What is ADV Camp?
PSS Off Road ADV Camp is a multi-day training event run by expert and professional adventure riders.
The ADV Camp program grew from a need for entry-level training geared toward the average dualsport and adventure rider. The skill sets that we present have been thoroughly tested in real world use and are continually updated as the sport itself evolves.
Some of the riding skills presented are:
- Core body position
- Core weight shift
- Traction management
- Power control
- Slow speed balance and maneuvering
- Lifting (single person, multi person)
- Small to medium size obstacles (up to 9" in height)
- Narrow track and rut
- Loose surfaces (deep sand and river rock)
- Hills (ascending, descending, starting, stopping, turning around)
- ...And, yes, even more!
People travel from all over North America and internationally to attend our training events. This is a true testament to the value of the skills and knowledge and we have to offer. We cannot guarantee that you'll be an expert rider after the 4-day camp, but we can say for certain that you will learn new skills and have a great experience!
The camp includes camping accommodations, some meals, snacks and drinks, riding drills, topical presentations. Check out the itinerary for a rundown of ADV Camp.
Special Presenter!
— May 31st - June 3rd ADV Camp Only —
At this year's May 31st - June 3rd ADV Camp we are proud to welcome Inna Thorn as a guest presenter.
Inna is an avid adventure traveler and motorcycling enthusiast. In 2008, when the rest of the country was worrying about the impending financial crisis, she and her husband quit their jobs, loaded their Kawasaki KLRs with bare necessities, and departed on an adventure of a lifetime - an epic motorcycle journey from Seattle, WA to Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina.
Over the course of 6 months they have travelled 17, 000 miles through 13 countries, visiting some of the most remote and legendary places in the Southern hemisphere, from the Mayan villages on the shores of the ancient volcanic Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, to the highest deserts of the Andean altiplano in Bolivia. They documented every day of their journey on their blog, Southern Exposure.
Upon returning to Seattle, Inna joined the adventure motorcycling outfitter Touratech as a marketing and PR consultant, and she currently runs the non-profit organization Backcountry Discovery Routes, dedicated to establishing and preserving off-highway routes for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel.
Inna will be returning from filming the feature length BDR documentary in Arizona just in time to share her experiences with the group.
2013 ADV Camp Schedule
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ADV Camp Itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrivals, Camp Setup & Workshop |
| The gates open at 3pm this afternoon for arrivals and camp setup. There will be an introductory workshop discussing bike setup for the camp. An optional meet and greet will be held at a nearby restaurant around 6pm. |
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Day 2
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Training - Sunrise to Sunset |
| This day is jam packed with riding drills from sun up to sun down. There will be a few breaks through the day along with lunch provided by us. Break times will be kept lively with short clinics on adventure traveling topics. After the training is completed the group will enjoy dinner at camp provided by us and accompanied by a slideshow of photos from the day. |
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Day 3
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More Training - Sunrise to Sunset |
| Get your self freshened up and top yourself off with our continental breakfast spread this morning. This is another day packed with riding drills that will expand up on the previous day and provide additional practice time on skills learned. There will be several breaks through the day and lunch is provided by us as well. Additional adventure traveling topics will be discussed during break times. After training has completed for the day you'll have personal time and the option to "head to town" for dinner with your fellow riders. |
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Day 4
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Off-site Training Excursions |
| Warm beverages will be to get you rolling out of camp. Riders can meet up at a nearby restaurant for breakfast before heading off to local forests. This day will be spent off-site in local forests among gravel roads and trails. It will take about 40 miles of paved road to reach the forests. Once we get off-pavement the focus will be on using skills learned over the last few days. Instruction and coaching will be provided on-the-go as we make use of the many training opportunities our route will cover. |
Things To Know
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What level of experience/skill do I need to have?
You do not need to be overly experienced or skilled to participate in ADV Camp. We recommend that you have enough experience on a motorcycle such that you are confident with basic riding skills on pavement. Any experience beyond that is not required.
A currently valid motorcycle endorsement is required for the off-site training.
Remember, ADV Camp is all about training - we will build your skills every day of camp.
What types of skills will we learn and work on?
The ADV Camp focuses on entry level skills for riding large dualsport and adventure motorcycles in off pavement situations. The skills that we present are ones that you will use almost anywhere you go off pavement.
Here is a sample of the riding skills presented:
- Core body position
- Core weight shift
- Traction management
- Power control
- Slow speed balance and maneuvering
- Lifting (single person, multi person)
- Small to medium size obstacles (up to 9" in height)
- Narrow track and rut
- Loose surfaces (deep sand and river rock)
- Hills (ascending, descending, starting, stopping, turning around)
- ...And, yes, even more!
How much time do we get to ride?
Riding time will vary depending on many factors (location, trail/road condition, weather, breaks, etc). Plan on being in constant action each day from sun up to sun down!
Is there anything I can do to get ready?
Get yourself ready...
Making sure you are ready is just as important as having the gear and bike ready. Our Adventure Camps are physically demanding and give riders more of a workout than many expect. If you are the type that sits behind a desk most of the time, we highly recommend getting out and being physical (walking, jogging, hills, you know... good for the heart kind of stuff!) and getting your body acclimated to all the activity.
