Embracing Sand

Embracing Sand

This episode brings you Zak Parrish, the rider of an Africa Twin DCT nicknamed the “Lawn Dart” after a learning experience where his bike became planted in sand. Bret and Zak dive into the challenges, techniques and skills needed to ride in deep sand on a heavy adventure bike.  Spend an hour listening to the stories and techniques that will help you master riding in loose surfaces as well as some ideas for practicing your skills near home.

Don’t miss the next episode in two weeks where Bret dives into the controversial topic of trail braking on the street.

Overcoming the Odds

Overcoming Odds

In this episode, Bret Tkacs chats with Patreon supporter Jose Real (retired, disabled U.S. Army) who broke his back while serving his country and was informed he may not ever walk again.  In response, Jose worked through his depression and learned how to do things differently.  Despite weakness in his left leg and limited use of his right arm, he decided to start riding again, this time as an ADV motorcyclist on an Africa Twin DCT.

Jose’s story is incredible and inspiring, and his message is intended to help other riders overcome whatever might be holding them back.  He inspires others to find a different way of doing things.

Foreign Travel

Critical Skills for International Travel

Patreon supporter Mark Wallace is a world-renowned photographer / video blogger and has been traveling the globe since 2014.  Bret and Mark discuss their top requisite skills for international travelers, however this information is equally useful to anyone riding a motorcycle on public roads in your own neighborhood.

Check out his engaging website at www.markonabike.com

Controlling Fear

Controlling Fear

Bret’s first “Around the Wheel” podcast features a discussion between Bret and Patreon supporter Professor John DeCarlo, a professional educator, veteran flight instructor, former police chief and ADV motorcyclist.  Listen to an excellent discussion on learning theories and how to harness the fears of riding such as riding in sand, gravel, mud and more. This discussion ends with tips you can take to practice mastering fear on your own.

Choosing a Motorcycle

Which is the perfect motorcycle?  Bret uses a detailed process to select the right motorcycle for himself.  It all comes down to what you need the motorcycle to do – Touring?  Off-road?  Commuting?  Traveling internationally?  Performance?  The right motorcycle can change based on where you are and what you are doing.

Avoiding Border Bribes

Bret has traveled through 49 countries, most of them by motorcycle, and with very few overpayments, bribes, or harassment.  He discusses the following points that he has learned from his extensive travel, and through his mentor, Miguel.  Topics discussed in this episode are: 1) How to address and use fixers/helpers, 2) Attitude, 3) Professionalism.