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.