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’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 about what separates Bret’s training from other ADV training schools here.

DON'T JUST TAKE IT FROM US... SEE WHAT PAST STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY:

"I recently attended the ADV training class in Greenville, VA. I pushed myself hard in a VERY accepting environment to failure. No pressure from others waiting for you to complete a task as the ride area was wide open and more often than not, everyone could practice at once. Bret & Paul were always at the ready to help in any way. The curriculum, instructors, facility, and attendees made it one of the best weekends on two wheels. I highly recommend it!"

Patrick W.

"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!"

Edwin S.

INDIVIDUALIZED OFF-ROAD DEVELOPMENT

We don’t teach in lines. We don’t make everyone do the same obstacle. We meet you exactly where you are, whether your tires have never touched gravel or whether you’re an experience off-road rider. Then we build your skills from there.

Forget everything you know (or think you know) about off-road motorcycle training. When you train with Bret, you work on terrain matched to your ability.

What are our prerequisites? A willingness to learn and proper protective gear.

ADVENTURE TRAINING IN GEORGIA

APRIL 2-4, 2026

YOUNG HARRIS, GEORGIA:
560 private acre offroad mecca with miles of single track and double track trails, big bike freindly MX courses, Trials area and open training feilds. Trails and riding challenges range from beginner to expert. This location is guarenteed to challenge riders of all levels from beginner to expert.

TERRAIN:
Terrain varies based on weather: MX tracks, ruts, steep hills, two-track trails, single track wooded trails, off-camber, large logs, grass, gravel, trees, red clay

CHALLENGE TRAINING IN GEORGIA

APRIL 30 - MAY 2, 2026

YOUNG HARRIS, GEORGIA:
560 acres of private OHV area guarentee enough challenge for every rider regardless of skill. This is the ideal location for our Challenge training as we can develop all the skills on simple terrain and immediately take riders to more challenging terrain for application. If you believe challenge and failure are the best way to grow as a rider this is the location and course for you!

TERRAIN:
Wooded single and double track, ruts, MX tracks, logs, Trials course, steep hills, grass and gravel

ADVENTURE TRAINING IN VIRGINIA

APRIL 9 - 11, 2026

MAY 7 - 9, 2026

GREENVILLE, VIRGINIA:
More than just training: You will learn on all acres of purpose built training areas ensuring that we develop all the skills you will need on your next Adventure ride. But Pennmerryl is more than just a place to train it’s an ADV sacuary with a fully stocked bike shop, BYOB 24hr tavern, onsite lodging, pool, private lake and more. Whether you decide to tent, RV, stay in a room or cabin this will be one of the most luxurious ADV experiences you ever have.

This location includes a homemade breakfast each morning, welcome and graduation dinners, as well as beautiful accommodations available on-site (separate purchase).

TERRAIN:
Tight winding trails, hills, ruts, logs, grass fields, trees

ADVENTURE TRAINING IN UTAH

SEPTEMBER 11 - 12, 2026

PARK CITY, UTAH:

Hosted by Grit Moto Ranch on their private 50 acre ADV mecca with 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 the 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.

TERRAIN:
Mostly hot desert, sand, sharp rocks, sand, steep loose hills, sand, long days… oh, and even more sand.

CHALLENGE TRAINING IN IDAHO

JUNE 26 - 27, 2026

NAMPA, IDAHO:
This is the most daring training format we have ever offered, on steroids. Nothing can simulate reality the same as reality itself. This is what makes this location a one-of-kind ADV training event. Each day you will travel and train in a new location. Everything offered at our Idaho Adventure Training is doubled in difficulty for this Challenge Training.

TERRAIN:
Mostly hot desert, sand, sharp rocks, sand, steep loose hills, sand, long days… oh, and even more sand.

ADVENTURE TRAINING IN OREGON

JUNE 18 - 20, 2026

REDMOND, OREGON
Hosted at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo center we have full access to the overland training area, open gravel and grass fields and trails through the undeveloped land. We will also take advantage of the trails and ORV areas only minutes from the grounds. This is an ideal location for skill building and honing techniques.

TERRAIN:
Grass, gravel, rock, hills, desert terrain, ruts, logs and more.

ADVENTURE TRAINING IN WASHINGTON

JULY 9 - 11, 2026

CASHMERE, WASHINGTON:
Held alongside the Cascade County Rendezvous rally, you will be immersed into the rally events as well as customized training to achieve your off-road goals.

TERRAIN:
Private training field, custom-made obstacles to challenge all levels of riders, grass and dirt for slide turns, obstacles, grinding, forest service roads and more.

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.

WHY TRAIN WITH BRET TKACS?

Riders choose Bret Tkacs for adventure motorcycle training because of:

Extensive experience teaching ADV and dual-sport riders on all types of bikes.
A focus on real-world riding conditions, sometimes not ideal.
A clear, analytical instruction style.
Emphasis on rider safety and long-term skill development.
Training designed specifically for larger adventure motorcycles.

He does not provide generic, one-size-fits-all off-road instruction. It is ADV-specific training built for how you as an adventure rider actually rides.

WHO ARE THESE COURSES FOR?

This training is designed for riders who:

Ride adventure motorcycles or dual-sport bikes, regardless of size.
Want to improve off-road control and confidence.
Enjoy traveling on mixed terrain, gravel, dirt, or remote routes.
Prefer practical skill development over racing or competition techniques.
Value understanding why techniques work, not just how.

Bret’s courses are appropriate for a wide range of experience levels. Riders do not need prior off-road experience for most courses, but should be comfortable operating their motorcycle on pavement.

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. Riders should be comfortable operating their motorcycle, but no prior dirt or trail training is required.

What type of motorcycle should I bring?

Anything you want to ride in the dirt is fine. Training is tailored to larger ADV bikes.

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.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Are you brand new to dirt?

Our ADV Training Camps 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 Camps are taught using the principals of andragogy 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 start with the same skills as the ADV training camps but uses 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 than the ADV Camp and to take advantage of real-life scenarios as they are encountered.