Dirt doesn’t scare me - Level 3 intermediate plus A Level Ill rider is ready to begin small jumps, small drops, and steeper rolls. A Level Ill rider is comfortable cornering but is still learning to ride smoothly through the turns with little or no braking. Steep hill climbs, descents with rockier terrain, and tighter switchbacks are fun, but you still need to work out some chain kinks in the links.

Yes! While Dirty Wheels is passionate about getting more women on bikes, we offer private lessons for men and kids too.

Full-suspension bikes are recommended for most Durango trails, but not required. We can coach riders on any style of mountain bike.

Fill out our private lesson registration form and select your preferred date, time, and coach. We’ll confirm the details and send you the waiver to sign.

Lessons are held on trails around Durango, Colorado, selected based on your goals, ability level, and trail conditions. Popular areas include Horse Gulch, Twin Buttes, and Overend Mountain Park.

No experience is required. We work with all skill levels—from complete beginners to advanced riders looking to refine specific skills.

Absolutely. Common skills we teach include cornering, braking, shifting, climbing techniques, descending with control, handling technical terrain, switchbacks, jumps, and drops.

Private lessons are either one-on-one or small groups of 3–5 riders so you get individualized attention.

Yes. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one through our partner, 2nd Ave Sports. They offer high-quality mountain bikes that are well-suited for Durango’s trails.

Yes! Our women coaches are passionate about getting more women on bikes, and we offer lessons in a supportive, non-competitive environment designed to help you progress and have fun.