Adventure Motorcycle Training
Professional ADV Riding Instruction
Bret Tkacs is a professional adventure motorcycle training instructor specializing in ADV and dual-sport rider development. His training programs are designed to help riders build confidence and control with real-world skills on a wide variety of terrain. Bret teaches in various locations across the United States.
Bret’s courses focus on technique, precision, and mindset. Riders leave with the ability to better manage terrain, evaluate risk, and ride with greater control—whether navigating gravel roads, technical trails, or long-distance adventure routes.
Adventure motorcycle training is not one-size-fits-all. The right school should match your goals, experience level, and risk tolerance, because how you are taught directly impacts your safety, confidence, and long-term riding success. Learn what distinguishes Bret’s training from other ADV training schools.
Individualized Off-Road Development
Every rider who comes to training arrives with a different background, a different comfort level, and a different definition of what “challenging” means. That is not a problem; it is exactly what this training is designed for. Riders are never lined up and pushed through the same obstacle and expected to complete each lesson the same way without taking into consideration mental state, physical ability, and bike aptitude. Instead, instruction is built around where you actually are, then progressively expanded upon from there.
Whether your tires have never left pavement or you have been riding dirt roads for years, the terrain and the challenges you work on will be matched to your current ability. The only prerequisites are a willingness to learn and proper protective gear.
ADVENTURE TRAINING IN GEORGIA
APRIL 2-4, 2026
YOUNG HARRIS, GEORGIA:
At this location, you will get to play on 560 private acres of an off-road mecca with miles of single and doubletrack, big bike friendly obstacle course, a trials area, and lots of open training fields. Georgia’s terrain challenges riders to manage traction on clay and natural surfaces (especially during spring rains), helping you develop advanced balance and traction skills that directly translate to trail and backcountry riding.
Trails and riding challenges range from beginner to expert. You’ll experience red Georgia clay that changes traction with weather, wooded single and double-track trails, ruts, steep hills, logs, and uneven natural features, and open grass fields.
CHALLENGE TRAINING IN GEORGIA
APRIL 30 - MAY 2, 2026
YOUNG HARRIS, GEORGIA:
At this location, you will get to play on 560 private acres of an off-road mecca with miles of single and doubletrack, big bike friendly obstacle course, a trials area, and lots of open training fields. Georgia’s terrain challenges riders to manage traction on clay and natural surfaces (especially during spring rains), helping you develop advanced balance and traction skills that directly translate to trail and backcountry riding.
Trails and riding challenges range from beginner to expert. You’ll experience red Georgia clay that changes traction with weather, wooded single and double-track trails, ruts, steep hills, logs, and uneven natural features, and open grass fields.
This course is faster-paced than the regular adventure training and puts riders on sustained, high-consequence terrain with long days, continuous movement, and less margin for error.
ADVENTURE TRAINING IN VIRGINIA
APRIL 9 - 11, 2026
MAY 7 - 9, 2026
GREENVILLE, VIRGINIA:
It’s more than just training at this location. You will learn on a 135 acre horse farm full of purpose-built ADV bike training areas, ensuring you develop the skills you need.
Penmerryl Farm is also an ADV sanctuary to call home, with a fully-stocked bike shop, BYOB tavern, onside lodging and pool, private lake, and more. Whether you decide to tent, RV camp, book a cabin or a fully stocked lodge, this will be one of the most luxurious ADV experiences you will have.
You will experience tight, winding trails and wooded terrain where picking lines is essential. You will play on grass and open fields, logs, roots, uneven hills, and mixed-traction surfaces.
ADVENTURE TRAINING IN UTAH
SEPTEMBER 11 - 12, 2026
PARK CITY, UTAH:
Hosted by Grit Moto Ranch on their private 50 acre ADV mecca, this location offers custom-built obstacles, a special course designed for technique-building and plenty of natural riding terrain opportunities. This is one of only two locations (Idaho is the other) that are limited to only 10 riders. Challenge yourself in rock gardens, sand, mud, and water crossings – perfect for mastering your skills.
Note: this location does not currently offer Sunday School training
ADVENTURE TRAINING IN IDAHO
May 22 - 23, 2026
NAMPA, IDAHO:
This is the most daring format we have ever offered! Nothing can simulate reality quite like reality itself. This is what makes this location a one-of-kind ADV training event. Idaho is the only location that utilizes a combination of training areas as well as on-trail learning. Each day you will travel and train in a new location.
The Idaho training uses mixed terrain that mimics long rides through the remote backcountry of the western US (east of the Cascades). You’ll learn to manage traction on shifting surfaces and climb/descend loose hills confidently.
You’ll experience a hot desert landscape with sand and loose surfaces, long gravel roads, steep loose hills and washboard, occasional sagebrush and dry washes, similar to sections of the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route (IDBDR).
