The Beginner's Guide to Dirt Biking for Women

So You Want to Ride Dirt Bikes

You don't need to own a bike. You don't need experience. You don't even need to know how a clutch works yet. What you need is curiosity and a willingness to get a little dirty.

This guide walks you through everything — from what to wear to your first ride to how to find other women to ride with. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for going from "dirt bikes seem cool" to actually riding one.

Step 1: Get the Right Gear

You don't need to spend thousands before your first ride. Here are the essentials:

• DOT-approved helmet — The most important piece. Make sure it fits snugly (women often need smaller sizes than expected).
• Goggles — Not sunglasses. Proper MX goggles protect from dust, rocks, and branches.
• Boots — Over-the-ankle with a stiff sole. Regular hiking boots won't cut it — your ankles need real protection.
• Gloves — MX-specific preferred, but any full-finger glove works for your first ride.
• Long pants and long-sleeve jersey or jacket — Riding pants with built-in padding are ideal. Sturdy jeans work for your first time.

We strongly recommend adding a chest/back protector and knee guards as soon as you can. Many beginner clinics include gear rental, so don't let gear cost stop you from getting started. For the full breakdown, read our complete women's dirt bike gear guide.

Step 2: Choose Your First Bike (Or Borrow One)

Here's a secret: you don't need to own a bike to start riding. Many clinics — including Dirtastic events — provide bikes for beginners. This is the easiest way to try dirt biking without a big investment.

If you're ready to buy, start with a smaller displacement trail bike in the 125-250cc range. These bikes are lighter, more forgiving, and easier to learn on. Seat height matters a lot — lighter and shorter riders should check our suspension setup guide for tips on getting a bike that fits your body.

Step 3: Learn the Controls

Before your first ride, get familiar with the basic controls:

• Left hand: Clutch lever
• Right hand: Front brake lever + throttle
• Left foot: Shifter (gear up/down)
• Right foot: Rear brake

The clutch is usually the trickiest part for beginners. It controls how power transfers from the engine to the rear wheel. Don't worry if it feels confusing — everyone stalls at first. For a deep dive into getting smooth with the clutch, read our Clutch Control 101 guide.

Step 4: Your First Ride — What to Expect

A typical learn-to-ride session starts in a flat, open area — no trails, no obstacles, no pressure. You'll practice:

• Starting and stopping the bike
• Finding the clutch's friction zone
• Basic balance at walking speed
• Simple turns and figure-eights

It is completely normal to stall the bike, tip over, and feel wobbly. Every single rider has been there. That's why we practice picking up the bike on day one — because it happens to everyone, and knowing you can handle it builds confidence fast.

Ready to picture what your first real trail ride looks like? Read our guide to your first trail ride.

Step 5: Build Your Skills

Progression in dirt biking follows a natural path:

1. Basic balance — Getting comfortable on two wheels
2. Throttle and brake control — Smooth starts and stops
3. Cornering — Turning with confidence
4. Standing position — The foundation of off-road riding (read why standing beats sitting)
5. Trail riding — Putting it all together on real terrain
6. Technical terrain — Hills, rocks, logs, and more

Structured coaching accelerates this progression dramatically compared to trying to figure it out alone. A single weekend clinic can accomplish what takes months of solo practice.

Step 6: Find Your People

Riding with other women makes you better, faster. It's also a lot more fun. The Dirtastic community exists specifically for this — to connect women who ride (or want to start).

Here's how to get involved:

• Community rides — Free, coach-led group trail rides. No cost, just good trails and good company.
• Skills clinics — Structured coaching sessions organized by skill level, from absolute beginner to advanced.
• The Main Event — Our flagship weekend bringing 200+ women together for three days of riding, learning, and camping. Learn more.

Most women who attend their first Dirtastic event come alone. By the end of the weekend, they leave with a crew. If showing up solo feels intimidating, you're not alone — and you'll wonder why you waited so long.

Common Beginner Questions