Choosing the right adventure motorcycle training school can make a significant difference in how quickly and safely you develop real-world ADV riding skills. This guide explains what to look for, what to avoid, and how to evaluate training programs so you make an informed choice.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD ADV TRAINING SCHOOL?
Real ADV riding rarely fits into clean formulas. Terrain changes. Conditions overlap. Riders encounter scenarios they’ve never encountered or practiced.
Formula-based instruction (“do this in sand,” “do that on hills”) works at a beginner level, but it breaks down quickly in the real world.
When instruction relies only on memorized rules, riders are left guessing or applying the wrong formula at the wrong time.
Bret teaches:
- The physics behind traction, balance, and control
- How techniques adapt across multiple scenarios
- How to evaluate unfamiliar terrain confidently
This approach allows riders to solve problems independently, not just repeat rehearsed steps.
Here’s a simple test to determine if the ADV school you’re looking at is good:
If an instructor tells you to lean back in sand and lean forward uphill, then what will you do if you encounter a sandy hill?
If the course teaches principles instead of prescriptions, you already know the answer.
RED FLAGS IN ADV TRAINING COURSES
Dirt Bikes Skills In Disguise
Learning to ride dirt bikes can absolutely improve overall motorcycle skill. However, not all dirt bike techniques transfer safely to large ADV motorcycles.
Some schools teach techniques labeled as “ADV riding” that are impractical, or even outright dangerous, on a dual-sport or ADV bike, especially if it’s loaded with panniers. Examples include:
- Throwing a leg out while cornering
- Using feet as outriggers in mud or water
- Lean-back throttle attacks in deep sand
- Trials-style balance techniques
- Wheelies on loaded ADV bikes
These techniques may work on lightweight dirt bikes, but on a 600lb motorcycle they significantly increase the risk of injury, in particular lower-leg injuries that are common and slow to heal.
A quality ADV training program must account for:
- Motorcycle weight and inertia
- Rider fatigue and recovery time
- Modern electronics (ABS, traction control, suspension modes)
- Ergonomics for both pavement and off-pavement riding
Bret’s instruction is built specifically around the real limitations and advantages of modern adventure motorcycles, not borrowed techniques from unrelated disciplines.
HOW TO EVALUATE INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS
Trained Educators vs. Talented Riders: Why Teaching Ability Matters
Many ADV instructors are exceptional riders. Some have raced professionally, completed extreme endurance events, or earned recognition in motocross or enduro competition. Those accomplishments are impressive, but being able to ride at an elite level is not the same as being able to teach effectively.
Most riders attending ADV training are not trying to compete, not trying to ride like professionals, and not interested in pushing their physical limits. They want to ride better, safer, and longer without getting hurt.
Bret Tkacs holds a formal degree in adult education, which fundamentally changes how instruction is designed and delivered. His courses are built around how real people learn new motor skills, make decisions under stress, and retain information, not around what works for elite athletes.
If your goal is to become a more capable, confident rider, instructor education matters as much as riding experience.
Training for Real Riders, Not Professional Athletes
Most ADV students that come to training are experienced adults, many times retired or semi-retired, who ride for hobby, exploration, travel, and personal challenge and adventure. They are not training to race or perform stunts.
Professional riders often mask poor technique with speed, absorb hard impacts and recover quickly from injuries.
Most riders cannot, and should not try to do the same.
Bret’s instruction is intentionally designed for the regular ADV rider. Techniques are selected and refined based on the following:
- Consistency and repeatability
- Low physical strain
- High margins of safety to the bike and the body
This approach allows riders to improve rapidly without being pushed beyond their limits, and without relying on athleticism they don’t have.
WHY SOME ADV COURSES CAN BE DANGEROUS
A 500–600 lb adventure motorcycle is not a dirt bike, and certainly not the place for ego-driven instruction.
Many schools rely on peer pressure, hype, or “just send it” type encouragement to push riders through obstacles. While this approach may work for a small percentage of riders, it also carries a high risk of injury and equipment damage, something many students explicitly want to avoid.
Fear on the motorcycle usually comes from:
- A lack of understanding
- A loss of perceived control
The best way to overcome fear is education, not twisting the throttle.
Bret’s teaching philosophy emphasizes:
- Understanding what the motorcycle is doing
- Knowing why a technique works
- Predicting outcomes before committing
When riders understand the physics and mechanics involved, confidence follows naturally, without peer pressure, rushing, or taking unnecessary risk.
RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS
These schools are recommended because they deliver structured progression, clear explanations, and supportive instruction that focuses on skill development rather than bravado or ego-based instruction.
Each school emphasizes fundamentals, rider confidence, and real-world motorcycle techniques that transfer directly to adventure riding scenarios.
Bill Dragoo’s D.A.R.T. (Dragoo Adventure Rider Training) offers multi-level classes designed to improve riding skills for heavy adventure motorcycles. His two-day Level 1-2 courses move riders from basic handling into hill techniques, off-camber terrain, hill recovery, obstacles, and safe towing techniques. The Level 3 “Rocks and Sand” course expands into deep sand and rocky terrain, helping riders build confidence that translates directly to real trail riding. Dragoo’s instruction blends patience and progression with challenges that mirror real adventure conditions, making his training valuable for riders transitioning from street to off-road or refining intermediate skills. His certified background — including BMW Off-Road Instructor credentials and MSF RiderCoach certification — supports a methodical, skill-based training environment that minimizes undue pressure and builds rider competence.
Moto iKandi, led by Kandi Spangler, offers adventure riding courses that emphasize confidence, skill development, and rider enjoyment for a wide range of riders. Kandi’s training includes foundational elements with a structured progression from basic to advanced challenges. She takes time to explain and demonstrate exercises so riders understand the components of each technique before practicing on their own bikes. Her approachable, non-judgmental style helps riders of differing abilities feel comfortable while they improve their skills. Kandi also integrates her experience as an MSF RiderCoach and GS Trophy competitor to give context-rich guidance that resonates with real-world adventure riding.
The MSF AdventureBike RiderCourse is a one-day, entry-level course designed for licensed riders who want a safe introduction to off-pavement riding techniques. It focuses on foundational skills and traction management in a structured environment taught by MSF-certified rider coaches. While the course teaches formula-based basics, its low cost and consistent delivery make it a useful first step for riders new to ADV environments before progressing to more advanced programs.