CHALLENGE TRAINING IN IDAHO
JUNE 26 - 27, 2026
NAMPA, IDAHO:
This is the most daring format we have ever offered, plus! This is a fast-paced course with very long days in sustained, high-consequence terrain, continuous movement, and minimal margin for error.
Idaho is the only location that utilizes a combination of training areas as well as on-trail learning. Each day you will travel and train in a new location.
The Idaho training uses mixed terrain that mimics long rides through the remote backcountry of the western US (east of the Cascades). You’ll learn to manage traction on shifting surfaces and climb/descend loose hills confidently.
You’ll experience a hot desert landscape with sand and loose surfaces, long gravel roads, steep loose hills and washboard, occasional sagebrush and dry washes, similar to sections of the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route (IDBDR).
ADVENTURE TRAINING IN OREGON
JUNE 18 - 20, 2026
REDMOND, OREGON
Hosted at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo center, this location gives you full access to the overland vehicle training area, complete with terrain challenges. You will also ride the trails and ORV land only minutes from the fairgrounds. This is an ideal location for skill building and honing techniques.
Oregon’s landscape varies from open high desert to forested routes and maintained trail systems. This variety gives riders exposure to both easy and moderately technical terrain, similar to sections of the Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route (ORBDR).
You’ll experience dirt roads through remote public lands, some dry high-desert sections, forest roads with light roots and mixed softer surfaces, and occasional rocky sections and dried mud ruts.
ADVENTURE TRAINING IN WASHINGTON
JULY 9 - 11, 2026
CASHMERE, WASHINGTON:
This location is particularly fun because it’s held in conjunction with the Cascade Country Rendezvous and Dual-Sport Rally. You will be immersed in the rally events in the mornings and evenings, and will train during the day on fields and forest service roads with roots, hills, and ruts.
In addition, you will have access to private property to experience the annual Touratech Rally’s special off-road challenge course, which gives you extensive practice in sand, loose terrain, tight, technical turns, and logs.
UPPER MUSTANG, NEPAL
ADVENTURE TOUR
NOVEMBER 02 - 14, 2026
This expedition goes into the secluded upper Mustang Region, nestled within the rain shadow of the highest mountain range in the world – the Himalaya. Only recently opened to foreigners with a Nepali guide, and protected by a restrictive access permit, this isolated region is the best-preserved remnant of Tibet.
Access to this region is not cheap, not easy and at times… not comfortable. However, the scenery at over 12000′, the undisturbed culture and the feeling of total isolation are completely worth the effort and sacrifice. Visit Lo Manthang, the forbidden city and the last piece of authentic Tibetan life.
INTERESTED IN PRIVATE LESSONS?
Private lessons are available but priced at a premium due to the 1:1 format. Here’s what you should know: most riders actually learn faster in group settings than they realize. There’s something powerful about watching your fellow riders navigate a tricky section, seeing how someone else solves the same problem you’re facing, or getting that “aha moment” from a peer’s question you didn’t even know to ask.
In groups, you’re not just learning from Bret. You’re learning from other perspectives tackling the same terrain. You see someone commit to a feature you’ve been hesitant about, watch another rider correct their body position in real-time, and pick up techniques just by observing. It’s this collective problem-solving and shared progression that builds better, more adaptable trail riders.
That said, private lessons make sense for specific scenarios: competition prep, addressing a particular skill deficit, or fine-tuning advanced techniques. If you’re looking to simply get better at riding trails, group classes will serve you better (and save you money). But if you have a targeted goal that needs concentrated attention, email Bret and we’ll discuss whether private coaching is the right fit.
What Are You Looking For?
Are you brand new to dirt?
Our ADV Training courses are for riders who are looking to the gain the best skills and knowledge possible for riding large adventure motorcycles off-pavement and developing off-road skills in a systematic way. The ADV Training courses are taught using the principals of adult learning while developing a comprehensive understanding of your motorcycle and how you can interact with it and the environment using physics.
All our locations offer a variety of terrain to practice on, depending on your ability and confidence level.
Watch this video to learn about the differences between our courses.
Are you a very confident beginner or looking for advanced skills?
Our Challenge Training courses begin with the same foundational skills as the ADV training courses on more challenging terrain and advances at an accelerated pace. These courses use a fluid curriculum that allows you to practice in much more challenging environments and to take advantage of real-life scenarios as they are encountered.
Watch this video to learn about the differences between our courses.
Do you prefer learning on the go?
The Idaho training courses and international training/tours are for riders who prefer learning in small group, immersive real-world environments. If you have a craving for adventure and an open mind to a flexible learning style, this may be the perfect way to learn. We train you in real-time for challenges as they change in both type and difficulty. This immersive learning model is the ultimate way to become an adventure rider.
