While farkle (functional sparkle) is all the rage for adventure motorcyclists, the most essential purchase after safety gear should be rider training. Yes, I said the first. The reality of adventure riding is that physical risks are significant, and most accidents or injuries can be avoided or minimized by improving the rider’s skills. It is also well documented that rider skill far outpaces the benefits of any accessory or tire fitment, and often even the dirt attributes of the motorcycle. Even the most experienced riders can benefit from a refresh of perishable skills, like sand riding, recovery, or even expedient field repairs. We humbly suggest skipping the orange anodized muffler bearings and signing up for a training course in your area.
We have been fortunate to attend multiple training courses over the years, and they all have specializations or unique courses to differentiate their offerings. Most recently, I had the opportunity to audit a portion of the Dragoo Adventure Rider Training (D.A.R.T.) level 1 and 2 courses in Oklahoma. DART is well-known as the training organization of record for the Overland Expos and is led by GS Trophy winner Bill Dragoo. Over the past decade, I have traveled and learned from Bill in a broad range of conditions and have always come away with a gem of learning. Despite Bill being over a decade my senior, and nearly a half foot shorter, he effortlessly rides circles around me.
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- Bill Dragoo
Nearly all BMW-certified training programs are excellent, but Bill’s program has a few standout features. The first is value, a level 1 and level 2 course combo costs only $595, including two training days and a full staff of support instructors. In 2023, that is shockingly fair. And because the Dragoos are known for their philanthropic programs, they even have a scholarship program for riders of limited means. Another unique offering of the DART school is their shop day, which includes customized, one-on-one service and maintenance instruction for your specific motorcycle. That extra shop day is only $125, and just seeing Bill’s vintage-inspired adventurer cave is worth the price of admission.
Beyond the level 1 and 2 courses and the shop class, there is the coveted level 3 sand and rock course. Watching Bill demonstrate a 2nd-gear sand extraction is nothing short of remarkable. It literally rewrote my handbook on getting a large motorcycle unstuck in the sand. DART also offers custom training and even international adventure trips with partner guides. We chose to highlight DART in this editorial, but there are other respected training groups throughout the country that may be more conveniently located for you. DART also provides training at the Overland Expos so you can get a primer.
Training has been my most important investment as an adventure traveler, with every course deepening my toolbox of skills for when I need them most. Spring will be here before we know it, along with the riding season, so there is no time like 2023 to get some training. Farkle is fun, but an advanced motorcycle training course might save your hide. For more information on DART, visit billdragoo.com.
