Challenge Camp Virginia

Greenville, VA, USA

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

Bret Tkacs, LLC
  • Email address verified
39 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
39 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

GK
Discovered the Ride of a Lifetime with Bret & Christina Tkacs’s Tibetan Motorcycle Adventure 2024. Covering Nepal, Tibet and China. Embarking on a motorcycle adventure through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Tibet is a dream for many ADV riders, Bret & Christina transformed that dream into an unforgettable reality. From the moment the journey begins, their meticulous attention to detail, professionalism, and passion for REAL adventure are evident, creating an unparalleled experience for riders of various skill levels. Tibet’s rugged terrain, snow-capped peaks, and serene monasteries provide the perfect backdrop for an adventure on two wheels. Immerse yourself in the majesty of the region while they take care of every detail. Their expertly curated routes showcase the best of Tibet—from the jaw-dropping 17,000’ passes of the Himalayas to the tranquil shores of Lake Yamdrok and the awe-inspiring cold snowy ride at Mount Everest Base Camp at 18,000’! What sets Bret & Christina’s adventures apart is their exceptional choice in local guides. Knowledgeable and passionate, they share insights into Tibet’s rich culture, history, and traditions while leading you safely through challenging terrains. The guides’ enthusiasm for adventure is contagious, making every stretch of the journey both thrilling and deeply meaningful. The motorcycles provided were impeccably maintained, ensuring a smooth and reliable ride through some of the world’s most remote regions. Coupled with comfortable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and seamless logistical support, the company creates an experience that allows you to focus solely on the thrill of the ride and the beauty surrounding you. Whether you’re an experienced rider chasing the ultimate adventure or a traveler seeking a unique perspective on Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes, Bret & Christina deliver an experience that exceeded expectations. This is more than just a motorcycle adventure—it’s a journey of discovery, exhilaration, and connection with one of the most enchanting regions on Earth. For a life-changing adventure, trust Bret & Christina to lead you through the heart of Nepal/Tibet, one incredible mile at a time.
By George K for Tibet & Everest Base Camp on Dec 17, 2024
Riding to Tibet is not for the faint of heart. There can be surprises from the Chinese government-- and their were. There can be surprises from the weather-- and there were. From terrible roads in Nepal, snow riding down from the Everest Base Camp, monsoon rains in the Himalayas causing landslides and road closures, Chinese border shut-downs, unexpected evacuations dictated by the government, ATMs that would not produce local currency, etc. etc. Through it all, Bret kept everyone informed and was up front with the options and the recommended choices. He kept charge of everything and worked well with our Tibetan guide and the "minder" who was in charge of our group. The route was varied and intere4sting and the opportunity to visit Lhasa and the Potala Palace unique. I would readily travel with Bret again...and I did! Thanks!
By John D for Tibet & Everest Base Camp on Oct 28, 2024
This was a truly amazing motorcycle adventure-- from the roads to the sights to the varied places to stay to the yak-burgers in Kagebeni! This was not an easy ride but could be handled by anyone with a bit of off-road experience. And, it was rarely "off-road." It was just on very bad roads that at times present a true challenge. Bret did an outstanding job of keeping everyone informed and making sure everyone was having their expectations met. The equipment he rented from Hearts & Tears in Pochara was up to the task and the H&T crew were knowledgeable and skilled. I would readily recommend traveling with Bret.
By John D for Nepal Upper Mustang Adventure on Oct 28, 2024
Absolutely unforgettable trip of a lifetime! For me, it's about 3 things: The meeting and talking with the local people to get an understanding of how others live and how we all, basically crave the same things; meeting new friends in the adventure motorcycling community; and experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and geography of a new country. This trip provided the best of all three. The Nepali people are wonderful...gentle, kind, friendly and open. I've never felt more safe on an international trip. The fellow riders were terrific. We came from all corners of the country, aged between 32 and 76, vocations as varied as a commercial cabinet builder, to restaurant owner, hospital executive, retired social worker just to name four. We all had the moto-affliction and had an incredible time with no shortage of conversation. And Nepal...my goodness. From the crazy traffic in Kathmandu, to the incredible peace, serenity, and sheer spirituality (with occasional craziness thrown in) of riding through the Upper Mustang region, it was an experience like no other. And throughout it all, Brett maintains control, even in the situations beyond all of our control, to provide an experience you'll just want to repeat for as long as you're physically able. I can't recommend any more highly.
By Jon K for Nepal Upper Mustang Adventure on Oct 20, 2024
We had a great time. One of the best trips I ever made!
By Wolfgang S for Nepal Upper Mustang Adventure on Oct 19, 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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