2016 Rally - Riding and Training
It wouldn't be a Rally without riding! We've made lots of improvements this year based on feedback. With more ride leaders, chase vehicles and better group organization with didn't stop there. We've also included a new Wllderness Poker Run and some off-road time at a local farm for those looking for more technical single track. As usual, all riding is at your own risk! Please do NOT ride beyond your skill or terrain difficulty limits! More details on these in upcoming weeks. Self-guided: We'll have several route options available ranging from 70 to 200 miles of mixed dual-sporting roads. Routes will also have varying difficulty so there's something for those who want to get wet (water crossings), and those looking to take it easy and enjoy the sound of crunching gravel. GPS track will be made available to registered attendees before the event this year to avoid confusion. Riding and Training
RIDES
Wilderness Poker Run: We'll have waypoint marked out on a map for our first Wilderness Poker Run. This will involve collecting cards at five points/stations throughout the forest roads, then returning to camp to pit your hand again other for a grand prize!
Boyer Farm Ride: Those looking to take their bikes on more challening single and dual track will have a nearby place to ride. Boyer Farm is over 400 acres of trail riding fun for all ages and skill levels. Registered and tagged dual-sports only! PLEASE DON'T SPEED OR MAKE EXTRA NOISE ON THE WAY TO BOYER FARM.
TRAINING
ADV Rider Training - This year we're holding both Beginner and Advanced levels of ADV Rider Training held by Zacker Adventures and Puget Sound Safety Off-Road (PSSOR).
2016 sees a great expansion in training opportunites based on the overwhelming demand from 2015. This year there will be six (6) classes each with a limit of ten (10) students per class. Students should register for either "Advanced" or "Basic" traiing and will be assigned to classes just before the event to accomodate load balancing. We cannot guaranty specific trainers or dates.
Classes start at 8:45m sharp on Friday and Saturday morning with a follow up ride after luinch. This is a great deal for some top notch training! Again, registration is limited to 10 seats per class, so sign up soon!
Zacker Adventures:
Zacker Adventures is an adventure motorcycle riding and training school for riders interested in improving their technique and skills. Our mission is to bring value to the ADV motorcycle community through knowledge, experience and instruction and to build a community of the 5% who use their bike for it’s intended purpose and introduce the opportunity to at least 5% more.
There will be two instructors, Todd Zacker on his BMW R1200GS and Nick Zacker on his BMW F650GS. Todd Zacker, the mastermind behind big bike riding, is an accomplished rider with 35+ years of off-road experience and 27+ years of on-road experience. He’s raced AMA Pro Motocross and Supercross, AMA Pro Superbike and Supersport, and IJSBA Modified. Todd Zacker has instructed for Motorcycle Safety classes, Motocross Racing, Motorcycle Roadracing, and is First Aid CPR/AED certified.
Nick Zacker, the mastermind-to-be, is a young rider with many different styles of riding under his belt. He has 12 years of off-road experience riding an 85cc two stroke all the way to a 450cc four stroke. He made his transition to road at the age of 16 riding older sport bikes and getting right into big adventure bikes. He uses his skills learned from Todd over the years to control his big bike like someone who has been riding for 25-30 years.
Basic Training Itinerary/Curriculum:
• Throttle and brake control on loose surfaces
• Emergency braking
• Steering by weight transfer
• Slow speed maneuvers
• Negotiating simple obstacles
• Ascending and descending small hills
Advanced Training Details:
PSS Off Road (PSSOR) is the off-road training division of Puget Sound Safety which has been providing world class motorcycle training to new and avid motorcyclists since 1996.
Paul Solomonson a top trainer at PSSOR off-road riding school. Come learn the techniques he teaches to U.S. special forces and world travelers alike. Learn how to master riding your large ADV motorcycle with less effort, conserving energy and reducing damage and wear and tear on your machine.
His unique approach to riding techniques will decrease the number of falls and prepare you for any challenge presented while ADV traveling.
Bret Tkacs PSSOR owner in a Special Foreces Motorcycle Training Video
Advanced Class Itinerary:
Whether your next trip is along local gravel roads or you are planning a trip around the world this is an opportunity you can't miss. These classes run between $300 to $600 a day but you can sign up for only $110 at the Rally!
If weather and local terrain provides "lessons of opportunities" other skills may be addressed if possible
This primer on advanced skills teaches the most essential of the skills to become a true master of your machine.
