For many riders, the best way to learn is through the real life experience of immersion training.
This training tour has a low student to instructor ratio that walks you through a step-by-step training experience. Training is conducted in the real world where we have to closely monitor and manage risk, and expose you to the most common terrain features found in North American backcountry adventures.
Starting at class 1 terrain features (visit the ADV Skill Rating System) you will gradually be exposed to terrain features as high as level 3… or possibly level 4, depending on trail conditions and weather, but don’t let that bother you, that’s why you are coming to us. The systematic approach that Bret and Paul walk you through will elevate your skill and competency at a rate that is rapid but also in a way that minimizes the risk of crashing or injuring yourself.
The target audience is the beginner and intermediate ADV rider. If you have the will, desire and time we can change your world. But to ensure your safety and success, we require you have some experience riding on simple class 1 or 2 roads, and you must be in good physical health. Age, gender, size or height are not a concern, only your ability to learn, maintain a clear mind on difficult terrain, and handle the endurance of long days. The rest is up to us as your instructors.
We will meet at 6:00pm the evening before the ride starts at Thunder Island Brewing Company in Cascade Locks, Oregon to meet your new riding partners. You’ll be welcomed by Bret who will give you an overview of what to expect for the upcoming days.
You can check into your room at the Best Western Plus Columbia River starting at 4:00pm. You will share your air conditioned river-view room with a roommate of your choosing, or we will choose your roommate for you. Single rooms are an add-on option when registering for the tour. You will be staying at this hotel for two nights, so settle in!
You will start the day with a hearty breakfast at nearby Bridgeside Restaurant before meeting in the parking lot to begin bike setup and ergonomics. Bret and Paul will also cover the ground rules of riding in a group, then you’ll be on your way into the Yacolt Burn State Forest and can expect to stop every few miles to focus on seated and standing riding posture and low-energy riding techniques.
As the terrain increases in slope and difficulty, your lessons will continue to evolve. Traction management skills will be covered as well as control of power delivery. The goal of the day is to sit on top of Three Corner Rock, a pile of weathered basalt that boasts 360 degree views of the Columbia River Gorge as well as five volcanoes – Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens (in Washington) and Mt. Hood, and sometimes Mt. Jefferson (in Oregon). For riders not ready to tackle the final rocky ascent to the lookout, there is an option to park your bike and ride in the support truck for the final stretch.
RIDE DISTANCE: 60 miles
TIME ESTIMATE: 8-9 hours including lunch
After a good nights’ sleep, your mind will reset and you will be ready to build onto the skills learned the previous day. You will enjoy another delicious breakfast at Bridgeside and will depart Cascade Locks by 8:00am and will ride through some old lava flows towards a series of lava tubes formed from lava that flowed through the area 12,000 – 18,000 years ago. At lunch, you’ll have an opportunity to step into the largest ice cave and cool down your core body temperature a bit.
After lunch, you will stop at a hidden waterfall that offers a cool, refreshing breeze before going back into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You will be practicing using fine motor control to blend techniques into smooth maneuvers as you are followed by incredible views of Mt. Adams (weather dependent, of course). The night will be spent at a cozy family-owned hotel in Packwood where you will likely see elk wandering through town on your way to dinner.
RIDE DISTANCE: 130 miles
TIME ESTIMATE: 10 hours including lunch
A small continental breakfast is offered by the hotel before you pack up and get back on the bike. Pull out your warmer gear because the first 1.5 hours will be riding on Highway 12 with spectacular views of Mt. Rainier (depending on morning fog). You’ll have a chance to shed your cold-weather gear before you tackle the challenging 4×4 route to the top of Bethel Ridge.
Depending on weather, seasonal fires, and the riding skill of the group, Bret will choose which route to ride over Bethel Ridge. You can be assured the views will not be forgotten! Terrain features will be used to capitalize on the skills you’ve been developing over the past couple of days, and to teach you how to evaluate each obstacle as a whole, and not as a set of formulas.
You will confidently descend into Naches and share stories with your new riding partners over lunch, and receive your certificate of completion.
RIDE DISTANCE: 85 miles
TIME ESTIMATE: 5-6 hours
Included in your cost: Instruction and personal coaching, lodging, welcome dinner on Tuesday, two on-trail lunches, farewell lunch on Friday, snacks (fruit and snack bars), water and juice, dedicated support vehicle for emergencies.
Not included in your cost: Breakfasts, dinner on Wednesday & Thursday evening, gasoline, alcohol, travel or medical insurance, parking for large trailers or RVs, gratuities or your motorcycle – we do not provide motorcycles.
Pillion: If you are wanting to learn how to ride double-up off-road, please contact us prior to signing up.