This Adventure Motorcycle Training in Washington 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.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Chelan County Expo Center in Cashmere, Washington, this all-in-one experience offers on-site camping (included), and lodging options nearby. If camping, you will have 24-hour access to free (air conditioned) bathrooms and showers.

Your instructors, including Bret, will be camping on-site at the rally. You’re welcome to bring any vehicle to camp in (no hookups), or stay in nearby Cashmere if you prefer four walls and a warm bed (not included in your tuition).

TRAINING LOCATION SPECIFICS

- 2.5 hours from Seattle (145 miles)

- 5 hours from Portland (280 miles)

- 20 minutes from Wenatchee

- Nearest airport: Pangborn Memorial (EAT) - 30 min / Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) - 2.5 hrs

- Cell service: Verizon/AT&T reliable, T-Mobile spotty

- July temps: 70-100°F (dress in layers)

- Gas station: Cashmere (1 mile)

Our Washington Adventure Training will be held directly alongside the Cascade Country Rendezvous, which is an annual motorcycle rally hosted by the Washington State BMW Riders. Your tuition includes full, unrestricted access to the rally (all motorcycles are welcome).

Not only will you get expert motorcycle training, but you’ll also enjoy meals at the rally, and the chance camp alongside and connect with fellow adventure enthusiasts, not to mention two amazing buffet dinners in an air conditioned space.

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.

In the 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, introduces terms and concepts that will be used throughout the weekend, and allows you to define specific skills you want to improve during training.

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 event.

Time to take your new skills to the real world and join us for the time warp class (affectionally called Sunday school by the instructors).

This 4-5 hour class takes you on a real ride while teaching you how to eliminate the number one cause of accidents on pavement and on dirt. Using local roads to develop advanced visual process and terrain reading, you will learn to eliminate information overload. These advanced techniques are identical to those we taught to United States Army Special Forces and others for 11 years.

In partnership with the advanced terrain reading skills you will be learning, you will also be using the skills from training to to achieve your riding goal of using less energy, riding with less stress and removing the “surprises” that catch many riders unprepared.  Get a taste of what adventure riding is all about, done correctly with the right skills.

This optional training day is provided for an additional cost and is only available for the students who have attended both days of ADV Training.  There is a ten student limit unless three instructors are available.