2006 Donnie Hansen Motocross Academy Photo Gallery

2006 Donnie Hansen Motocross Academy

Most guys were committing it all to memory, but JC knew that he needed as much help as possible.

Preparing for a DHMA course is just like getting ready for a race. Bring food, gear, spare parts, the works.

Michael Hall showing us all how to get it done in the whoops. Who would've thought it was that tricky?

JC and Gully need to pay better attention in class.

Notice the difference in form between riding assistant Michael Hall and our own guy. Close? Not even.

Donnie claims that the majority of his students are younger riders, many of which are on minis.

Who wants to go first?

Nothing like getting showed up in the whoops by the tiniest bike/rider combo around.

He still isn't exactly what you might call spectacular, but Hilde had things a little more figured out by the time he left DHMA.

What, you don't believe me? Advice from seasoned veterans tends to be fairly reliable, but JC has his doubts.

Seat bouncing is still a ways off for our guy, but Donnie explained the concept of preloading suspension anyway.

Hilderbrand was getting the hang of the whole jumping thing in only two days. Imagine what he'd be doing after a week of DH magic?

Animated and enthusiastic, Donnie makes learning fun. He also speaks fluent braaap.

Some riders were more skilled than others like speedy local Richie Kasey, but everyone walked away a little better than when they arrived.

A personal cheering squad is included with the enrollment fee. JC gets his money's worth.

Darrel Jones cleared more obstacles on his KTM 65 than many of the older guys did on big bikes.

Going through the motions. Weight back, man. No wonder you tank-slapped.

The track turned hard and slippery late in the day, perfect for loop outs and uncontrollable wheel-spin.

Vanik Aivazian can usually be found ripping it up on the black top, but the 33-year-old showed up to help bolster his off-road skills. Nobody passed judgement on his well-worn 1999 Yamaha WR400F.

Donnie's lectures were exceptionally well-received. No worries here about daydreamers and deaf ears.

One of the smaller riders works through the rhythm section.

Those guys ought to be listening to Donnie.

Everyone can benefit from a few pointers here and there. A motocross school like DHMA gives more helpful hints in one dose than you'd likely receive all year at the racetrack.

White men can’t jump, but JC was working on his tan in every spare moment while in SoCal.

Donnie’s unexpected and hasty retreat seemed strange at first, but we soon discovered the hard way why his close friends refer to him as SBD. The domino effect ensued.

Everyone got their turn with the instructor. Some riders need more guidance than others, but overall it was even and fair treatment for all.

Immune to his own stench, Michael was unfazed while DH quickly pointed out the nearest detox station.

Donnie wasn’t the only one dispensing advice. Riders shared information and tips to help one anther as much as possible. It was kind of like Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act, only it works.

Learning the very basics was the first step to achieving motocross dominance. Body positioning, grip and riding stance were all discussed before ever hitting the track.

Darrell White was the smallest rider in attendance, but that doesn't mean he was the slowest.

Gully, our Icelandic import, found that America's motocross scene is significantly advanced compared to his home country. He was as eager to learn as the rest of the students.

JC had a lot to learn when he first showed up for two days of DHMA. That isn't to say that he's got it all down pat by now, but the course was a perfect starting point.

DHMA has been in action for over 22 years now.

Donnie gives instructions to his minion of speed, Michael Hall.

After being instructed to demonstrate various techniques, Michael went about making things look much easier than it would be for us pupils.

Don't screw this up, Michael... The Team Green rider was an important part of the seminar providing actual riding demonstration to illustrate the messages Donnie was trying to get across.