Why Train With Bret Tkacs
Riders return to Bret’s training (yes, even repeating classes) year after year because the instruction is built specifically around how their large adventure motorcycles actually behaves in the dirt, not information borrowed from dirt bike or racing disciplines. Every technique is taught with a clear explanation of the physics behind it, so riders understand not just what to do but why it works and how to adapt when conditions change. Bret’s courses are designed for real-world riding; which means we ride in all types of weather conditions, in uncontrolled natural terrain. The goal is to make you a more capable, more confident rider on the type of terrain you will actually encounter.
Most importantly, Bret does not provide generic, one-size-fits-all off-road instruction.
Who Are These Courses For?
These courses are designed for riders who want to improve their ability to ride adventure motorcycles on unpaved terrain, whether that means a weekend on gravel forest roads or a multi-week expedition through remote backcountry. Riders at all experience levels attend, from people who have never left pavement to experienced off-road riders looking to sharpen specific skills. What our courses share is a focus on understanding why techniques work, how to read terrain, and how to ride efficiently and safely over long days in varied conditions. The difference between the adventure training and the challenge courses is the speed at which information is delivered and the technicality of the terrain.
What Will You Learn?
Bret’s unique training content is adapted to rider experience and available terrain, but typically includes:
Motorcycle balance and low-speed control.
Body position and weight transfer on ADV-style motorcycles.
Traction management on gravel, dirt, and uneven surfaces.
Braking techniques for mixed terrain.
Hill climbs, descents, and obstacle negotiation.
Line selection and terrain reading.
Fatigue management and riding efficiency.
Risk assessment and decision-making in remote environments.
Bret’s emphasis is to develop skills riders can use immediately in real-world adventure riding scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior off-road experience?
No prior off-road experience is required. Riders should be comfortable operating their motorcycle on pavement, but if you have never ridden on dirt, gravel, or trails before, you are in the right place. One of the most common concerns new students have is that they will slow the group down or hold others back. In practice, this rarely happens. Courses are structured so that each rider works on terrain matched to their own skill level, not a single standard that everyone must meet. Riders of different abilities regularly attend the same course and all leave having genuinely progressed. The only thing that tends to hold a rider back is the belief that they do not belong there.
What type of motorcycle should I bring?
Anything you want to ride in the dirt is fine. Training is tailored to larger ADV bikes which means smaller bikes may be easier.
Is this training physically demanding?
Courses are designed to be challenging but manageable. Instruction emphasizes efficiency and technique rather than physical strength.
How many riders are in each class?
Class size is intentionally limited to ensure meaningful instruction and individualized feedback.
Who will my instructor(s) be?
Bret will lead every course and will be on every tour (unless you are told otherwise via phone call or email). If a course has two instructors, the second instructor will typically be Paul Solomonson. Christina usually attends the west coast courses as logistics support. You can read about your instructors here.
"There are countless adventure motorcycle trainers out there, but Bret Tkacs and Paul Solomonson truly stand apart from the crowd. These two are genuine masters of their craft and riding techniques, but what makes them exceptional is their ability to teach - something that doesn't always come naturally to even the most skilled riders. They are rightfully considered "gurus" in the adventure riding community. What sets their training program apart is the unique approach: they first establish essential foundational skills, then immediately put you to the test with a challenge ride where you actively apply everything you've learned. It's incredible how quickly the "theory" transforms into practical, real-world lessons that start forming good riding habits. The progression from nervous beginner to confident rider happens faster than you'd expect, thanks to their expert coaching, patient corrections, and constant encouragement. This isn't just another riding course - it's a comprehensive program that builds both skills and confidence in a way that sticks. If you're serious about improving your adventure riding skills, this is one program no student seeking knowledge should miss. Highly recommended!"
What Are You Looking For?
Are you brand new to dirt?
Our ADV Training courses are for riders who are looking to the gain the best skills and knowledge possible for riding large adventure motorcycles off-pavement and developing off-road skills in a systematic way. The ADV Training courses are taught using the principals of adult learning while developing a comprehensive understanding of your motorcycle and how you can interact with it and the environment using physics.
All our locations offer a variety of terrain to practice on, depending on your ability and confidence level.
Watch this video to learn about the differences between our courses.
Are you a very confident beginner or looking for advanced skills?
Our Challenge Training courses begin with the same foundational skills as the ADV training courses, but on more challenging terrain and advances at an accelerated pace. These courses use a fluid curriculum that allows you to practice in much more challenging environments and to take advantage of real-life scenarios as they are encountered.
Watch this video to learn about the differences between our courses.
Do you prefer learning on the go?
The Idaho training courses and international training/tours are for riders who prefer learning in small group, immersive real-world environments. If you have a craving for adventure and an open mind to a flexible learning style, this may be the perfect way to learn. We train you in real-time for challenges as they change in both type and difficulty. This immersive learning model is the ultimate way to become an adventure rider.
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