Babes in the Dirt Partners with Destry Abbott for a Training Camp for the Gals - Peoria Arizona March 5th-8th

One of the best decisions I made as a rider was to book a multi-day session with 10-time National Champion, Destry Abbott in Peoria Arizona. I was gearing up for a 100-mile desert race and knew my form wasn't that good which made me tire out faster, lose control frequently, and was messing with my confidence on the bike. I needed help...big time. I always equate riding dirt bikes as my greatest "humbler". One day you feel hot to go and the next you are punished so hard on the trail you are not sure you even "know how to ride a bike". As we all know, it's the seat time that makes a difference and you get what you put in. In this case, I needed the framework and a professional to help me build a stronger foundation. This is where Destry enters the chat.

Professionally: Destry is a machine like no other on the bike. Fast and controlled, he makes it look effortless. Throughout Destry’s lengthy career (32 years as a professional racer) he has developed a large base of knowledge from real world experience on what works and what doesn’t in an athlete’s training program. His talent and determination have made him one of the most dominant desert racers in the West. With consistent performances and an indomitable spirit, Abbott has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of off-road motorcycle racing. His list of achievements includes multiple national championships and seven ISDE (International Six Days Enduro) gold medals.

Off the Bike: When I talk about Destry off the bike and when he is training you, the best way I can describe his style is "Dad, best friend, cool uncle, and your biggest cheerleader" all rolled into one incredible human. He's one of the most humble, interesting, and kind humans you will ever meet and it shows in the work he does with each rider he has coached. 

My Experience at the DA8 Training: Day one we did solid drills that worked on conserving energy and maintain control which changed my form completely. From there, speed was added (slowly) as confidence was gained with each turn. I could hear Destry through my helmet "THERE YOU GO! THAT'S IT!" & "ALMOST HAD IT! SO CLOSE". Day 2 was solid drills again with cornering, and body positioning work for uphill and downhill control. Everything we did felt safe with incremental pushes towards progress and by the end of day 2 I was so ready to get out on the trail and put it all together. Day 3 we hit the single track and I was shocked on the progress and confidence. Destry had been filming me throughout and by day 3 I was a different rider. I immediately wanted him to adopt me but knew as a 40+ year old, that would be weird. 

What I learned in those 3 days put me on the podium as I took home 1st place in women's advanced 100-mile race. I couldn't believe how much these lessons and drills catapulted me into my next era of riding. If left to my own devices, it would have taken me years to get where I was in just those 3 days and I can't wait to get back out there in 2026, and this time go with YOU as we do an all-gals training + trail with Destry Abbott this coming March. We just opened registration and this all-inclusive adventure includes SO much! If you want to get in on this amazing opportunity, we are taking $500 deposits now to reserve your space tap HERE to secure your spot.

DA8 TRAINING x BABES IN THE DIRT - MARCH 5th-8th 2026

Welcome to our first annual training camp with Destry Abbott! This is experience is designed for 8-12 riders max and is for intermediate riders only for year one. We will be tackling terrain drills for two days and having a trail ride to implement all your new skills on day 3. Designed to help riders improve their skills and technique on the track. Whether it’s working on sections, tackling obstacles, perfecting corners, or focusing on form, Abbott provides valuable insights and guidance to aspiring riders. Destry Abbott’s small group classes are a fantastic opportunity for riders to receive personalized instruction and guidance in a more intimate setting. These classes, limited to a small number of participants, allow for a focused and interactive learning experience. Whether it’s honing specific riding techniques, improving overall performance, or gaining valuable insights from Abbott’s years of experience in motorcycle racing, the small group classes provide riders with the attention and feedback they need to elevate their skills. With a supportive and collaborative environment, participants can learn from each other’s experiences and push their limits in a safe and controlled manner.

DA8 Experience rides are a completely new experience. The focus for DA8 Experience rides is all about fun, safety, camaraderie and enjoying the freedom and thrill that off-road motorcycles can bring. Each day will consist of 5-7 hours of riding in some of the best terrain Arizona has on offer with 2 full days of training and one hell of a trail ride day 3 awaits! 

 

Some additional details:

• This DA8 Experience ride is intended for novice (B level in terms of riding skill). Riders should be comfortable riding single-track trails, be able to handle moderate climbs, descents and be comfortable in rocky conditions (we are in AZ after all). The terrain will be a mix of fun single track, double track, sand wash and other offroad conditions here in the Southwest. 
• This experience ride will be limited to just 8-12 riders, so sign-up asap to lock in your spot for a $500 deposit
• Riders are welcome to bring their own fully prepped motorcycle or we do offer fully prepped KTM motorcycle rentals (additional cost) for the ultimate in convenience
• Each day will start with breakfast at the Destry compound before heading out for the ride / training. 
• Lunch will be provided on the trail at a meeting point, where the DA8 staff will meet us (along with tools and parts if needed). 
• Dinner will be provided Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
• Additional night's stay can be available for an additional fee (please let us know in advance) by emailing ashmore@babesrideout.com 
• Bring your riding/safety gear, hydration pack (a must for AZ), your great attitude and either your well prepped bike (or rent ours!) 
• Each day we will all drive out to staging area (20-25 min drive) in our own vehicles with our dirt bikes. From there we will help each other unload + get ready + start the day! After each session, we help each other load up and head back to the Destry compound to shower, hang, and play some "pickleball". Tournament anyone?

Accommodations Included (Abbott Acres):

• Fully furnished guest house with two bedrooms (2 queen beds, 1 king bed)
• Apartment with two queen beds, living room, kitchen, etc.
• Casita with two queen beds, kitchenette (more like a nice hotel room, but with a fridge and microwave, etc.). 
• Two guest bedrooms in the main house (both king beds). 
• We have two separate garages, and places to wash and work on bikes if needed. 

Schedule:

• Thursday: Reception and welcome dinner. We will meet for dinner, socializing and talk about the exciting agenda for the next few days
• Friday: Training - Day 1 All meals provided
• Saturday: Training - Day 2 All meals provided 
• Sunday: Trail -Day 3 TRAIL RIDE to showcase those skills! Breakfast and lunch provided. Send off in the afternoon! L8ter Babes!

Peoria is 17 min away from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).