Challenge Camp Virginia

Greenville, VA, USA

BT
Bret Tkacs, LLC
  • Email address verified
32 reviews
Apr 11 - 13, 2024
Group size: 6 - 12
Challenge Camp Virginia
Greenville, VA, USA

Bret Tkacs, LLC
  • Email address verified
32 reviews

Apr 11 - 13, 2024
Group size: 6 - 12

About this trip

Looking to learn in a more challenging environment?  This is your event! Designed for returning students and riders looking for a more challenging learning environment. The same low energy, technique-over-brawn concepts that are taught in the ADV Camp are taught during the Challenge Camp, however they are all learned in more challenging environments.


Due to the nature of this training camp unexpected learning opportunities will occur, ensuring the lesson plan will be fluid, creating a unique class you will never forget!

Make sure you watch this video before signing up.

Riding Conditions

This training primarily takes place on Class 3 and Class 4 or unintentionally Class 5 terrain at Penmerryl Farm. You are not expected to be able to ride your adventure bike through this type of terrain when you arrive, but you are expected to have the physical conditioning and mental drive needed to methodically work through challenging terrain.


This is not a class to show how much you already know or to pound your chest and “just send it”. This is a place to learn strategy and skills for overcoming difficult terrain on big bikes in a controlled manner. 

Additional Requirements

1.  Boots. Due to the high risk locations in this training environment, you will not be allowed to participate wearing "Adventure" boots, work, street, or hiking boots.

2.  Tires. It is highly recommended you show up with 50/50 tires or better. Each lesson is taught in a different area and your bike needs to be able to make it to the next location.

3.  Mental Stamina. You need to show up with the mental ability to override your fears.

4.  Physical Condition. Due to the mobility of this course, if you become physically exhausted, you may not be able to attend all lessons.

Tuition / Trip Insurance

Cancellations typically occur when a rider because of an injury or a damaged motorcycle. In these situations, we seldom have enough time to sell your spot and are unable to issue a credit or refund. This is due to the considerable amount of time and money invested into preparing your event - transporting equipment cross-country, flights, lodging, food, and transport for instructors & staff, renting property, ordering food, etc. as well as a limited number of training spots, a short training season, and our goal to keep tuition low by minimizing profit margins.


Please consider purchasing tuition insurance (through us upon registration) or trip insurance (Travelex, Allianz, or any other) if you cannot afford the loss of your tuition in the rare case you are not able to attend.

What’s included

  • Welcome dinner
  • Graduation dinner
  • Daily breakfasts
  • Snacks and beverages
  • Camp / hammock spots
  • Dry RV camping

What’s not included

  • Lunches & Friday dinner
  • RV spots with hookups
    Available on-site for purchase
  • Cabins
    Available on-site for purchase
  • Gasoline
  • Medical/Travel insurance
  • Motorcycle rental

Available Packages

Adventure Training
$1,500
Adventure Training PLUS Sunday School

Sunday school is all about mastering trail strategies while putting your newly polished riding skills to use during a  4-5  hour ride on Sunday. This optional add-on is not just going for a ride, but is an intense full day of learning critical ADV riding strategies, developing road reading skills, and polishing your skills from the previous days in a real life environment. 

$1,950

Available options

Guest Welcome & Graduation Dinners
$20

If your guest (anyone not signed up for class) is planning on eating with you during the two dinners, please click this option.

Guest Breakfasts
$20

If your guest is NOT staying in a room at Penmerryl and would like to join you for incredible breakfasts, please add this option. 

Tuition Protection Insurance
$110

Protect your tuition from unexpected cancellation due to personal injury, illness or accident that prevents you from attending. More info.



Itinerary

Thursday
Meet & Greet

Check-in begins at 3:00pm on Thursday afternoon.  You will have time to check into your room/cabin or set up your tent (if camping), and get acquainted with your fellow participants.


Around 6:00pm, join your instructors and fellow riding partners at the BYOB Tavern for a catered dinner and discuss what specific skills you will be learning. 


Penmerryl Farm is only 170 miles from Washington DC. At this location, you have the option of staying at this incredible privately-owned farm in a cabin, tent camping (no cost) or your RV.

Your Organizer


BT
Bret Tkacs, LLC
32 reviews
Bret is a master of ADV riding and an exceptional instructor who started teaching adventure bike specific classes in 2006. Bret is now recognized as one of the most accomplished ADV instructors in the nation.

