GEORGIA - IDAHO - VIRGINIA - WASHINGTON
What is ADV Motorcycle Training?
ADV riding classes
dual sport motorcycle training near me
ADV riding is as much a game of intellect as riding skill. Bret’s method of teaching riders to ride “nature’s way” is through a process of discovering and understanding cause and effect rather than the traditional formulaic or step-by-step instruction. Formula teaching is fine when you are new, but it lacks the ability to adapt to the requirements of the real world.
CHOOSE YOUR TRAINING
Each location offers a completely different experience, based on your needs and wants. All the basics will be taught at each class, but the terrain features differ as well as the accommodations. Here is a video discussing the differences between courses.
The Adventure (ADV) Training Camp is for all levels of riders: those who want to start their dual sport motorcycle training correctly and those who want to improve their fundamental skills. If you’re a fast rider, oftentimes the lack of skills are hidden by speed. The ADV Camp focuses on physics and rider inputs to master all terrains. We included many slow-speed maneuvers that improves the blending of controls which is critical to mastering all terrains.
The ADV Training Tour is for basic to experienced riders. All you need is the ability and/or confidence to ride on gravel roads when you arrive plus a craving for adventure. We will train you as the terrain changes, providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully conquer each new challenge. Because this is a train-as-you-go program, specific skills needed will vary depending on the route and weather.
The Challenge Training Camp is designed so you can methodically work through increasingly challenging terrain. This course will begin with a curriculum but may quickly go off-script as real-life scenarios are encountered. There is no guarantee intended lessons will be covered, however it will be a course that will certainly challenge riders with a smaller rider-to-instructor ratio.
All bikes are welcome as long as they meet the minimum protection and performance requirements (skid plate and lever protection; street legal). We have had many riders attend on small-displacement dual sports and others attend on street-focused bikes. This isn’t about what brand or model bike you choose for your adventure, only that we help you master what you ride for your journey.
To be notified of last-minute openings for classes, text ADV to (888) 306-7782.
CHALLENGE CAMP ~ GEORGIA OR VIRGINIA
DESCRIPTION:
This is a special training event for riders who desire more challenging terrain than the regular ADV training camps offer. This isn’t a class to prove how much you know – it is a training event!
There is no guarantee all the intended lessons will be covered due to situations that are expected to occur during Challenge Camp. Keep in mind, advanced skills are also taught at the regular ADV camps where all lessons will be completed.
2024 Dates:
March 21-23 – Dahlonega, GA
April 11-13 – Greenville, VA
DAHLONEGA, GEORGIA ~ ADV CAMP
DESCRIPTION:
This camp has one of the most diverse locations with many off-road features that will give you a wide range of off-road type training with dirt bike trails and ATV terrain features available. This location will give you the most diverse training with hills, single and doubletrack trails, sand, mud, a gravel pit and more. Terrain can change dramatically based on weather.
TERRAIN DIFFICULTY:
- Graduation dinner is provided
- Camping is free / RV spots and hotels are 20+ min away
GREENVILLE, VIRGINIA ~ ADV CAMP
DESCRIPTION:
This is our premiere training location boasting 135 acres of private fields and trails for ADV training with an indoor BYOB bar and pool table.
RIDING CONDITIONS:
Wet grass, horse poop, steep hills, double-track trails, single-track sections, logs and natural obstacles.
- Welcome dinner, graduation dinner, and all breakfasts provided
- Camping is free / RV spots and cabins available on-site
PLAIN, WASHINGTON ~ ADV CAMP
DESCRIPTION:
This location is on the grounds of the Touratech Rally and has a grocery store, hardware store, and a restaurant across the street from the training area.
RIDING CONDITIONS:
Grassy field, hill, open field, technical tree course, sand pit and purpose-built challenges.
