WASHINGTON ADVENTURE TRAINING
Cashmere, WA
LOCATION
16 Riders
CLASS SIZE
$1,485
STARTING PRICE
July 9-11, 2026
DATES
WASHINGTON ADVENTURE TRAINING
The Washington Adventure Training with Bret Tkacs is a two-day motorcycle training program (a third day is an optional add-on) that builds a comprehensive understanding of your bike, and develops both confidence and control for taking an ADV bike off-road, or simply off-pavement. This curriculum emphasizes real-world riding skills through physics-based instruction rather than memorizing rote formulas or waiting in line for competition-based motorcycle drills. Read more about Bret’s training philosophy here.
WASHINGTON ADVENTURE TRAINING: COURSE DESCRIPTION
Our Washington Adventure Training develops and perfects the skills and techniques you need as an ADV rider on the terrain that you will encounter while riding the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route. This location moves to different training areas as your skills develop throughout the weekend, starting near our base camp in Cashmere, WA and moving to a dedicated training area in Plain, WA with sand, trees, and other natural challenges, an off-road obstacle course used by the annual Touratech Rally. Finally, if you choose to join us on the third day (Sunday), you will ride trails and roads near the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR). You won’t find a better place to progress naturally from pure beginner to actually riding the remote trails that Washington has to offer.
You will learn to:
- Control your motorcycle at low speeds for technical terrain
- Manage traction on loose and mixed surfaces
- Understand and use ABS offroad as well as non-ABS braking skills
- Navigate obstacles, ruts, hills, and uneven terrain
- Develop strategies to reduce uncertainty in new terrain
- Adjust your motorcycle ergonomics to improve your comfort and riding
- Understand how rider inputs affect balance, traction, and stability
Every lesson is explained through the lens of motorcycle dynamics and physics, so you can adapt your skills to new situations without relying on memorizing and recalling rigid formulas. Read how Bret’s courses differ from other ADV schools.
WASHINGTON ADV TRAINING DONE DIFFERENTLY
This isn’t your typical parking lot or grassy field skills course. We place you directly into the real-world riding environments you’ll encounter across Washington State, Oregon, British Columbia, and throughout the Pacific Northwest. Through Bret’s own program of progressive, physics-based training methodology and using a curriculum that changes every year, you’ll develop genuine confidence and precise control over your bike that you never imagined possible, as well as the technical skills that will transform your riding skills from a gravel-dodger to a genuine off-road adventurer.
Bret’s instructional approach centers on understanding why your motorcycle behaves the way it does, not just memorizing movements. You’ll learn to read terrain like a book, spotting hazards before they become problems and identifying the fastest, safest lines through complex sections. Every participant receives personalized coaching tailored to their current skill level and learning pace for maximum progression.
If you are uncertain whether your skill level and goals are appropriate for this course, please contact Bret prior to registration. He is happy to discuss your experience and help you determine whether this course, or another option, will best support your growth.
Our goal is not to exclude riders. Our goal is to ensure that every participant has the best possible opportunity to succeed, learn, and enjoy the experience.
YOUR MINDSET
Bret focuses on self-awareness, energy conservation, and building confidence through understanding rather than forcing our motorcycles to our will (your 500-600lb motorcycle will ultimately win if you try to force it to your will). Success is not about speed, strength, or proving anything to your fellow riders it’s about personal development.
Many of our best students arrive feeling nervous or uncertain. These riders often perform exceptionally well because they listen closely, ride thoughtfully, and pace themselves. This course is designed to meet you where you are regardless of how big or small your bike is, how old or young you are or how much experience you have even if it is zero.
Growth requires openness, flexibility, and a willingness to explore better methods, even when they challenge long-held habits. If you find yourself thoughtfully questioning whether you are ready, we can work with humility, caution, and honest effort, come join us.
Bret uses adaptive teaching methods for every class. Weather changes, energy levels fluctuate, individual learning curves and physical capability change. He adapts in real-time, ensuring you get maximum value from every training session regardless of conditions or your circumstances.
FAQs
BEFORE YOU REGISTER
This training adapts to your experience level. By using continuous movement rather than static drills or waiting in line, we create an environment that supports riders ranging from dirt beginners to experienced off-road riders.
Coaching and training challenges are tailored to each rider, allowing individuals to progress toward their personal goals. This adaptive format ensures that every participant, regardless of age or physical ability, is challenged appropriately and able to achieve meaningful growth in their off-road skills.
