Rich Oliver's Mystery School - Prather, California

Ryan Vallieu

I have ridden dirt on my own in the past, but NOT having grown up riding dirt bikes. I have taken a lot of street riding classes and road course track riding classes, but never had taken a dirt school before.

The Off-road Challenge class is for learning dirt trail riding skills vs the schools flat-track oriented Mystery School. You are provided a bike to ride, snacks, drinks, lunch, and whatever gear you might need.

I knew I had bad habits to break, and techniques to just simply learn. Watching videos online or reading books only gets you so far. You need actual live feedback from instructors that know what they are doing and looking for. You might 'think' you have you foot turned out, or outside elbow high, but not ACTUALLY be implementing ? correctly. That's where excellent instructor feedback helps out.

Rich's class is built to start with the basics for trail riding and how to take corners and set up your body and bike positions.

It took me conscious effort to overcome my street training sometimes. I could feel the difference in bike feedback and stability when doing the correct technique vs wrong.

The bikes provided all ran great. The instructors that helped out on the demos may have been young, but they were excellent riders with way more than the necessary skill to get across the lessons to the students.

The class was made up of riders of various ages and experience levels and Rich and the instructors made it all work seamlessly.

I had an absolute blast.

Ed Sorbo

Rich Oliver is the real deal. He has a life time of experience racing at the highest level but he did not forget what it was like before he became an expert. The Mystery School mixes riding lessons with training, diet, stretching, strategy and more adjusted for all levels from never rode a motorcycle to Pro Racer.
I raced against Rich in AMA Pro 250GP. I’ve enjoyed two Fun Camps and three Pro Camps. My first Pro Camp helped me to the Podium in 2003. This past weekend’s Pro Camp helped me polish my skills for future races.
In this photo, Rich is on the left. That’s me with the checkered flag after winning a 20-lap flat track race.
Ed Sorbo

Eric D

Without exaggeration, the best experience ever. Brought my two teenagers with me and we all 3 did the 2-day Fun Camp. Rich and Karin couldn't be nicer and more knowledgeable on riding. We learned the building blocks of riding, step by step and practiced each in order. Before long, we were in a full closed course high intensity 25-lap race. I'd ridden before many times, but it re-trained me and bolstered my abilities substantially. My teens are now completely different riders. Between the knowledge they provide, the attention to detail, care for the rider, home-cooked meals and even awards at the end, I couldn't have had a better experience. We will be back.

CG

Rich, Karin, and the whole crew make this an incredible experience. Had two days of dirt bike and flat track training as part of an all girls group of student riders, and it was one of the most fun and empowering things I've ever done. They are on point from start to finish. Track is well maintained and thought out. Rental gear and bikes are in great shape. Training is a steady progression that even the most inexperienced riders can feel comfortable with. If I could give this place 10 stars, I would.

Eugene Alexeev

Amazing way to spend the weekend and build your skills. The facility and equipment are top notch. The instruction is fun, to the point and flexible enough to accommodate a variety of skill levels. Rich and KO are the real deal. This is worth your time and money.

Brian Schwarz

The Mystery School is the thing I look forward to most every year. I have done it now 5 times and every year it gets better and better. The school has an amazing amount of property where you get to hone your motorcycle skills.

It starts out fairly basic so even if you have 0 skills it's no problem. If you have no equipment at all, it doesn't matter, they literally provide everything from socks to amazingly tuned motorcycles. The day is fully catered with a good breakfast and home cooked lunch. So literally you can show up in jeans and a t-Shirt and they will have you ripping in minutes. By the end of the second day, you put all of the lessons together and race around a dirt track with your new and old friends who won't be able to peal the smile off of their faces for weeks.

We usually get a group of 12 people together and rent the whole place out, but I have also done fun camps and they are just as good because you get to meet a ton of like-minded individuals.

The skills that Rich, Karen and their team have taught me directly translates to my street and track riding. I can't recommend going out here enough, you will absolutely not regret it.

LANI Chevoya

My 12 year old son had an amazing time at Ride and Wrench camp! The instruction is very well thought out and organized. He got tons of riding time and loved the different track styles they have. His favorite was "The Main Event" on a track called "The Rattle Snake." I also love how they got mechanical experience by taking apart the motorcycle to the frame. There was an expert speaker presentation on hydraulic brakes/fluids, all in 3 days of camp!

Big D

It was an awesome day of learning and improving dirt/mud riding skills! Rich and his crew did an excellent job of keeping the learning coming and building skills throughout the day. Highly recommended.