Reviews

Great foundational training plan. Excellent trainer support. Lots of opportunity to practice the skills. Bret answers the question of ‘why’ each technique and skill is practical and effective. Wonderful experience to create confidence for off-road riding!
By Mark K for Washington Adventure Training on Aug 06, 2024
Bret and his team lays ADV riding essentials in a framework that becomes your muscle memory after 2-day extensive training. If you participate on Sunday’s ADV riding you’ll be amazed how much confidence comes naturally. If you are into traveling with big bikes on the various surfaces, this is the ultimate training!
By Milan S for Washington Adventure Training on Aug 05, 2024
I signed up for the Bret Tkacs adventure bike training course as a true beginner rider, only having started motorcycle riding a year and a half ago, and was somewhat uncertain and nervous as to whether or not I would be able to keep up with the class. Upon arrival, all my fears were quickly put to rest. The teachers are very good at explaining and then helping you achieve success in every step of the training. The way they teach the building blocks for off-road riding is like Mr. Miyagi, (Wax on, wax off), so when you are out on the trails, you have the knowledge to help you get through the obstacles. The group atmosphere was also very friendly and helpful. Everyone cheered each other on. Of course I fell a few times but, it was never in a situation where I felt like I was in danger of being hurt. If you are considering learning off road riding skills, I would highly recommend taking Bret’s class. You will not be disappointed and you will have skills and possibly new friends to keep for the rest of your riding years.
By Michael O for Washington Adventure Training on Jul 30, 2024
If you’ve ever considered taking an ADV class, this is the one! Bret and his staff are superb. This class will teach you the how and more importantly, the why. If you want to build the necessary skills to tackle off road terrain with confidence - sign up for one of Bret’s courses! I highly recommend the third day ride add on when offered. It covered additional trail skills while reinforcing the base riding techniques covered in the first two days.
By JASON M for Washington Adventure Training on Jul 29, 2024
GK
I recently attended Bret’s ADV Camp (my 3rd), an “off-pavement” style adventure motorcycle training camp, and it was an experience that again exceeded all my expectations. It tested me on a new motorcycle I purchased (a reason I went again). The ADV Camp was well-organized, with a team of expert instructors who brought a wealth of knowledge and a passion for riding. The course covered essential skills, starting with the basics and progressing to more advanced techniques. We began with balance and control exercises, which were crucial for building confidence. The instructors were patient and provided personalized feedback, ensuring everyone was comfortable with each skill before moving on. As the days progressed, we tackled more challenging terrain, including steep hills, sand, rocks and loose gravel, etc. The camp's location was perfect for this type of training, offering a variety of landscapes that tested our skills in real-world conditions. The instructors shared valuable tips on reading terrain, choosing lines, and maintaining control in difficult situations. One of the highlights was going out onto the forest roads and using our newly acquired skills in the real world. The camp wasn't just about riding; it also emphasized the importance of camaraderie and community. We shared stories and experiences around the “circle of lies”, forging friendships with fellow riders. The instructors were approachable and eager to share their own (often humorous) experiences, adding a personal touch to the training. Overall, the off-pavement adventure motorcycle training camp was an invaluable experience. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking to hone your skills or a newcomer eager to explore off-pavement riding, this camp offers comprehensive training in a supportive and engaging environment. I left feeling more confident and excited to tackle new off-pavement adventures on my new motorcycle!
By George K for Washington Adventure Training on Jul 29, 2024
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References

YL
I searched a long time to find the right course for me. I was following Brett on YouTube but didn’t know he was doing Adventure training so close to my location. What a wonderful experience! Of course the training was of a great quality but I didn’t expect less, it is everything around it which made this experience so enjoyable and profitable. As we all already know, Brett is really knowledgeable but he is also easy to follow in his training and really relation oriented. He makes you feel confident, provide the right advises and he is funny. Like he says “Attitude Matters” and he always has the right one. The second instructor was Paul. What to say about him…. He is as knowledgeable as Brett, always here to help you in any ways and this Paratrooper veteran probably landed once or twice on his head to be that funny. Great Team, Great Training and a wonderful group of student (We may do some ride together in the future). ….. I’ll be back.
By Yves L on 08 May, 2024

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