When founder Catherine Hurley first started her dirtbike journey, she came from high marks in the Road Racing world. So imagine her surprise when she took up a dirtbike and COULDN'T STOP CRASHING.
She dumped it 7 times in the first mile of a ride, sunk her bike underwater AND popped the chain off her bike. The rage and anger she felt that day was washed away once she got to the outlook. She saw the beauty that dirt bikes could take her too and she wanted more.
Soon she retired from road racing to travel and ride dirt full time. There was just one problem...she still couldn't figure out how to ride a dirt bike. All the classes and coaches she found where teaching people how to ride a motorcycle for the first time. Starting and stopping, shifting from first gear to second gear. She already knew how to do all that...she needed to know HOW to ride in the dirt. So she started to travel and learn from the greats. Graham Jarvis, Kalyn Benaroya, Megs Braap and more.
She learned a lot about riding, and quickly progressed, getting noticed by other local ladies looking to get into the sport, she started taking them on rides, and quickly saw the same anger and frustration she felt. Soon after, she started teaching women and men alike. Vowing that no one should feel that same anger she felt when she sunk her bike. Instead she teaches riders now, in a fun and exciting way so that they can get to the outlooks, even if it means water crossings, rocks or logs, and enjoy the ride the whole way.
Because Catherine's whole goal through the clinics is to help riders enjoy their dirt bike and fall in love just as she had, she comes ready to over deliever to make sure you get the most you possibly can from these classes.
Catherine
Often known as "the hype woman everyone needs in their corner", Catherine's infectious attitude comes from her passion of helping riders accomplish the next step in their riding journey. A huge advocate for women in motorsports, Catherine is often working hand in hand with programs across the country to help develop this side of the motorsports industry.
Nick
Nick comes from a mixed background of amateur pro motocross and after 10 years of retirement he entered the trials world and has developed a fondness for Hard Enduro and LOVES the mastery of dirt biking. Nick is often found geeking over different techniques and the theory of riding.
Sam
The hidden backbone of the program, Sam is the behind the scenes, mechanic, strategist, traveling parts dealer and support system for the entire Leaky Mushroom Moto Ranch. You'll see him in the tire van, or making emergency repairs to student bikes, or our own if it's a hard training session. Sam also steps in to help coach when class demand is large enough.
Angel
Former student Angel joined the team to help spread the word of the clinics due to her belief in the coaches and the transformation they've given not only her but all her friends as well. Handling most of the marketing and contract negotiations, the clinics would still be MN based only if it wasn't for her.
Our coaches are certified through the United States Motorcycle Coaching Association, meaning our coaches meet a standard in both the quality of our coaching delivery, and our personal education on what we teach. The USMCA also holds standards surrounding student safety, including all coaches having multiple different First Aid educations.
The Leaky Mushroom Moto Ranch is also sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association, which holds a standard of operation for any motorcycle event. So you can rest easy knowing we care about the standard and reputation we have. But don't let all that jargain fool you. We go above and beyond the standard to deliver an incredible and fun experience for everyone.
The Leaky Mushroom Moto Ranch was created NOT to build hard core racers and champions, but to help people enjoy dirt bike riding.
Nick comes from a mixed background of amateur pro motocross and after 10 years of retirement he entered the trials world and has developed a fondness for Hard Enduro and LOVES the mastery of dirt biking and want to teach others how to safely execute manuevers instead of JUST watching someone on YouTube and thinking that’s the sauce and then getting hurt.
He wants to remove the confusion and give you all the details and information necessary to become technically proficient with your motorcycle. Leading to confidence on the bike.
And with Catherine’s flair for a high energy environment that cultivates fun while learning, the duo create a class unlike any other clinic you’ve seen.
Because we know how much everyone loves these clinics, and are sad when it's over. Either because they have to leave the riding friends they've made, or they can't remember the drills we assigned, or they've mastered the drills but aren't sure how to progress.
Because we believe the learning never ends, when you sign up for a clinic with the Leaky Mushroom, you'll get FREE access to our online library of resources including; EVERY lesson Nick and I have ever taught, and will teach. As well as all our drills, challenges and games. Bike setup, the eternal modification and tire debate, and more!
AND because we are so sure you'll make riding friends at the clinic, and you'll probably forget to take their number. We've created a FREE FB group that holds EVERY Leaky Mushroom graduate.
So you can meet even more local riders, or organize rides across the country! Not to mention participate in challenges, ask the group for feedback, and even get direct feedback from Nick and I!