The day or two prior to camp be sure to get plenty of rest as well!
Getting your camping gear ready...
This is especially important if you haven't used your camping gear recently. We suggest opening up your tent and sleeping bag and doing a test setup in your yard or garage to ensure all parts are there and it's ready to go and aired out too.
If you are purchasing new camping gear for ADV Camp - definitely do a test setup and even a test "camp" in the yard or a local campground to get experienced with it.
Getting your bike ready...
We suggest a week or more prior to ADV Camp that you do a detailed inspection and cleaning of your bike. Ensure that there are no loose bolts, hoses or cables. Ensure that your drive system (belt, chain, shaft) are cleaned/adjusted and ready as well. Check with your owner's manual about recommended tire pressures and other maintenance items.
If you are not 100% confident about preparing your bike - remember that Puget Sound Safety has a Motorcycle Care & Maintenance program (click here for info).
How much does it cost?
The 4-day camp cost $625 for 2013 dates. If you are interested in doing only the closed-course portions, or are a prior camp graduate and would like to join the Excursions, contact us for special arrangements and pricing.
What kind of gear is required?
- US DOT compliant helmet with chin bar
- Eye protection (goggles or face shield)
- Long sleeve shirt or jacket
- Long pants
- Sturdy over-the-ankle footwear
- Full-fingered riding gloves
- Prepare for the weather (rain gear, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.)
Do I have to bring my own motorcycle?
We prefer that you bring your own motorcycle. However, there are rental options.
The school has 150-250cc dirtbike and lightweight dualsport rentals available - however these are for on-site use only and cannot be taken from training location for the Excursions. We have partnered with TourUSA Motorcycle Rentals to provide street-licensed adventure bikes.
Do I have to bring my own riding gear?
Yes. See the riding gear requirements for a list of minimum and recommended items.
Do I have to bring my own camping gear?
Yes and no. Rental gear is available through Cascade Expeditions and can be arranged through our office. If you are traveling from out of the area you can ship it ahead (FedEx/UPS) to our office.
We suggest this following for camping gear:
- 3-season tent with vestibule and footprint
- Sleeping bag, and comfort mat
- Tent light or flashlight
Do I have to camp, or are there hotel options?
Camping is not required, but greatly adds to the experience of ADV Camp. There are hotel options within 15 minutes of the training location.
Where can I rent a motorcycle?
We recommend our rental partner, TourUSA Motorcycle Rentals. We have arranged special rates with them. They have Kawasaki KLR and BMW GS models available.
Where can I rent camping gear?
Camping gear rentals are provided by Cascade Expeditions and can be arranged through our office.
How do I get into ADV Camp?
If space is still available simply submit the online schedule form, or contact our office to reserve a spot. Payment is required to reserve your spot.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
If for any reason you are unable to attend the event date for which you have paid you MUST contact us ASAP!
You may cancel or change course dates at any time if you have not yet paid your event fee. Though, if you have not yet paid the event fee your reserved spot may be given away to someone else. If you have already paid the event fee then you are subject to the following:
If you notify us...
- 31 days or more prior to your scheduled event:
- You can reschedule without penalty.
- You can cancel and receive a refund, minus a $25 processing fee.
- Also eligible for Transfer, see below.
- 30 days or less prior to your scheduled event:
- You can reschedule for an additional $100 fee.
- You can cancel and receive a refund, minus a $100 processing fee.
- Also eligible for Transfer, see below.
- 10 days or less prior to your scheduled event:
- There is no option to reschedule or receive a refund.
- Not eligible for Transfer.
- However, you can find someone else to take your spot and they can pay you for it.
If you wish to cancel or change classes you may do so by calling our office during regular business hours. Visit the Contact Us page.
Can I transfer to another PSS Off Road training tour or event?
If you are eligible for a transfer (see cancellation/refund policy) you can place the amount paid as a "Credit On File" with us for future use.
Transfers do not incur a processing fee and will be available for a period of 2 years from the transfer date. Refunds after transferring will incur the processing fee.
Can I arrive before ADV Camp starts?
Maybe. It depends on which camp and how early you want to arrive. There are situations where the training site is not available until the first day of camp.
If needed we can recommend several campgrounds and hotels in the area.
Can I stay after ADV Camp ends?
Unfortunately no. As soon as the camp is over we have to start cleanup and prep of the training site.
If needed we can recommend several campgrounds and hotels in the area.
Are snacks, drinks, or meals provided?
For ADV Camp events we provide some, but not all of the meals. Refer to the itinerary for details on what meals are provided by us.
We provide snacks (fruit and granola bars) and water throughout ADV Camp events.
Can I trailer my bike in or do I have to ride in?
We do not have a requirement to ride in or trailer in, but you must bring your camping supplies and any other items you might need for the entire event. Some event locations may not have gas stations nearby so keep that in mind if your bike has a smaller fuel tank.
Can I bring a guest with me?
Yes, you are more then welcome to bring a guest. If they will do any riding they must register and pay the full tuition. If they will only be a spectator we only charge a $65 fee to cover the cost of the meals, camping and insurance.
Can I have a camera for photos or video?
Yes, however taking your own pictures can cut into your training time. Don't worry we always make arrangements for high-end camera equipment through Perfect Shotz Photography.