Adventure Motorcycle Training near me Washington
LENGTH: 3 days
Each Adventure Training Camp has a unique feel and the lessons evolve and change each year. Whether you are a beginner or an ADV rider with extensive experience, the same off road motorcycle skills need development. The difference between the beginner and expert is the depth of understanding, application and the environments in which those skills are deployed. The ADV Training Camp offers an environment where you can immerse yourself in learning and – regardless of your experience or background – grow to new heights in your skills and understanding.
Training will take place on Class 1 and Class 2 terrain with focused training occurring on elements of Class 3 terrain. Depending on interest, skill level, and the type of terrain available for use, some riders may be invited to ride some additional features with Bret.
THURSDAY
An evening welcome dinner will take place Thursday evening at a local restaurant in Caldwell, Idaho. You will have the choice of camping at a nearby location or finding a hotel in town. More details will be provided.
Arrival time begins at 3:00pm on Thursday afternoon. If you’re planning on camping, you will have ample time to set up your tent.
Around 6:00 pm, Bret and Paul will be at the restaurant for introductions and to learn what specific skills attendees want to address during training.
FRIDAY
Training starts around 8:00am and will take place in an open range area. It is very possible some of the training will take place on local dirt bike trails where rocks, sand, and steep hills will be encountered. Challenging situations will be sought out specifically for specialized learning.
You will learn the basics of essential skills. If you are an advanced rider, you will learn critical details that will lead you to excel in your riding skills.
SATURDAY
After a good nights’ sleep, your mind will reset and you will be ready to build upon the skills learned the previous day.
You will be using fine motor control to blend techniques into smooth maneuvers. Various terrain features will be discovered to play with your brain and you will learn how to evaluate each obstacle, not depending on remembering the right formula.
The plan is to head up into the hills and take a unique route to the old mining ghost town of Silver City. Your reservation will be booked at the Idaho Hotel built in 1963. Keep in mind, this is not a modern hotel by any standard so keep your expectations in check!
SUNDAY
Refine your mental development of reading terrain accurately while learning to use the motorcycle and terrain to achieve your riding goal of using less energy, riding with less stress and removing the “surprises” that catch many riders unprepared.
Your return from Silver City will depend on the ability and fatigue level of the group, but will continue to find interesting challenges along the way as you head back into Caldwell.
Your Questions... Answered
1. Can I bring my Honda Grom? (or fill in the blank with any other kind of motorcycle):
Of course! This class is not exclusive towards so-called adventure bikes or dualsport bikes. Whichever bike you want to learn how to ride off-road, you can bring to class. However, you may not be able to participate in all activities due to limitations in suspension and clearance.
Dirt bikes and small dualsports (like the Yamaha XT-250) are also welcome – since training is geared towards larger bikes, activities may be easier for you. Three-wheelers and sidecars are not suitable due to trail width and the types of lessons we teach. All bikes must be street-legal unless trailered to the training site each day. If you choose the optional on-trail ride, you must have a valid license plate and skid plate (OEM is fine).
2. Which tires should I have on my bike?
That depends. When the ground is dry or damp, the terrain can easily be ridden on street-biased adventure tires but when it rains, even the more aggressive tires may have a difficult time gaining traction in the wet grass and mud. Bret and Paul normally ride and train on 50/50 tires.
3. Do I have to buy new boots?
Maybe. Street boots are like leather slippers with padding and are not accepted at the training camps. Crashing at speed is very rare during training, but ankle and foot injuries are likely for riders wearing less than an enduro or MX boot. 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. An ADV boot with a stiff sole is the minimum requirement but we strongly encourage the most protective boot you can afford. Enduro/MX boots are preferred.
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 heavier 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 heaviest motocross boots. Also, by practicing in dirt bike or motocross boots, you will learn how much pressure is needed to shift and/or brake.
4. Do I bring my own food?
We supply morning coffee and energy snacks throughout the day that should accommodate most dietary preferences. The welcome dinner, graduation dinner, and the sit-down dinner at the Old Hotel are provided.
5. Will water be provided?
Yes, We will have bottled water as well as a larger drinking water source so you can fill up your water bladders or refill water bottles as needed.
6. Can I bring my RV / camper van / bike trailer?
You are welcome to bring your self-contained RV or camper van. Details will be forthcoming as locations are identified.
7. May I arrive early?
You can, but we won’t be there! Paul will be riding to Idaho that day and Greg will be flying in.
8. Am I too old to take your class?
Maybe. Learning to ride a motorcycle off-road is mentally and physically challenging, but we have seen numerous riders in their 70’s do well while much younger riders struggle due to poor physical conditioning. Age matters, but it’s not about age. 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.
9. Can I bring my family with me?
Family members and significant others are welcome to stay with you at your lodging in Caldwell. As much as we’d like to accommodate those accompanying you during training, we need to focus on the paying customers and your family can spend time with you before and after class. In Silver City, the hotel only has a certain number of rooms and we will be booking the entire facility. This means there may not be room for your family. There are campsites available nearby (RVs and trailers are not allowed).
10. 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.
11. Is there a motorcycle rental company nearby?
We haven’t built any relationships with nearby motorcycle rental companies, but Into the Horizon rents ADV bikes for reasonable prices. Keep in mind, you may be tipping over (hopefully not crashing) during training so make sure your borrowed bike has crash protection.
These questions have all been asked by other students. If you find your question has not been answered, please email us at motoguru@brettkacs.com. Your question may be added to this list.
Included in your cost: Instruction and personal coaching, snacks (fruit and snack bars), beverages (including coffee), on-site camping for tents and small trailers, welcome dinner, graduation dinner, dinner at Silver City, all hotel reservations, dedicated support vehicle for emergencies.
Not included in your cost: All meals aside from those listed above, gasoline, alcohol, travel or medical insurance, campsites for large trailers or RVs, hotel rooms, gratuities or your motorcycle – we do not provide motorcycles.