LENGTH: 2 or 3 days
Every Washington Adventure Training course has a unique feel with lessons that adapt and change with each group of riders and an overall curriculum that is constantly evolving. Whether you are a beginner with riding in the dirt, a seasoned adventure rider with experience traveling or a trained ADV rider, the same skills are necessary to take you to the next level. The difference between the beginner and the expert adventure rider is the depth of understanding, application and the environments in which those skills are deployed. The Washington Adventure Training courses offer 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 2 terrain with focused training occurring on elements of Class 3 terrain.
OVERVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS
In 2025, we’re taking our Washington Adventure Training to the next level by including full, unrestricted access to the BMW Riders Association National Rally with your tuition. Not only will you get expert motorcycle training, but you’ll also enjoy meals at the rally, and the chance to connect with fellow adventure enthusiasts — all happening at the same time, in the same place.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Chelan County Expo Center in Cashmere, Washington, this all-in-one experience offers on-site camping (included), local lodging options, and access to some of the most scenic riding terrain in the Pacific Northwest. It’s the perfect environment to sharpen your core ADV skills and test them out in real-world conditions.
For the first time ever, we’re using the Expo Center as our basecamp — giving us easy access to mountain roads and natural terrain. To make the most of your training, plan for a Saturday field trip where you’ll apply Friday’s lessons out in the wild (note: this is separate from the optional Sunday class).
Your instructors, including Bret, will be camping on-site in tents right alongside you. You’re welcome to bring any vehicle to camp in (no hookups), or stay in nearby Cashmere if you prefer four walls and a warm bed.
Your tuition includes:
Full access to the BMW Rally (rides + meals)
A meet & greet session with instructors and fellow riders
Hands-on training with snacks, drinks, and support
A beautiful setting that inspires confidence and adventure
Don’t miss this rare chance to train, ride, and rally — all in one unforgettable weekend.
ADV CAMP
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".
OPTIONAL: SUNDAY SCHOOL ($450)
Time to leave the farm and take your new skills to the real world and join us for the timewarp class (affectionally called Sunday school by the instructors). This 4-5 hour class takes you on a real ADV ride while teaching you how to eliminate the #1 cause of accidents on pavement and on dirt.
Using local roads to develop advanced visual process and terrain reading, you will learn to eliminate information overload. These advanced techniques are identical to those we taught to United States Army Special Forces and other professional organizations for 11 years.
You will also use the skills learned from the Washington Adventure Training course to to achieve your riding goal of using less energy, riding with less stress and removing the “surprises” that catch many riders unprepared. Get a taste of what adventure riding is all about, done correctly with the right skills.
This optional training day is provided for an additional cost and is only available for the students who have attended both days of the Washington Adventure Training course.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which tires should I have on my bike?
That depends. Whether the ground is dry or damp, the terrain can often easily be ridden on street-biased adventure tires. This time of the year, the ground is expected to be completely dry, however ADV tires will give riders an advantage in the process of learning new skills.
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.
A complete list of tires and our recommendations and requirements 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 Adventure Training course whether it’s your own, borrowed, or a rental. We don’t have any direct relationships with any motorcycle rental companies, but Eagle Rider does rent ADV motorcycles nationwide.
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 minor damage is more likely for riders on the lower end of the learning curve.
Is camp set up near the training area?
Yes, the camping area is at the same location we will be training at, and you can easily make a quick trip back to your tent or RV during class.
Do I bring my own food?
We supply morning coffee and a lot of snacks throughout the day that should accommodate most dietary preferences.
Meals are not provided other than an optional graduation dinner on Saturday night in town. Most riders choose to bring food they can prepare at camp with a camp stove or drive into town for a nice meal.
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 or ground clearance.
Dirt bikes and small dualsports (like the Yamaha XT-250) are also welcome, however since training is geared towards larger ADV style bikes, activities will be much easier on a small bike.
Three-wheelers and sidecars are not suitable due to trail width and the types of lessons we teach. All bikes must be street-legal. If you choose the optional Sunday School, you must have a valid license plate.
Will water be provided?
Yes, we provide water at all times. You can fill up your water bladders or refill water bottles as needed. We will not have access to enough water to refill your tanks if you are bringing an RV.
Is there a hotel nearby?
There are not many hotels near the Chelan County Expo Center, but a 20 minute drive will put you in either Wenatchee or Leavenworth. Alternatively, check AirBnb or VRBO for unique options.
Can I bring my RV / camper van / bike trailer?
camper vans and trucks with small bike trailers are welcome to park at our camping area at no additional cost. Bret and Paul will be camping onsite. RVs and 5th wheelers will need to purchase a spot at the Expo Center here.
May I arrive early?
No. We have rented the use of the expo center only for the duration of our event. Bret and Paul will be available to greet you starting at 3pm Thursday afternoon.
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 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 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 from 10 to 18 riders. A normal class will have 2 or 3 instructors, including Bret Tkacs. Greg is brought in when classes exceed 16 people. 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.
Can I bring my family with me?
Family members and significant others are welcome to watch you. 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.
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), beverages (including coffee), on-site camping for tents and small trailers, graduation dinner, dedicated support vehicle for emergencies.
Not included in your cost: Optional training day (must be purchased separately), breakfasts, lunches and dinners aside from the graduation dinner, gasoline, alcohol, travel or medical insurance, hotel rooms, gratuities or your motorcycle – we do not provide motorcycles.