Which tires should I have on my bike?
That depends on the course you’re taking. A complete list of tires and our requirements for each class is found here.
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, I have implemented minimum standards with recommendations.
DO I NEED TO BUY DIFFERENT 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 bike to your Georgia 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 do recommend using Into the Horizon Motorcycle Rentals if you’re taking a course in Idaho, or want to ride over to our Washington or Oregon classes.
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 the Challenge Training events are more risky to equipment and minor damage is more likely for riders on the lower end of the learning curve.
DO I NEED TO RIDE A LARGE ADVENTURE BIKE?
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.
AM I TOO OLD TO TAKE YOUR COURSE?
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 in their seventies attend the Georgia 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 during the Adventure Training courses 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 up to 18 riders. Our Challenge courses and Utah course has a smaller student to instructor ratio.
A normal class can have up to three instructors, and Bret is the lead instructor in every course.
Bret is a full-time professional instructors with more than 42 years of motorcycle skills instruction, and is extremely skilled at managing and coaching riders on a personal level no matter the size of the class.
CAN I TAKE YOUR COURSE DOUBLE UP?
There is no straight answer to this question as it depends on many factors. Please email me for a more specific answer.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Our cancellation policy is found here.