- Graduation dinner is provided
- Camping and RV are free / Cabins available across the street
NAMPA, IDAHO ~ CHALLENGE TOUR
DESCRIPTION:
This event is being developed as a unique combination of an ADV Camp and ADV Training Tour. The price and exact locations are unconfirmed at this time. You can let us know you’re interested by clicking here.
- Most meals are provided
- Hotel rooms are not provided
PACKWOOD TO WENATCHEE ~ ADV TOUR
DESCRIPTION:
Starting in Packwood, WA, this central tour brings you along parts of the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route to end in Wenatchee, WA. View this video to learn the differences between a Tour and a Camp.
RIDING CONDITIONS:
Loose rock, long hills, gravel roads, incredible views of the Cascade Range. Moderately technical trail obstacles.
- Welcome and graduation dinners provided, most lunches
- Hotels are provided with single or double occupancy
PRIVATE TRAINING WITH BRET
Dates:
Any single day
DESCRIPTION:
This is a limited-availability option for those who are looking for very specific skill sets. All private training will take place in SW Idaho and each event will be custom-tailored to your individual needs. Get started on your success by clicking here.
TOUR OF ICELAND
Date: Mid-August 2024
DESCRIPTION:
Explore the highlands of Iceland on this exclusive motorcycle tour. You will have the opportunity to travel on roads typically off-limits to those on rented motorcycles and vehicles. See remote waterfalls, cross deep rivers, and have the adventure of a lifetime.
Sign up here if you would like updates on the development of this tour. You may unsubscribe at any time.
NEPAL ~ UPPER MUSTANG TOUR
Date:
October 2024
DESCRIPTION:
This on-bike tour will take you into the upper reaches of Nepal, into the lost kingdom of Lo. Spend time in the isolated Tibetan settlement of Lo Manthang, founded in 1380 and ancient capital city of the Upper Mustang region. This tour is currently under development so registration is not yet open.
Sign up here if you would like updates on the development of this tour. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Your Instructors
Most instructors teach to the errors observed in each participant. Bret and Paul teach to the errors observed by your motorcycle’s reactions. Each rider has their own unique way of riding, based on their physical abilities and limitations, so providing a catch-all fix to the rider can lead to devastating consequences. When you take a class with Bret and Paul, you can be confident that your motorcycle will give up your secrets and you will be given advice specific to your exact needs.
Bret Tkacs
Bret is uniquely skilled at recognizing the fundamental causes of rider errors. He can watch a rider and accurately diagnose the cause of the problem – whether it’s related to motorcycle setup or suspension, or mental or physical complications with the rider.
He is very systematic and specific with correcting problems, and riders leave with a much greater understanding of how motorcycles function off-road, as well as having significantly-increased confidence and excitement about taking a heavy bike onto remote trails.
Paul Solomonson
Paul is an accomplished and highly skilled motorcyclist in his own right. He has an in-depth understanding of how the rider and motorcyclist work together – or against each other – and is very skilled at recognizing challenges newer riders present.
A valuable instructor, Paul has the unique ability to explain complex scenarios in a simple, relatable, and often memorable way, leading to much greater understanding and retention. There is rarely a training session that does not have the dynamic, and often hilarious input of Paul.
Greg DiBernardo
After years of working with Bret and Paul, assisting at all of our east coast training camps, Greg has made himself a valuable part of our team. Starting in 2023 Greg has agreed to tap into his formal training and personal experience to join the team as an instructor.
Greg has a background on the track (road racing), in the dirt and as an adventure rider. His ability to mirror the lessons taught by Bret and Paul and his overwhelming enthusiasm makes him an unforgettable instructor to train with.
Christina Tkacs
Every school needs someone to manage the logistics, and this has become Christina’s job. She will make sure you’re squared away with registration and will answer your questions about training.
She is also an avid ADV rider, having ridden in many countries on a variety of motorcycles. Christina has had a rough start riding off-road and enjoys bringing the joy of adventure riding to people who have been struggling with the frustration of crashing or getting hurt.