Prior off-road or off-pavement experience is not required. The ADV training is structured to build skills progressively and focuses on techniques that work specifically on adventure motorcycles (large and small).
No, however you must bring a motorcycle that is capable of accessing the terrain and obstacles encountered during training.
For our adventure training, motorcycle capability requirements are relatively moderate, as terrain and conditions are intentionally progressive and manageable for most motorcycles. This means you can bring any bike you want to take off-pavement.
For the Idaho Challenge Training, motorcycle capability becomes more critical. The bike must have adequate ground clearance for riding in remote, technical terrain. In this environment, motorcycle limitations can directly affect safety and pace.
You can rent a motorcycle through Into the Horizon ADV Motorcycle Rentals.
Not at most locations. However, we do have tire recommendations and requirements which can be found here.
Off-road-oriented tires may help improve your traction and reduce your potential for falls but they are not required. Many riders choose to attend on less than 50/50 tires and still gain significant benefit from the course.
WHAT IS CLASS LIKE?
Class sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure individualized coaching and a safe learning environment. Most courses operate at approximately 8 students per instructor, which allows for meaningful feedback and personalized instruction. Some locations may run slightly smaller or larger groups depending on terrain, staffing, and logistical considerations.
Our Idaho courses are typically smaller, averaging around 5 students per instructor, due to the hybrid nature of the training that combines traditional range-based instruction with real-world trail riding.
Training continues unless conditions are truly unsafe (ie. lightning). Learning to adapt to changing and less-ideal conditions is a key part of adventure riding. We have run classes in snowstorms, pouring rain, and over 100 degree temperatures.
Bret serves as the lead instructor and attends every class. Most sessions (not all) also include instruction from Paul Solomonson and/or in-person support from Christina Tkacs. Read more about our instructors here.
Absolutely. Many experienced off-road riders discover habits or misunderstandings that limit their confidence or speed. This training focuses on why techniques work, allowing riders to adapt to new situations more effectively.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Bring your motorcycle, your protective riding gear (helmet, boots, gloves, jacket, and pants), a camp chair, a coffee mug, and any other comfort items you like. Our recommendations and requirements are found here.
Off-road boots are the most important piece of safety gear in this training environment. While high-speed crashes are rare, slow-speed tip-overs and footing errors are common while learning, and these are where foot and ankle injuries occur. Here are our adventure training requirements
Street boots and many “adventure touring” boots lack the structure needed to protect against crushing and twisting forces from a 500–600lb motorcycle. You do not need the most expensive boots available, but you do need a boot designed for off-road impacts. Riders wearing boots that offer little or no off-road crash protection will not be permitted to ride.
Or chat about your boots here.
We supply morning coffee and a large variety of snacks throughout the day that should accommodate most dietary preferences. Meals are not provided other than an optional graduation dinner. Drinking water is provided throughout the course.
All training locations offer dry camping as part of the tuition, and riders are welcome to bring tents, hammocks, camper vans, trailers, or RVs. We intentionally select training areas that also have nearby hotels and other lodging options.
Every location also provides ample parking, including space for trailers. Some locations may also offer nearby plug-in options for an additional fee.
Detailed lodging and camping information specific to your training location will be provided in the pre-event information sheet sent after registration.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Yes. The techniques and decision-making strategies taught directly apply to backcountry routes, forest roads, sand, gravel, and unpredictable terrain. You will learn how to make decisions in real-world situations, including situations you’ve never encountered before.
Dirt bike schools often teach techniques that work well on lightweight bikes but can be unsafe on large ADV motorcycles. This course focuses on strategies specifically developed for heavier, road-legal adventure bikes.
No. Training is tailored to help you progress at your own pace. This course emphasizes understanding, control, and decision-making, not bravado or peer pressure. Riders are not forced into situations they don’t feel ready for.
The course is technique-focused, not entirely strength-based. Riders of all ages, including those in their seventies, routinely complete the training successfully. We strongly encourage you to come in the best physical condition you can manage. We teach low-energy riding techniques, however learning, by its very nature, is not low-energy.
Included in your cost: Instruction and personal coaching, snacks (fruit and snack bars), beverages (including coffee), on-site camping for tents and small trailers, Friday and Saturday night dinners at the rally, dedicated support vehicle for emergencies.
Not included in your cost: Optional training day (must be purchased separately), breakfasts, lunches, gasoline, alcohol, travel or medical insurance, hotel rooms, gratuities or your motorcycle – we do not provide motorcycles.