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:
WHAT IS BRET's TRAINING PHILOSOPHY?
Bret Tkacs’ approach to adventure motorcycle training emphasizes:
Understanding motorcycle dynamics rather than memorizing drills.
Building confidence through skill, not speed.
Reducing unnecessary risks through better judgment calls.
Preparing riders for real-world conditions, not ideal ones.
This method is especially effective for ADV riders who travel long distances, ride solo, or operate in remote locations where small mistakes have large consequences.
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 immediatly 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Watch this video to learn about the differences between our courses.
Do you prefer learning on trail?
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.