I know several people here have taken motocross/dirt bike courses, but my research of late has turned up nothing. Anyone have pointers to where I can (a) rent a dirt bike and/or (b) take lessons?

I do believe the MSF has a dirt bike class you can take.
If you're looking for a true off road experience, troll the off-road mags for classes. 
Dirt Bike magazine
Dirt Rider magazine
You can also try the local MX tracks, they do instruction if you're looking for 'whips' off a triple, etc.
Sand Hill
Club Moto
Shane Watts is an off road stud that will whip your ass into shape, I have the scars to prove it.  I don't know if he can provide bikes, but he might have a source.  There are others.
Another idea is to hit up your local off road oriented dealer to see what they offer.  When I was pimp'n KTM's, they had a class you could take.
Rich Oliver's school will teach you to slide like Gary McCoy and there are others.
Leme noodle more...

Thanks man. Definitely a research project.

American Supercamp, or Colin Edwards camp in texas.

all the beginner dirt instruction you need and one hell of a good time.

Id spend some time riding first then do it.

Just buy one, you can pick up a mid 90's 2stroke for around 1000. they haven't evolved much over the last decade, except for the 4 stroke. My 96 honda cr125 made the same power as adrians new honda 250x. Just freshen up the suspension and beat the make the beast with two backs out of it. rental will cost you 250 or so, 4 times out then you could have bought one.

Thanks man. I have no room to keep one...just want to play with one for a day.

And I've ridden dirt bikes before, just want to have a bit of fun again.

Quote from: desmoquattro on May 06, 2012, 07:09:38 AM
Thanks man. I have no room to keep one...just want to play with one for a day.

Not my fault you got married.



Kidding

Quote from: DanTheMan on May 06, 2012, 07:43:50 AM
Not my fault you got married live in San Francisco and already rent space for your two bikes.

Fixed it. Though I am considering selling the Yamaha and getting a 690 SM

There are alot of dirt track type schools where you ride small bikes and slide all over.  You will laugh your ass off. 
http://www.eaglerider.com/rentals/dirt-bike-rentals.aspx
http://www.usmotorcyclerentals.com/html/off_road.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/2997717614.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/2975891515.html  looking for a trade...