LENGTH: 2 or 3 days
The Idaho Adventure Training course offers the ONLY location in the country that takes riders to a new location every day. Unlike traditional Adventure Training courses that train at a set location, the Idaho Adventure Training course takes you into the real world filled with the challenges you will face when traveling through the backcountry. Every day has a unique feel and the lessons evolve and change based on how the class performs and what the weather is doing.
Whether you are still new to off-road or off-pavement riding or an expert ADV rider, the same core off road motorcycle skills need development. The Idaho Adventure Training course doesn’t offer any secret formulas not taught at other ADV camps but instead offers the same lessons and skills in a more challenging environment. Also because the Idaho Adventure Training course takes place in the real world there are no guarantees that all riders are ready for every challenge or that all the lessons we hope to cover will be covered. This training embodies the spirit of adventure with all its rewards, risk and unpredictability.
OVERVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS IN IDAHO
Our Idaho Adventure Training courses offer the most unique blend of training available in the United States. This course takes the very best of our Adventure Training Camps with their location-specific learning opportunities mixed with the advantages of a full, immersive tour-like training that takes you along ADV roads to a new locations.
The Idaho Adventure Training course offers the smallest student to instructor ratio as well as the consistent, repetitive opportunities to practice and hone your skills in new and different locations. It’s the premier location for sand riding and practice going up and down loose, steep hills.
This is also our best “fly-and-train” location with an airport nearby and – most importantly – a local rental company who rents ADV bikes intended for off-road use.
ADV TRAINING
Designed for all riders, ranging from new-to-dirt to dirt-experienced.
You will develop your off-road skills through a better understanding of forces and physics rather than the traditional step-by-step instruction. Turn gross motor skills into fine motor control techniques that will reduce your energy use and make your bike feel lighter and more agile. Various terrain features will be utilized to tease with your brain as you learn how to evaluate each obstacle.
All of this is done without the need to remember the "right formula".
You will develop your off-road skills through a better understanding of forces and physics rather than the traditional step-by-step instruction. Turn gross motor skills into fine motor control techniques that will reduce your energy use and make your bike feel lighter and more agile. Various terrain features will be utilized to tease with your brain as you learn how to evaluate each obstacle.
All of this is done without the need to remember the "right formula".
CHALLENGE TRAINING
Designed for riders who enjoy learning in more difficult environments (not intended for riders who have only ridden graded gravel roads).
You will learn critical details that will lead you to excel in your riding skills. Understanding the "why" is critical to mastering your machine.
We cannot guarantee all lessons will be taught, nor that all riders will be able to complete the training due to the location and style of training as it requires mental and physical fortitude. The ADV camp is not a prerequisite for the Challenge training but is highly recommended.
You will learn critical details that will lead you to excel in your riding skills. Understanding the "why" is critical to mastering your machine.
We cannot guarantee all lessons will be taught, nor that all riders will be able to complete the training due to the location and style of training as it requires mental and physical fortitude. The ADV camp is not a prerequisite for the Challenge training but is highly recommended.
OPTIONAL: SUNDAY SCHOOL ($450)
Our Sunday School class takes you on an ADV ride while teaching you how to eliminate the #1 cause of accidents on pavement and on dirt – the same advanced visual techniques and riding strategies that we taught to the U.S. Army Special Forces and other professional organizations for the past 12 years.
You will also have a chance to practice everything we’ve built in the past two days, and learn how to eliminate information overload while traveling at-pace. You will find that you’ll use less energy, have less stress, and not be affected by the “surprises” that catch many riders unprepared.
The high point of the day (both literally and figuratively) is enjoying lunch at the historic Idaho Hotel in Silver City.
This optional training day is provided for an additional cost and is only available for the students who have attended both days of an Idaho Adventure Training course.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which tires should I have on my bike?
That depends. For the regular Idaho Adventure Training course, a 50/50 tire or better is required. For the Challenge Training, dirt friendly (knobbie) tires are required. This is due to the fact that this class is mobile, and we do not want anyone stuck in the middle of nowhere.
It’s important to note that it has been our experience that the least-experienced riders commonly arrive with the least-capable tires and ultimately struggle unnecessarily and/or hold back the entire class when it could have been a simple solution to arrive with tires that ensure they would get the most out of their investment in time and tuition. Due to this pattern, we have implemented minimum standards with recommendations.
A complete list of tires and our recommendations is found here.
Do I have to buy new boots?
Maybe… The one piece of safety equipment that does not cross over to riding on dirt are street boots which are often no more than leather slippers with padding and are not acceptable at any of our off-road training events. Crashing at speed during training is very rare but falling over or planting a foot while learning isn’t.