“The dirt bike clinics put on by Catherine Hurley and Nick Claire are absolutely amazing. Catherine has a teaching style that works very well for all people. Her ability to walk you through the different exercises and ensure you understand are wonderful. She recognizes when you need individual help and she is happy to give you the attention needed to succeed. The clinic is set up very well for people at different skill levels so you can learn new skills or help strengthen and perfect skills you may already
have. At the end of the day I felt a level of accomplishment that I have not felt in a long time. My fears were all addressed and gone to the point I feel like I can go out on almost any trail and make it through. I am definitely going to take more clinics with her in the future and I highly recommend her clinics to anyone.”
~Troy Drewes Enduro Levels 1-3 @Stompin' Grounds, MN
From the absolute beginner, to experienced pro hard enduro racers, we have a class or coach that help you take your riding to the next level. Check out our four main programs!
Ladies! Want to get more comfortable on your dirtbike? Feel more confident tackling your first log? Or maybe a bigger log? Try single track for the first time or learn how to take corners comfortably without sliding out? Maybe you want to meet fellow lady rippers and find others in your local area that you can go ride with! Regardless, the WOMEN’S ONLY clinic has it all.
So what do we cover? EVERYTHING! It really truly depends on the group that comes to class, but one of the things I’ve found that works well is I will ask each person, “What’s one thing that scares you, makes you nervous, or uncomfortable about either your bike, or riding in general?” And traditionally there’s three answers that come from that, “Crashing, Corners, and Accidental wheelies/looping out” sometimes there’s an outlier but for the most part, those are the top three so I cover those topics in the morning (and why I teach wheelies in a controlled environment) and then I ask the group how they’re feeling and we figure out together what to do next! Whether it’s more drills or practical on trail learning!
*Run with a 100% all female staff.
*There is a trail ride for $100 for any Significant Others that might tag along, hosted by Nick Claire.
Want to get more comfortable on your dirtbike? Feel more confident tackling your first log? Or maybe a bigger log? Try single track for the first time or learn how to take corners comfortably without sliding out? Maybe you want to meet fellow riders and find others in your local area that you can go ride with! Regardless, the Level 1 Enduro clinic is bringing all that and more!
This class is a Fundamentals class covering topics like, balance, clutch and throttle control, getting more comfortable with your brakes and how to use them BEYOND just coming to a stop; and then taking those basics and showing you how to apply them in real life scenarios. From obstacle crossings and navigation of any size, hill climbs and descents, slow or fast corners and even wheelies! Yes, I said it…WHEELIES! They have a 100% success rate in getting students to pick up their front wheel by the end of the day. I’m not talking 12 o’clockers (maybe, if you can already get it up and want to start getting your 12 o’clock), but I promise you, by the end of the day, there will be a picture of your front wheel a couple inches off the ground.
Love enduro and want to improve your technical abilities? Thinking about signing up for a Hard Enduro? Trying to get more proficient with your clutch and throttle control to take on wild terrain and impress your friends with the 12 o’clock slow wheelie? Want to know how to FIND Hard Enduro terrain near you, and make friends just as crazy as you? Then Level 2 Enduro clinic is for YOU!
Nick will be teaching this class as an Enduro Enthusiasts class covering topics like, balance, clutch and throttle control, getting more comfortable with your brakes and how to use them BEYOND just coming to a stop; and then taking those basics and showing you how to apply them in real life scenarios. This ON TRAIL class will take your enduro riding to the next level and allow you to analyze and approach any NEW, obstacles or terrain with confidence.
*Minimum skill requirements listed in FAQ
Have a specific skill you're working on, or want to master? Found a new obstacle or wanting to get into new or tougher terrain and need hands on help that can break down what you can improve on, and give you homework so you can take your riding to the next level? Than you should look at private coaching!
We work in half or full days, and we can do private groups of up to 10 people, so if you have a whole group of friends you want to take a class with then sign them up!
We also host a LEVEL 3, CLINIC on request (we consider this a "private day" since it's rare to get enough people for this event). This is for the HARDCORE HARD ENDURO RIDERS. We're talking big boulders, large logs, steep hill climbs and descents. These usually became a segmented masterclass, so if there's something you and your buddies want to tackle, then shoot us an email and let's get it scheduled.
admin@leakymushroommotoranch.com
"I would highly recommend the Enduro 1 & 2 classes to anyone that wants to hone their skills as a dirtbike rider or anyone that has an interest in Enduro. Catherine & Nick were excellent in teaching fundamental skills necessary to approaching various terrain and obstacles in a controlled environment prior to testing those skills out on the trail. The direct feedback from Catherine & Nick immediately after attempting an obstacle or hill climb was extremely helpful to improve my technique and highlight the specific mechanics that I was missing. Nick & Catherine reviewed video footage of us after the Level 1 class to identify common mistakes and give personalized feedback for those of us who took the Level 2 class. That level of dedication to instruction and student improvement was above and beyond my expectations. If you are on the fence about taking the class, DO IT!
