Adventure Motorcycle Training near me Idaho
LENGTH: 3 days
The Idaho ADV training is the ONLY location in the country that takes riders to a new location every day. Unlike traditional Adventure Training Camps that train at a set location, the Idaho training takes you into the real world filled with the challenges you will face when traveling in the backcountry. Every day has a unique feel and the lessons evolve and change based on how the class performs and weather. 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 Challenge training doesn’t offer any secret formulas not taught during the traditional ADV Camps but instead offers the same lessons and skills in more challenging environments (hence the name Challenge Training). Also because this training 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.
Training will take place on terrain that will likely include elements of Class 3 terrain or higher. Riders are not expected to be able to ride at that level when they arrive (after all it’s a school and our job to get you there) but riders MUST come with the mental fortitude and physical ability to handle their motorcycle in threatening environments.
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.
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. You will be given a meeting location for the following day.
FRIDAY
Training starts around 8:00am and will take place in an open range area. Expect sand and hills on day one as that will become a focus for the day while developing all the skills and strategies to make riding in loose surfaces effortless.
You will learn the most critical skills and techniques for establishing a good foundation for bigger challenges. If you are an advanced rider, you will learn critical details that will lead you to excel in your riding skills.
SATURDAY
Class starts at a new location based on rider performance from day one.
Polish your fine motor control riding skills and blend techniques into smooth maneuvers while working towards the goal of conserving personal energy and learning to dance with the terrain instead of fighting it. In this one of kind class you will get to experience the benefits of the mobile “classroom” as you travel too various terrains for each lesson.
Depending on weather, trail conditions and rider performance this day may take the class to a rocky desert or to a mountain forest.
SUNDAY (optional)
Sunday school is all about mastering trail strategies while putting your newly polished riding skills to use during a full-day tour into the mountains of Idaho. Our destination is the old mining town (ghost town) of Silver City. This optional add-on is not just going for a ride but is an intense full day of learning critical ADV riding strategies, road reading and polishing your skills from the previous days.
When reading comments from students after the ADV Camps riders most commonly talk about the value of this bonus class as being the catalyst that binds all the learning. We continue to offer this day as an add-on to help those on a budget or riders who know they lack the stamina to ride 3-days in a row.
Your Questions... Answered
1. Can I bring my Honda Grom? (or fill in the blank with any other kind of motorcycle):
No! This class is not exclusive towards so-called adventure bikes or dualsport bikes however you will need a bike that can do highway speeds and has proper power and ground clearance to ride through the challenges that will be presented along the way. However you can ride your Grom in a standard ADV Camp.
Dirt bikes and small dualsports (like the Yamaha XT-250) are welcome and may be the best choice for many riders. Although training is geared towards larger bikes, the challenges presented are real and rider safety and success trump ego and bragging rights. Three-wheelers and sidecars are NOT suitable due to the uniqe skills needed to ride those off-pavement. All bikes must be street-legal.
2. Which tires should I have on my bike?
If weather is good 50/50 tires will be the minimum standard for any Challenge training.
3. Do I have to buy new boots?
Maybe. Due to the high risk of falls and the prevalence of rocks and sand you MUST arrive with boots that meet the Enduro standard as a minimum. Some adventure boots do meet this standard however almost every boot with the name “Adventure” in the name does not meet this safety standard. You can find a video on how to select a proper boot on YouTube, search for “Bret Tkacs Offroad Adventure Boots”
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, 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?
There are RV friendly camp grounds in the area as well as remote camping options
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.
10. May I take the class double-up or with my pillion rider?
NO, unless you gain prior authorization. If you feel your skills are good enough to train with a passenger contact us directly by email to set up an interview.
11. Is there a motorcycle rental company nearby?
Yes, Into the Horizon is a small local company that 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.