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 such as the Mitas E07+ or similar.
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. Is ADV Camp set up near the training area?
Yes, the cabins and camping area are quite close to where we will be training and you can easily make a quick trip back to your room or tent during class.
5. Do I bring my own food?
Penmerryl Farm will provide you with a hearty, homemade breakfast every morning. Coffee and snacks will be available throughout the day as well. Dinners are not provided aside from the welcome dinner Thursday night and the graduation dinner Saturday night – if you have food allergies, please email Penmerryl Farm for their awareness; food preferences are already accommodated. Restaurants are a short drive away; some riders bring food they can prepare at camp with a camp stove. The three bedroom lodge does have kitchens.
6. Will water be provided?
Yes, we provide water at all times. You can fill up your water bladders or refill water bottles as needed.
7. What is the lodging situation like?
Lodging is not included in the price of ADV Camp unless you tent. Penmerryl Farm has an assortment of lodge rooms and cabins for reservation. These accommodations are blocked out for ADV Camp riders until a few weeks before Camp starts; please reserve and pay for your cabin directly with Penmerryl Farm as we do not manage cabin reservations.. If you prefer to camp, you have a multitude of choices – either in a field, in the trees, or inside a old horse arena. You can choose to camp near other campers, or you can find spots farther away. There are no established campsites, but you will have access to an indoor bathroom and a shower that will be shared.
8. Can I bring my RV / camper van / bike trailer?
There are RV sites available, both with hookups and without. Please reserve and pay for your site directly with Penmerryl Farm. Self-contained camper vans and trucks with small bike trailers are welcome to park at our camping area at no additional cost.
9. May I arrive early?
Bret and Paul will be available to greet you starting at 3pm Thursday afternoon. If you’ve booked a cabin, you may request an early check-in.
10. 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.
11. How large are classes?
Depending on the number of staff and how many instructors we have available, classes may have up to 18 riders but no less than 12. A normal class will have 2-3 instructors, including Bret Tkacs. Both Bret and Paul are 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 how large the class is.
12. Can I bring my family with me?
Family members and significant others are welcome to stay with you. Dogs are also welcome, however since this is a working horse farm, make sure you get permission to bring them to your cabin. As much as we’d like to accommodate those accompanying you, we need to focus on the paying customers and your family can spend time with you before and after class.
13. 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.
14. Is there a motorcycle rental company nearby?
We haven’t built any relationships with nearby motorcycle rental companies, but Eagle Rider does rent ADV bikes. 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.