Greenville, Virginia · Penmerryl Farm
Virginia ADV Training
Penmerryl Farm: 135 acres of purpose-built training ground, with daily breakfasts and two dinners included.
Apr 8–10, 2027 · May 13–15, 2027 · From $1,400
Virginia
- Family-run horse farm
- 135 Acres
- Max, about 8 per instructor
- 16 Riders
- Plus breakfast every morning
- 2 Dinners
- Drills start where you are
- All Levels
Choose Your Virginia Dates
Virginia ADV Training
Virginia ADV Training, Thursday, May 13 to Saturday, May 15, 2027
Am I Ready?
All levels. New to dirt or years in, the drills start at your level and build in layers: control, balance and risk first, then harder ground.
- No off-road experience needed. Experienced riders get the details that move them up a level.
- Safety, clear coaching and skills that stick come first, so you improve without getting hurt.
Virginia
Penmerryl Farm Terrain
You'll Ride
- Tight Wooded Trails
- Open Grass Fields
- Logs and Roots
- Moderate, Uneven Hills
- Rocky Climbs
- Mixed-Traction Surfaces
Penmerryl Farm, Greenville
A family-run, 135-acre horse farm with purpose-built ADV training areas, a bike shop, BYOB tavern and pool, and potable water. RV hookups are bookable on site.
Stay. Camp on site with 24-hour indoor toilets and showers. Cabins and lodges cost extra; book them with Penmerryl Farm. A homemade breakfast is included every morning.
What You'll Learn
- Seated and StandingRide both ways, with the bike set up to fit your body.
- Low-Energy RidingLet the bike do the work, so you finish the day with energy left.
- TractionRead and manage grip as the surface changes.
- Power DeliveryUse throttle and clutch so the rear tire keeps driving.
- Slow-Speed BalanceTurn and hold a line at walking pace.
- Picking Up the BikeLift a dropped bike alone or as a team, without hurting yourself.
How the Days Run
- Thursday EveningOrientation. Meet the instructors, Bret included, and set your goals for the weekend.
- FridayFundamentals. Seated and standing technique, bike setup, low-energy riding, traction, power delivery, slow-speed balance and lifting a dropped bike.
- SaturdayFiner control. Ruts and narrow track, loose-surface transitions, trail turns, hill starts, climbs and descents, slide turns. Graduation dinner on the farm.
- Sunday (Optional)Sunday School. A 4–5 hour ride on local roads to sharpen your vision and terrain reading. +$450, both training days required.
Standard Gear
- Full-Face Helmet
- Gloves
- Long Sleeves
- Long Pants
- Off-Road Boots That Meet the Boot Rules
Body armor strongly recommended. Hot weather: MX armor under a loose jersey.
Included
- Welcome Dinner
- Graduation Dinner
- Daily Breakfasts
- Snacks and Drinks
- Camping (April 2027: Camp or Hammock Spots; May 2027: Dry Camping)
- Vehicle Parking
Not Included
- Motorcycle
- Cabins and RV Hookups (Bookable on Site)
- Other Meals
Filmed at a Virginia Class
Class 2 Basic Terrain
Class 1 Novice Terrain
The 100% Rule
Tall Riders: Technique and Setup Off-Road
Bret Leads Every Virginia Class
Bret TkacsLead InstructorTeaching riders since 1996, with a degree in adult education and 49 countries ridden. He reads what your bike is doing to see what you're doing.
Greg DiBernardoInstructor, Georgia and VirginiaRoad racer, dirt rider and international adventure rider.
Riders Who Trained in Virginia
One of the most educational and fun experiences of my adult life. … Worth every penny I invested!
Kirk · Virginia ADV Training I came in feeling anxious and uncertain, but the support and encouragement from the trainers made all the difference.
Henry · Virginia ADV Training I pushed myself hard in a VERY accepting environment to failure. No pressure from others waiting for you to complete a task as the ride area was wide open and more often than not, everyone could practice at once.
Patrick W. · Virginia ADV Training
Virginia Questions
Can I Bring a Guest?
Yes. A guest can join the welcome and graduation dinners for $40, and the breakfasts for $30 if they aren't staying in a room on the farm. Add them when you book.
Will I Drop or Damage My Bike?
Probably, at low speed. Picking up a dropped bike is taught on day 1. Fit crash protection and lever guards.
Am I Fit Enough?
Riders in their 70s finish routinely. It runs on technique, not strength, but full days of learning are tiring, so arrive in the best shape you can.
What If It Rains?
We ride unless it's truly unsafe, like lightning or impassable terrain. We've trained through snow, downpours and 100°F heat.
Is This a Dirt-Bike School?
No. Everything is built for heavy, road-legal ADV bikes, where dirt-bike technique can be unsafe.
Ready for Penmerryl Farm?
Tight woods by day, a horse farm with breakfast by night.
- Bret Leads Every Class
- Small Groups Across the US
- Rated 5.0 From 120 WeTravel Reviews