Riders wearing less than an off-road boot (adventure touring boots are NOT off-road boots) are more likely to experience a foot, ankle and/or lower leg injury along with a higher level of foot fatigue. When learning new skills, slow-speed tip-overs are not uncommon due to the inability to immediately apply all the lessons/coaching. This can result in a foot caught underneath the bike or getting twisted when doing an unintentional rapid dismount. We strongly encourage the most protective boot you can afford. Note: We cannot allow you to ride if you choose to bring a boot that offers no off-road crash protection. A complete list of boots are found here.
Hint: The more you can feel your controls and the more you don’t mind walking in your boots, the less protective they are. Some people choose not to wear protective boots because they “can’t feel the controls”. Being able to feel the controls underfoot is not essential. You can easily determine if you’ve shifted or if you’re braking even while wearing the most protective motocross boots. Also, by practicing in off-road boots, you will learn how much pressure is needed to shift and/or brake. After all this is why you are taking training.
Do you rent motorcycles?
No, not anymore. You will need to bring an appropriate bike to your Idaho Adventure Training course whether it’s your own, borrowed, or a rental.
Lance Gines rents motorcycles for ADV riders in the Boise area. There are also individuals and apps that may give you access to a motorcycle for training. Keep in mind, you may be tipping over (hopefully not crashing) during training so make sure your borrowed bike has crash protection. It is uncommon for riders during adventure training courses to sustain damage, however the Challenge Training events are more risky to equipment and minor damage is more likely for riders on the lower end of the learning curve.
Can you recommend an RV park?
We have heard good things about the Abundant Life RV park located in Caldwell, and the Ambassador RV Resort located further away. If you find another great location, let us know about your experience.
Is there a hotel nearby?
Unfortunately there are no hotels near where we’ll be training – the closest hotel is the Best Western in Nampa, which is 21 miles from our meetup locations on both Day 1 and Day 2. Some people choose to stay at AirBnb locations in the Sunnyslope or Riverside areas.
Where can I park my truck / bike trailer?
At your hotel or wherever you’re staying. As a whole, this area is much safer than other large cities so the chance of theft is extremely low. Ensure you take proper precautions, such as using a hitch lock and leave valuables out of sight.
Do I bring my own food?
Yes, all meals (except for the graduation dinner) will be on you. For lunch, most people toss something into their daypack – usually the heat of the day reduces appetite. The support truck will be at our lunch locations, so if you have something small to add to the cooler, we should be able to accommodate you. Keep in mind, ample snacks are available throughout the day to keep you full.
Will water be provided?
Yes, we provide water at all times. You can fill up your water bladders or refill water bottles as needed.
Can I bring my Honda Grom? (or fill in the blank with any other kind of motorcycle):
Idaho is a rough location in terms of hills and distance between training sites, so we do have more requirements than at other locations. The course is designed to accommodate large-displacement ADV bikes, generally considered 400cc or larger. This ensures bikes possess enough suspension and horsepower to safely and effectively navigate the terrain we will encounter.
All bikes must be street legal, capable of meeting posted speed limits on pavement, and insured (Idaho requires insurance but we’re not checking). Bikes must also have effective crash protection for engine, exhaust, radiator (if needed), and brake/clutch levers since extracting your bike from these remote areas is difficult.
If you’re not sure what you need or don’t need, we don’t want you adding unnecessary protection to your bike. Please email us to find out what’s appropriate for your particular motorcycle.
Am I too old to take your class?
Possibly. Learning to ride a motorcycle off-pavement can be mentally and physically challenging but that applies to all riders regardless of age. It is not uncommon for us to have one or more riders their 70’s attend the Idaho Adventure Training courses and do well while much younger riders struggle due to poor physical conditioning or mental perseverance.
With that said, age does matter and we recognize that our endurance does decrease over time, but that is no excuse to not keep improving your life through learning. It is easy for us to adapt and work with riders of all ages and physical abilities during the Idaho Adventure Training courses and still help them grow as riders. So in short, it’s not whether you are too old, it’s a question of arriving with the proper mental attitude.
You can’t change your age but you can change your health. We strongly encourage you to come in the best physical condition you can manage. We teach low-energy riding techniques, however learning – by its very nature – is not low-energy.
How large are your classes?
Depending on the number of staff and how many instructors we have available, classes may have up to 18 riders. A normal class will have 2-3 instructors, including Bret Tkacs. Both Bret and Paul are your primary instructors and are both full time professional instructors with more than 42 years of motorcycle skills instruction, and are extremely skilled at managing and coaching riders on a personal level no matter the size of the class.
May I take the class double-up or with my pillion rider?
There is no straight answer to this question as it depends on many factors. Please email us for a more specific answer to your situation.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is found here.
Included in your cost: Instruction and personal coaching, snacks (fruit and snack bars), water and sports drinks, graduation dinner, dedicated support vehicle for emergencies.
Not included in your cost: Optional training day (must be purchased separately), all meals aside from the graduation dinner, gasoline, alcohol, travel or medical insurance, accommodations, gratuities or your motorcycle – we do not provide motorcycles.