Like camping? Love tearing it up on your dirtbike? Got a mom or dad that you can drag along? Dirtbikes with Dad is a group of San Diego families that get out on bikes once a month and have some fun.
What's this shenanigans all about?
We’re a group of dad’s that live in Encinitas, Carlsbad, Cardiff, San Marcos and all around North County San Diego that love camping and riding motorcycles/dirtbikes with our kids. We typically get out once a month during the school year for a weekend campout and ride and the occasional motocross/track day at Pala Raceway.
Campouts start Friday evening and we finish up on Sunday. Locations are a couple hours outside San Diego. Many are at Ocotillo Wells since that is a crowd pleaser for the little ones and others off highway 8 at a private ranch.
Tell me about the rides
There are riders of all levels, from first-time riders to former pro’s. Groups normally form based on how old and skilled their kids are; call it the 125cc, 80cc and 50cc class riders. Rides can be more technical trail rides, to more wide open affairs when kids are in tow.
We have a good spot at Ocotillo Wells that enables the kids to ride within eyesight while the adults get prepared for a longer ride with them.
Vehicles span everything from dirtbikes, quads, side-by-sides, to 70’s era dune-buggies. In the dirtbike class, we’ve got representation from all manufactures, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha.
2023 - 2024 Schedule: Season 7
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Sept 22-24, 2023: Jewel Valley Ranch
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Oct. 13-15:, 2023 Ocotillo Wells
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Nov. 17-19, 2023: Painted Gorge
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Dec. 15-17, 2023:
Fish CreekOcotillo Wells by popular demand -
Jan 19-21, 2024: Glamis North
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Feb. 23-25, 2024: Superstition
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Mar 22-25, 2024: Fish Creek
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Apr 26-28, 2024: Jewel Valley
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Photos
Frequently asked questions
Questions we made up.
How much does it cost?
It’s free. We are just a group of dads that coordinate riding. However, there may be fees required to pay for the campsite or occasionally we will all chip in for dinner.
I haven't ridden since I was a kid, is that going to be a problem?
‘Not a problem. Many of us grew up on bikes, but as time went on we no longer found a way to incorporate them into our lives. Dirtbikes with Dad gives you a reason to get back on a bike, now with your kids and some good friends.
The riding is as mellow or sketchy as you want it to be. Some stick to a policy of ‘wheels don’t leave the ground’ and others are always looking for air time.
Can my wife come?
Yes. Despite the name, moms, brothers, sisters, cousins are all welcome. It’s a family affair.
What's the word on drinking?
Most wake up at the crack of dawn with their kids and ride until the sun sets. Adrenaline is the drug of choice. That being said, a beer or two before bed is not uncommon, but it’s not a big party crowd; you’re pretty beat after the sun is gone.
Tell me about the activities?
We stick with a tried and tested formula involving the following:
- Fire – Kids under 14 typically have a fire going multiple times a day
- Guns – Many bring their Red Ryder BB guns. We are limiting their usage to the firing range.
- Knives – Spear fashioning seems to be a big hit with the little ones
- Dirt bikes – Multiple rides throughout the day – the main attraction
It’s pretty much a mom’s worst nightmare, but we keep it safe.
How long has the group been doing this? How many people?
We started and 2016 with about 10 families. Each campout there are typically around 30+ people (adults plus kids).
Tent Camping or Trailer?
All campouts are accessible with a trailer. Over half of the people have a campers with the others tent camping or sleeping in the back of their truck.
Toilets?
Some of the locations there is not a toilet there. Ocotillo Wells it is driving distance. If you do not have a camper with a toilet, be sure to either bring your own crapper or a shovel.
What does a weekend look like?
Arrive Friday evening after school, or Saturday morning- most come out Friday night. On Saturday, we typically do a morning ride that is 50cc friendly (easy ride). This is about an hour or so. Once back, kids normally mess around, ride around camp, and screw around. People go on another ride or do whatever. In the afternoon, at Ocotillo Wells, we’ll ride to the Blue Inn to get ice cream. Then back to camp again and normally some of the adults try to sneak out for a harder ride if they have not already done so.
Once or twice a year will do an afternoon competition – a poker run, slow race or scavenger hunt. We get prizes from some of the manufacturers that want to encourage the next generation of riders (see sponsors below). Vey’s Powersports, Bike Bandit, and their friends donate the loot. New set of tires, new boots, full outfits, coozies, stickers, gloves, hats, shirts, camelpacks… tons of goodies to be had.
Sunday people typically do a morning ride and are out by noon.
Thank you to our sponsors for their generosity
and investing in the next generation of riders...
and investing in the next generation of riders...
Dirtbikes with Dad – Since 2017