The young off-road motorcycle riders spent an afternoon Sunday with professional Sam King as part of Dirt School hosted by the Yukon Cross Country Motorcycle Association. Dirt School was also held the weekend prior and on Saturday.

The school helped the youth target their technical skills to increase their control and ability on their off-road motorcycle. The techniques taught would benefit the average trail rider as well as those who consider themselves experts in hard enduro.

King, originally from Australia, but now riding pro out of B.C., said he has had a passion for dirt-biking ever since he was a kid.

He got his first bike when he was three, and began entering competitions at eight-years-old. When King was 12, he earned his first Australian national title. That lead to competing in Europe and at 19 he made the move to Canada.

Still competing and teaching, King said he enjoys teaching the up-and-coming dirt bike riders.

“It’s really cool to get your passion across to other people and see them improving and seeing how happy they are when they are learning new techniques and gaining confidence on the dirt bike,” said King. “

“I don’t care if they get out there and compete but seeing people get on two wheels and have fun is what really drives me to do these coaching schools.”

Dirt School taught the riders, throttle and clutch control; static balance; wheelies and nose wheelies; pivot turns, double blips and jap zaps; turns and fast corning; logs and rocks.

Over the Sunday session, King taught kids aged five-15 in different sessions. He said all the Yukon dirt-bikers were keen learners.

“It’s insane how these little kids on these little bikes just want to have a shot at anything you point them at,” said King. “Half the time they do it no problem at all and when they don’t get it they don’t get discouraged.

“You give them some pointers and by the end of the day, they are doing everything no problem. It’s real satisfaction to see the improvement and see the smile on their faces, and that’s what it is about.”

It was King’s first time in the Yukon but said he could live here. He commented on how dirt-biking seems to be taking off in the territory as well as the great track off of Robert Service Way.

“The Yukon Cross Country Motorcycle Association are why there are so many more people getting into it,” said King. “They’ve got a really nice track that anybody can ride from kids to seasoned vets.

“Especially coaching the off-road stuff with the endurocross track and the trail network coming from the motocross track here is really cool to see.”

Although not finalized yet, King said if there is enough interest, he would do another weekend of skill sessions.