This Adventure Motorcycle Training in Virginia is designed for riders who want to improve their off-road skills without unnecessary risk or intimidation. Led by professional instructor Bret Tkacs, this course uses a progressive method that focuses on understanding why techniques work, not just memorizing steps.

Whether you’re new to adventure riding or have years of experience, this training meets you at your current ability level and builds skill through structured, layered drills. Each exercise emphasizes control, balance, and risk management before increasing difficulty, allowing you to develop confidence in a predictable, supportive learning environment.

Bret’s instruction is especially well suited for mature riders who value longevity, precision, and thoughtful decision-making over speed or bravado. Training prioritizes safety, clear communication, and skill retention, making it ideal for riders who want to improve without getting hurt. Read more about Bret's training philosophy here.

The focus is on riding ADV motorcycles efficiently, safely, and intelligently in real-world conditions so you leave with skills you can apply on your own adventures.

Our courses do have minimum requirements for tires and protective gear, including proper off-road boots. These standards aren’t meant to exclude anyone or create financial pressure. They exist because decades of training riders has consistently shown us that when people are learning new skills, slow-speed tip-overs are common. That’s simply part of the learning process.

Proper equipment significantly reduces injury risk and allows riders to learn confidently and safely. Our requirements also ensure we meet all of the requirements set by insurance, land owners and local laws/ordinances.

We are deeply committed to accessibility to this sport. You do not need premium or expensive gear; many affordable options meet these standards. If cost is a concern, please reach out and we’ll gladly help you find budget-friendly solutions. Our goal is to ensure every rider trains with us safely, confidently, and successfully. If you have gear concerns due to physical limitations, contact us to discuss how we can accommodate.

This is our premier location with 24-hour access to indoor toilets and showers for all guests. Additionally, well-stocked cabins and lodges are available for an additional fee (please contact Penmerryl Farms). Potable water is available.

Arrive any time after 3:00 PM to check in, set up your campsite (if camping), and get comfortable in the training environment. Around early evening, join your instructors and fellow riders for a relaxed meet & greet to introduce yourselves and discuss your riding goals for the weekend. This session sets expectations and helps you define specific skills you want to improve during training.

Training begins at 8:00 AM sharp. The focus on Training Day One is on core ADV riding fundamentals learned through understanding forces, control, and physics rather than memorizing steps. On this day, riders develop:

• Seated and standing riding technique

• Motorcycle ergonomics and setup

• Low-energy riding methods

• Traction management basics

• Slow-speed balance and maneuvering

• Power delivery control

• Lifting and recovery techniques

Whether you’re newer to dirt or experienced, you’ll learn how to think about riding rather than just twisting the throttle, giving you a foundation you can build on throughout the weekend.

After a good night’s rest, Training Day Two builds on the skills from Friday by turning gross motor movements into fine motor control that uses less energy, increases precision, and makes your motorcycle feel lighter and more manageable. Bret and his team introduce varied terrain and real-world features that challenge your ability to evaluate and navigate obstacles with improved judgment. Possible topics include:

• Narrow track and ruts

• Loose surface transitions (sand, gravel, mud)

• Trail-turn finesse and body position

• Hill starts, climbs, and descents

• Slide turns and agility moves

• Advanced terrain evaluation

Training continues throughout the morning and afternoon, typically wrapping up before an evening graduation dinner or casual group celebration (BYOB).

Sunday is an optional add-on day designed to take all of the skills you’ve developed and apply them in a real-world riding environment. This class usually lasts 4–5 hours and mimics the kinds of situations you’ll encounter on actual adventure rides, both on dirt and pavement.

The focus during Sunday School is on advanced visual strategies, terrain reading, and techniques that reduce stress and energy use while increasing confidence. These advanced skills are identical to strategies Bret has taught to professional and military riders over many years.

Participants practice riding through situations rather than practicing specific drills, which helps eliminate information overload and reinforces learning in a dynamic, practical context.