~Joey L, Enduro Level 1 & 2 at Brushy Mountain, NC
As a new rider, I knew I didn't want to just watch random videos and pick up bad habits & form. The hands-on aspect of this clinic and learning the fundamental skills were important to me. Nick & Catherine were genuinely eager to teach, help and build our confidence up throughout the entire class. I have a long way to go, but this was a great starting point and I'm already looking forward to the next clinic in the spring.
I have never seen my wife smile so much on a dirt bike. What I saw her do today during this class, I have never thought possible for her. She can wheelie better than me now and doesn’t even blink at a small log in the trail.
Such an amazing clinic to learn new techniques or basic ones. The coaches had such an encouraging positive vibe. The whole group encouraged each other as well! As a beginner, I left more confident and can do wheelies! BRAAP! I definitely will be signing up for more.
“TAKE THE CLASS!” Catherine is an amazing instructor, with an incredible understanding of the art of riding. She breaks everything down in to easy to understand and practice components you can put together. Next thing you know you are tackling logs and rocks that only hours before you felt were impossible. She keeps the atmosphere fun and entertaining and provides individual attention when needed. If she can teach this 46 year old TO DO A WHEELIE, she can teach anyone! I highly recommend this course to everyone that rides a dirt bike!!!”
~Adam S. Enduro Levels 1-3
@Stompin' Grounds, MN
If you feel like you can nod at MOST of these and question if you really fit one or two of those checkpoints then this class is for you! And if you’re really not sure, send us an email or sign up for Level 1 and Level 2 and take the classes back to back! The classes build off each other.
If you still feel you need some clarification on whether these clinics are right for you, go ahead and send us a DM on Instagram (@leakymushroommotoranch) for a pressure free conversation.
We do! It's $350 for a 4 hour session (half a day), and $500 for a whole day (7 hours: 6 hours riding/coaching, 1 hour lunch).
Prices can change (get lower) if you bring up to three friends with.
Just email us to schedule and/or ask questions:
admin@leakymushroommotoranch.com
In February of 2023 I announced I was starting enduro clinics in Minnesota. They were such a hit that I started getting requests to go out of state, so come November 2023 I announced we would go on tour I just needed to know where people wanted us to go.
An OVERWHELMING amount of women from Tennessee reached out, enough to schedule two whole weekends out there.
So I started a group chat with clinic graduate, turned LMMR event manager Angel Volkart and the two main TN ladies Mel and Alisha and then left the group chat for all of TWO HOURS and somehow these ladies lined it up so that I would be running the TKO (Tennessee Knockout Challenge). I couldn't say no...
So I made a bet, if they book out both TN weekends, I'll run the race.
I couldn't be more grateful for these ladies pushing me to take on this WILD race. But it wouldn't be like me NOT to try and help them succeed in sending me into the "trial by fire" that is, the Tennessee Knockout.
So I have opened up the chance for anyone to "gift" a spot to a rider in need. We take each of these spots purchased (at a discount) and post them in local social media groups asking the community to nominate a rider they think deserves a spot in the class. And it allows you to help send me to TKO even if you're not in the area or able to take a class yourself.
All you have to do is click the button below to "gift a spot". They're discounted to $200/class. The default on the checkout page this goes to is just 1 class. If you wish to gift more, you can just change the quantity by clicking on the qty box just below the price. There are 90 spots over the two weeks in TN to fill out this bet!
I can't say it enough, so I'll say it one last time.
THANK YOU!!!!!
Thank you for taking the time to read this, thank you for your time, your interest, gifting a spot, signing up for class, even the messages you might send. ALL OF IT. Thank you for everything.
Have a stellar rest of your day,
~Catherine
Your one stop shop for Ladies Gear! Check out their high waisted, adjustable Pro-Line Pant 2.0. Catherine won't ride without them! Use code: HURLEY15 for 15% off your order.
Mens gear at it's finest. Check out the brands that helps support Hard Enduro. Our favorites are their hydropacks, and "hands free" hydration" inserts for the front of your helmet!
Extreme straps for extreme riders. All the coaches run the NSX Factor lift straps, and regret it when they don't!