Mastering the Adventure: Lana's Journey from Racing Cars to Motorcycle Excellence Guest:  Lana Tsurikova, autocross racer and GS Trophy Qualifier participant (Lana on Wheels)Episode Summary:From the roar of race car engines to the heart-pumping thrills of off-road motorcycling, Lana's story isn't one you stumble upon every day. Today, she sits down with me and shares the her tale of transitioning from a car racing champion to a motorcycle adventure rider. Lana discusses her...

CHOOSING THE PROPER ADV BOOT Guest:  Brian Price, owner of Atomic Moto (https://www.atomic-moto.com)Episode Summary:Join me as I chat with the owner of Atomic-Moto.com, Brian Price, to discuss everything you need to know about proper footwear for adventure riding. Brian shares his extensive knowledge about motorcycle boots, from their complex construction to size variations. We cover why a good boot is essential and how it can enhance control, reduce fatigue and even prevent accidents...

OLD GUY ADV RIDING TIPS Guest: Murrae Haynes, a lifetime motorcyclist who is currently 74 years old. Topic: Bret and Murrae discuss some of the concerns and changes that become more prominent with age. Key Takeaway: When you get older, your recovery time is so much longer that your caution naturally goes up.  When that crosses the line into fear, people start to make mistakes they wouldn't normally make.

TRAIL BRAKING WITH YAMAHA CHAMPIONS RIDING SCHOOL Guest: Chip Spalding, business development manager and instructor at the nation's premier motorcycle riding school: Yamaha Champions Riding School. Topic: Bret and Chip discuss the importance of teaching and using trail braking in all curves, not just off-road. Key Takeaway: Regarding crashing in a curve: "Most of the time it's not really a traction limit; our brain shuts down before we actually run out of traction.  We're the ones who...

WHY TEACH FOUR FINGERED BRAKING? Guest: David Weed, currently an MSF-certified RiderCoach and RiderCoach trainer and formerly the lead technical specialist for the Washington State Motorcycle Program. Topic: Bret and David dive into the controversial topic of teaching and using four fingers on the brake, why it's still being taught, and strategies to improve as a rider (hint: it involves questioning the status quo). Key Takeaway:We need to learn from what the bike is telling us and be...

MX BOOTS VS ADV BOOTS Guest: Alex and Bret discuss some of the advantages and challenges of switching to a heavier boot for ADV riding. Discussion Points: 1.  There is huge difference between motocross boots and boots that are marketed as an Adventure boot. Key Takeaways: - There is the challenge of getting away from boots that you can walk around in.  Move into boots that actually protect your ankles if you fall down. Boots mentioned in this podcast are the Sidi Crossfire 3's -...

ADV Tire Talk Guest: Jarrett King is an ADV rider and mechanical designer at Mitas Tires.Discussion Points:1.  Air pressure – should I air down before riding off-road?2.  Why is the manufacturer's baseline pressure different from what's written on the sidewall?3.  Can a rider increase or decrease the size of the tire on the bike?Key Takeaways:- It’s interesting to observe what people think they can feel and what they can actually feel when it comes to tires.

LARGE & TALL BIKE SETUP Guest: Kip Kyler stands 6’4” with a 38” inseam who is riding a Husqvarna 701.  He has made a few adjustments to accommodate his height and weight, but still feels cramped in the cockpit while riding.  He has reached out to Bret to find out what other adjustments he can make and what kind of suspension he may need to install. Discussion Points: 1.  How to choose the right spring for your riding style and weight. 2.  How to find the right local suspension tuner...

INVESTING IN EXPERIENCE When taking riders overseas on motorcycle expeditions, Bret has been surprised to note that participants don't have the problems he would expect them to have.  In fact, less-experienced riders quickly develop their skill sets and become confident off-road riders very quickly - much faster than in any traditional training environment.  Bret dives into this phenomenon with his friend and instructor Paul.Note:  If you are bothered by foul language, please start this...

AVOID DANGEROUS COMPLACENCY Sometimes riding can be not very exciting or even downright boring.  The excitement of reacting to everything on the road fades away once you feel you've encountered most situations and feel comfortable with the threats that are common to motorcyclists.  However, this natural progression can lead to a dangerous lack of focus... and that's when the curve closes up too fast or the deer is directly in line with your headlights.  Bret talks about methods he uses...

HOW TO MANAGE FEAR WHILE RIDING A MOTORCYCLE. Bret Tkacs discusses a subject that every ADV motorcyclist has faced - how to manage fear.  This is a subject that’s widely discussed, but only in general terms – until this podcast.  Learn specific strategies to work specifically with a paralyzing fear of heights while riding. Guest: Kerry Haggerty, a Patreon subscriber and a former student of Bret’s ADV Camp.  She rides Triumph 900 and reached out to Bret for advice after experiencing some...

