I can't remember how many times I have heard or seen someone getting hurt riding a bike without proper training or experience. It's very important to have proper gear and proper instruction before riding.

Dirt Tracks Dirt is probably the best place to learn. For one thing, the lack of traction will quickly teach you to balance the bike better, and help you to react and adjust when you lose traction during braking, acceleration and turning.

Learning about this sort of thing is much better done at slow speeds in the dirt than at high speeds on the pavement, which is where loss of traction is more likely to occur on a street bike. I know, I've tested both.

There are usually less distractions in the dirt as well. On the street, (unless you're on a track or at a training facility), there are many things to watch out for, including other cars, oil on the road, or that blonde in the convertible.

But my favorite benefit of riding in the dirt as a beginner is that the dirt is softer than cement or concrete. If there's one thing I am pretty certain happens with just about every motorcycle rider, you've either been down, or you're going down. So wear proper gear, including leather jacket, pants, boots, gloves, and a good fitting helmet.