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Downhill and motocross · no driving licence
Downhill Ridingat theMX-Academy
Downhill riding and motocross are closer than many people think: you already know some of the positions on the bike. In motocross you add around 40 hp, and climbs are as much a part of the track as descents.
for downhillers and newcomers3.5 hrs (Wed) · 4 hrs (Sat) track timeno driving licence neededWednesday or Saturday1 hr from Villingen-Schwenningen
from €390(CHF 360) · with rental
Downhill Riding
Is this right for you?
Yes, if …
- you ride downhill and want to try something new with an engine
- you want to improve your bike control for mountain biking too
- you want to train corners and later jumps with professionals
- you are planning a day together with friends from the bike scene
Downhill and motocross: what the two sports have in common
If you ride downhill, you bring a strong foundation to motocross. Both sports depend on the right stance on the bike, on looking far ahead and on a feel for balance. You will immediately recognise some positions from downhill on the motocross bike, which is why experienced downhillers often have a head start. But even if you have never been off-road before, the course is exactly right for you.
The big difference: in motocross an engine with around 40 hp drives you, and you don't just head downhill. Climbs are as much a part of it as corners and jumps. The competition bikes weigh around 100 kg and deliver plenty of torque. This extra power demands clean technique, and that is exactly why it is so much fun. Riding uphill under engine power in particular will be new to you as a downhiller.
Downhill riding with an engine: coaching for riders making the switch
Even if you are confident at downhill, you start at the MX-Academy with coaching, because it is compulsory for all first-time participants. The coaches, all of them experienced motocross riders, first explain in theory how the bike works. Then they show you on the track how to use throttle, clutch and brakes so that your experience from downhill riding on the mountain bike really pays off.
The team adapts individually to your ability. If you bring a lot of experience, you will quickly work on new cornering techniques and later on jumps. If you start from zero, you first sit on a beginner model of the Honda F version with electric start. The robust motocross protective gear is provided; all you bring is long trousers and sturdy shoes.
What downhill riders learn on a motocross course
Motocross trains exactly the skills that also help you with downhill riding: line choice, cornering technique, balance and timing. Because the bike accelerates harder, the time window for every movement gets smaller. If you become precise here, you take that precision with you onto the mountain bike. More control means more possibilities, with and without an engine. On top of that comes riding standing up, the foundation for everything that later involves jumps.
You work in groups by ability, spread across 5 difficulty levels and several tracks. For the time after the course day, motocross training gives you a way to keep riding regularly and refine your riding technique even further. If friends or family want to come along, there are dedicated offers as a team building event.
- Cornering technique and line choice
- Jumping technique, once the basics are in place
- Climbs on the slope
- Fine control of throttle, clutch and brakes
- Seating position and where to look
Getting here: downhill fans travelling from Germany
From Villingen-Schwenningen you are in Schlatt TG in around 1 hr, the same from Rottweil, from Friedrichshafen in around 1 hr 15 min and from Kempten in around 2 hrs 25 min. From Augsburg it takes around 3 hrs. For these distances the full day course is the right choice, not the short hour, which is intended more for small children.
On Wednesday you have 3.5 hrs of track time available, on Saturday 4 hrs, including breaks and instruction. With a Honda rental bike, gear and coach, the day costs €390 (CHF 360) or €444 (CHF 410) respectively, non-binding. If you bring friends from the downhill scene, you split up into the groups according to ability. You can see the dates for both course days in the motocross events calendar, and you register directly there.
How your course day works
1
Arrive
Meeting point and sat-nav address: the MX-Academy Shop, Hauptstrasse 8, Schlatt TG.
2
Register
At the shop reception you sign in for your course day.
3
Collect your gear
You get a helmet, goggles, chest protector, knee guards, boots and gloves in your size – and a Honda CRF that suits you.
4
Detailed theory
Before you start, the coaches calmly explain how riding off-road works.
5
Riding with breaks
On the track, riding and breaks alternate – with more tips and tricks from the coaches.
Prices in euros
Wednesday
Weekday course
3.5 hrs track time incl. breaks and instruction
with rental€390 (CHF 360)
with your own gear€163 (CHF 150)
Dates in the events calendarSaturday
Weekend course
4 hrs track time incl. breaks and instruction
with rental€444 (CHF 410)
with your own gear€195 (CHF 180)
Dates in the events calendarA course day lasts 6–8 hours in total, including registration, gear and theory. The hours shown are the available track time including the breaks and instruction you need, not pure time in the saddle: motocross is anaerobic, breaks are part of it – and that is exactly when the coaches give you more tips and tricks. For teenagers and adults, each of these days is the recommended taster course, because it gives you a real impression of the sport and shows your progress. Kids, teenagers, women and adults all pay the same; the only difference is whether you rent or bring your own gear. With rental: a Honda bike in your size, protective gear, coaching and basic course costs. With your own gear: coaching, track hire and basic course – provided you can already ride on your own, otherwise extra coaching for €54 (CHF 50) is added.
€179 (CHF 165)1-hour taster course (track time incl. breaks and instruction) – every other Wednesday, mainly for children aged 4 to 6 who can concentrate for about an hour. Motocross taster course
Euro = guide price based on the ECB reference rate of 23.10.2026 (€1 = 0.9227 CHF), updated daily; courses are priced in CHF. All prices are non-binding and subject to change.
Your driving time to Schlatt TG
From Stuttgart to Schlatt TGapprox. 2 hrs
By car · OSRM route planner (OpenStreetMap), measured 23–26 Oct 2026, without traffic or waiting time at the border. Directions
FAQ: Downhill Riding
Does motocross help with downhill riding?
Yes. The riding technique and the feel for the bike that you build up in motocross also give you a real boost in downhill.
Do I need a driving licence for motocross as a downhiller?
No. Because the tracks are on private grounds and you never ride on public roads, nobody will ask you for a driving licence.
What protective gear do I need as a downhiller?
You can rent everything you need on site, from helmet, goggles and chest protector to knee guards, boots and gloves. From your own wardrobe, long trousers and a pair of sturdy shoes are enough.
How powerful are the motocross bikes compared with a mountain bike?
You move a mountain bike with muscle power; the competition bikes at the MX-Academy have around 40 hp and weigh around 100 kg. Newcomers start on the beginner models of the Honda F version.
How far is the MX-Academy from Villingen-Schwenningen?
Around 1 hr by car for 60 km, calculated without traffic.
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