IS ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION WORTH THE COST? Suspension is undoubtedly one of the most critical aspects to your motorcycle, and many people talk about upgrading their suspension.  However, since the cost can be up to $7,000, it's important to know what upgraded suspension can do for your motorcycle, and whether you should invest in an upgrade.There is a narrow weight window for stock suspension, which is around 180lbs (rider and gear together).  Some people believe if they add preload and...

RIDING WHILE HURTING: A TALK ON AGING Adapting to the realities of age is important in the ADV world, where it’s too easy to get hurt if you’re not developing the correct muscles, use the correct technique, or your bike is not ergonomically set up.  Fatigue while riding is likely to be a skill issue, a technique issue, or an ergonomic issue.  If it’s none of those, then it will likely be a health or strength issue.Learn exercises to improve the strength of your midsection, lower back,...

How To Choose A Motorcycle Class Washington State has two state-approved motorcycle basic rider education curriculums.  One is through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and the other is the Motorcycle Education Program (MEP), which Bret wrote for Puget Sound Safety.  There are some major differences between the two curricula: The MSF courses are formulaic, structured, and linear while the MEP courses are flexible, adaptable, and offer students the opportunity to self-correct.  In...

What can you expect as a new ADV rider? Rob Malpas discusses the transition into riding motorcycles off-road and some of the thoughts new riders have.  This discussion is a great one to listen to if you are new to ADV riding or hoping to get some friends involved in your passion.  Many tips are shared, including a method of adapting to motocross boots and how speed isn't necessarily a determining factor when it comes to skill.

Are you Miscalculating your adv skills? Paul Solomonson, dueling counterpart in the recent video "Mosko Moto vs Lone Rider", talks with Bret about rating yourself as an ADV rider and some of the common ways riders miscalculate their skill level.  This discussion references the Adventure Skill Rating System, which you do not need to read beforehand.  Learn how to recognize how good you actually are and ways you can improve.  By the way, cover your kids' ears: there may be a couple...

Top Tips for Adventure Camping You don't need to travel far and wide to be an ADV motorcyclist, nor do you need to travel with an expensive motorcycle.  Adventuring is about travel, discovering, and wandering, and these tips will help make your next adventure smoother.

Does Motorcycle Training Create Safer Riders? Does motorcycle safety training really teach what it's intended to teach?  In this episode, Bret Tkacs speaks with Chris Johnson, owner of Washington Motorist Safety Training, about whether motorcycle safety education is real or a myth.  Does training actually make safer riders?  Enjoy this dynamic podcast where two energetic personalities discuss rider skill vs. rider behavior, the culture of riding, and the need to be able to make...

What's GOING ON WITH Jesse Luggage? Jesse Luggage is now owned by Jared Maxfield who is revitalizing the brand into Jesse Adventures: a one-stop resource for the ADV community.  In this podcast, Bret and Jared discuss what it's like being one of the few hard pannier distributors in the United States, the competition in the ADV luggage market, and the pros and cons of putting hard panniers onto your ADV bike.  If you've never heard of Jesse Luggage or you're a diehard fan, this is a podcast...

In this episode, Jesse Pacht discusses some essential first aid tips that adventure riders should know prior to going on an ADV ride.  Adventure riders are often beyond cell service or immediate help.  Discover how to prepare mentally, determine what essential items belong in your first aid kit, and learn how to prevent accidents before they occur.

ADV MOTORCYCLE EDUCATION A discussion about the value of motorcycle education for ADV riders. Greg DiBernardo and I chat about how you can learn on your own, using resources that you can find for free. We also discuss how much professional training should cost and its value, whether it is hype or worth the time and money. Understanding what level of training to invest in is only part of the solution; we talk about how to differentiate between a rider who is an instructor vs the master of...

What inspires Bret In a twist of tradition, I get interviewed by another podcaster from South Africa (JJ le Roux from Gravel Travel) about my background and what drives me to train riders. I ramble on about what inspires me as a motorcycle educator while providing tips on finding instructors that will inspire you to become better.  Discover why I dedicate so much time helping riders become better.

Trail Braking is the riding technique every rider should be using on the street. Join Bret Tkacs and Patreon supporter Peter Shimm in a detailed discussion of how and why you improve your trail braking skills. Although many riders oppose the concept of trail braking - believing all corner braking should be done before every corner - this is an unrealistic and a dangerous belief. Even those riders opposed to trail braking admit to using brakes in a corner. Trail braking is a daily riding...

Embracing Sand This episode brings you Zak Parrish, the rider of an Africa Twin DCT nicknamed the "Lawn Dart" after a learning experience where his bike became planted in sand. Bret and Zak dive into the challenges, techniques and skills needed to ride in deep sand on a heavy adventure bike.  Spend an hour listening to the stories and techniques that will help you master riding in loose surfaces as well as some ideas for practicing your skills near home.Don't...