The Farthest Traveler Contests are hosted by Staubwolke and Outback Motortek. One BMW F700/800GS owner and one Honda Africa Twin owner will be awarded a set of crash bars for his or her bike. The prizes go to who ever rode their F700/800GS or Africa Twin the farthest to attend our event. Features and Food (click to expand)
FEATURE PRESENTATIONS
In addition to the rider training we'll have some entertainment on hand!
Feature Presenters: Simon and Lisa Thomas from 2RidetheWorld.com. Considered by many as the world’s foremost adventure motorcyclists, adversity is nothing new to this pair who confesses to thriving on a challenge. Prior to their start of their 13-year global motorcycle odyssey, Simon Thomas was the VP of his own telecoms company and Lisa worked with a small team of IT professionals responsible for a major UK utilities company.
With a host of business successes and having surpassed multiple world records, they passionately share their thoughts on taking personal responsibility, life goals and transforming thought into action. Unlike many other public speakers they are also candid about their failures and how this aspect is a vital part of the learning cycle. Both Simon and Lisa speak earnestly about how maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity is crucial.
More details on Simon and Lisa's adventure coming soon. For more info, please visit, 2RidetheWorld.com and check out their many stunning images, stories and videos.
On Thursday night Dakar Racer and CRF250L Rally Project creator Patrick Trahan will talk about his background in International Rally Racing starting late in life on a KLR650!
Patrick Trahan is a dream chaser and entered the world of rally racing with virtually no experience on a KLR 650. His stories of failure and triumph will connect with anyone who has wanted to challenge themselves to be part of something big. From bump-starting his bike using a camel at a rally, to barely surviving a head-on collision during a charity ride, Pat’s adventures engulfs his audience and takes them on a journey that is sure to inspire.
Patrick is currently working on his CRF 250L Rally project, a bolt-on kit that can be installed on a stock 250L to give the windprotection, instrumentation, and look of a competition rally bike. He plans on using his current CRF 250L to race in upcoming events including Dakar.
Race History:
• 1998 Atlas Rally
• 2000 Paris Dakar
• 2001 Paris Dakar
• 2002 Dubai Rally
• 2005 Pharaons Rally
• 2007 Baja 1000
To close out Friday night is the Twisted Throttle Headlight Workshop with Shootout hosted by Twisted Throttle owner Erik Stephens.
Erik will give you the low down on good lighting and be awarding a new Denali D4 to the looser!
Brooks Cycles will be on hand to provide service and trailer support. We'll be checking everyone's tire pressure and chain tension at check-in. Those who would like thier chain tensioned and lubed can do so for a nominal fee!
FOOD AND MUSIC
Registration cost includes a catered breakfast and dinner buffets on Saturday. Attendees will be able to get food from vendor trucks at a reasonable price on Friday night and Sunday morning.
Saturday's gonna be stuffed with good food from folks at Gourmet Central in nearby Romney, WV! Both breakfast and lunch will be buffet style with plenty of food on tap, including a bigger PIG ROAST on Saturday night! Gourmet Central has been farming for eight generations and only uses local fresh ingredients in their food. In addition to event catering, they also make their own BBQ sauces, salad dressing, pie filling, syrups, jams, chutneys and more. Important Note: ** FOOD WILL NOT BE HELD FOR RIDERS WHO RETURN TO CAMP AFTER 6PM!!!***
• Breakfast Buffet Menu:
Sausage, biscuits, gravey, eggs, bacon, whole fruits, coffee, juice and lemonade.
• Dinner Buffet Menu:
BBQ whole roast pig, BBQ chicken quarters, roasted sweet corn, coleslaw, potato salad, broccoli and cauliflower salad, baked beans, rolls, garden salad and mixed fruit crisps for desert! 
Music - The Allegheny Ramblers came to existence by the chance meeting of members Leon “Burt” Hart, Travis Holliday, Ryan Spangenberg, and Robbie “Dr. Fiddle” Mann at the crossroads of Glenville, WV. Through a shared appreciation for traditional music and beyond the four began pickin’ together, calling themselves Allegheny Ramblers because, well, it’s a region they frequently travel, and rambling best describes the manner in which they generally go about said travels. The Allegheny Ramblers have been wandering the Allegheny mountain range since 2013, pickin’ away to try and earn a meal while becoming more acquainted with the road each passing week. Since these ramblings began, The Allegheny Ramblers have produced two albums, available as CD and online, and have traveled extensively with the hopes of making you dance.
FARTHEST TRAVELER CONTESTS
Crash Bars for Honda Africa Twin by Outback Motortek
Crash Bars for BMW F700/800GS by Staubwolke