Yep, when grandma (with passenger holding a goat) passed me I knew I was letting my fears hold me back. Nepal was insane riding and I loved every second! Makes riding WABDR seem extremely tame and some sections used to scare me. Awesome expedition experience. Recommend it to anyone who has the time to go!
Years ago I went to a motocross camp. One of the instructors said something in reference to the bigger jumps. "You know the bike can do it, you know the techniques, Don't let fear stand in the way."
Never went to MX camp, but I do apply such philosophy when taking my KTM 790 Adventure S to the sandy MX track at Lazy Springs Rec Area in Lehigh Acres and send it flyin'. Landing on the "S forks" is the real scary thing... hahaha!
As an older rider (64), and I really appreciate this video due to a relatively similar experience. I have about 15 years of riding experience on big & small DS/Adventure bikes and a smattering of road bikes, both sport and cruiser. But truthfully, I've never rode longer than 5/7 hours and never overnight. Last summer, I bought a large adventure bike in California, (I'm in NE Georgia), flew out there, rode with my son in Northern California for 4 days, Rode solo from Sacramento to Kanab, Utah to meet my son in law and a group of 4 other riders, where we rode Utah, Colorado, and Nevada before taking 4 days to get home. I did things I'd never done, road longer in one day than I ever had, and did things I didn't enjoy, but I made it and had fun... in hindsight! There was no option to just stop, park the bike and fly home.
Bret, this is easily one of the best videos you've done. Fear is the only thing that doesn't get adequately addressed anywhere else and it's definitely been my biggest adversary in really tackling ADV. Also, speaking as a fellow instructor, that was an outSTANDING delivery. Thank you!
I always tell people who are new to big Harley-Davidsons is that it is all in your head! Before I realized that, I was always afraid of them and was riding them with too much caution. One day it just clicked in my brain that it was all in my head, and after that it became second nature. Your video is spot on!
Really important points made in this video that all adventure riders can relate to. My greatest fear/weakness is heights, coming down Black Bear Pass I froze at one point on a big step. My legs felt like jelly and I just froze up, then another rider I had never met came down the pass and stopped by me and said "it's all in your head buddy just follow me" and sped off confidently, riding not on the rocky section next to the mountainside with massive steps but on the smooth part about a two foot wide that sits on the edge of a 1000 foot drop like he was off to the coffee shop. I still could not bring myself to ride that narrow path but nevertheless the spell was broken and I just rode off down on the rocky side for the rest of the way and laughed at myself for being so stupid.
Some people say there is no better feeling than facing and then overcoming your fears! But it is tough. It takes hard work and dedication and when you need it most- teamwork. So remember- if you want to overcome your fears then find someone who believes in you and make it happen! Thank you for this, Bret! We are so completely on the same page.
I just hit that point myself. I’m making a habit of going on longer trips over varied terrain, into places I’ve never been. And the learning curve is steep and much more satisfying and productive than drills in a parking lot or on the few short dirt roads I can easily get to from my house. The challenge well met, that is unavoidable and demanding, is the only way to become confident in your riding… or really, in any endeavor we set before ourselves. This was a good lesson Bret.
I really like this kind of video! Everything has to do with human perception, emotions and our mind. It’s never all about the bike, the tire, the power or technique. I mean, it does sometimes..it always has to do with us primarily. Thank you so much Bret!
"You can do anything, if you put your focus, on how to do it, rather than on, why you can't." Yes, it is much easier to focus when there is no choice, and alot more fun too! Smiling all the way to the Arctic Ocean @Tuktoyaktuk in 2022.
I just had an 8 day riding experience with 2 other more experienced riders. My skills improved but more importantly my confidence and management of fear improved immensely. One particularly tough and technical day I managed to get through, my mates were curious as to how I did it, what had changed in me. All I could say was pretty well what you just did, repetition of challenges that normalised it, no other option, once I was on track I had to make it out, observing others ride the track on the exact same bike and proving it was possible. One other takeaway, I also saw the same riders make some mistakes or drop their bike when I hadn’t, this instilled confidence that I wasn’t as hopeless as I thought I was. Fantastic video Brett, thank you!
My last trip to the Andes, 10.000km, I did by myself, and I’ve learned that when you travel alone you need this “attitude” to go for it, regardless of what is in front of you. You can’t just turn around to avoid a path out of your comfort zone or wait for your trip partner to help you to decide something or lift your bike when you fall. You must face all the small and big problems that can happen in this kind of trip by yourself. I see lots of people that do off road courses to learn how to manage a bike but, in the end, some of them are simply to afraid and insecure to get the bike and hit the road fearing what might happen. I understand the concept behind group travel, but I also recommend that everyone should do some lone trips. The planning itself is already big part of the journey and helps a lot in the mind set.
I did the ACT Portugal on my own last autumn. I improved more over five days of riding there then in the previous 4 years. because it was real and I had to do it. I couldn't believe how much better my riding had got when I arrived home.
Brett, first off - Thank you for all you do to help all of us riders out here! Everything you said is spot on! I have a saying I like to use -"Convince the Mind and the Ass Will Follow". Well put on the mental aspect of riding in challenging conditions. Cheers!
One of your best videos yet! Its not all about 'ride this way' or 'ride that way'. 99% is between the ears and just overcoming fear. Excellent reminder. Thanks Bret.
Ugg couldn't agree more. I was recently thinking about this and my own riding. I see it as the training vs experience problem. For me, even though I would spend a great amount of time practicing/training on some technical roads near San Diego, I would have troubling applying the skills to a completely new road (and in many cases, less technical road). In a sense I over trained on the roads I frequented, and my confidence was more derived on the repetition of getting over a specific ledge rather than from ledges in general. Similar to the people that rode with you in Napal, I had a "ah-ha" moment when riding down Baja. As you said in the video about being in real scenarios is absolutely true. I can train myself for years on how to stand up riding over rocks, but nothing is going to prepare you for doing it with a 200 foot drop off next to you. Many times, due to the pressures of the adventure (meaning I had to do what I was uncomfortable in order to get food or whatever), I timidly rode more and gained more experience riding in a continually different environment. I did find more and more the skills a spent a great deal of time obtaining appearing as experience began to silence my doubts. For me the problem I had (have) was that because I started from zero off-road skill I sought out training, but overtime found comfort in the controlled setting of training to the point it prevented me from progressing further. It's hard to step out of newly created comfort zone, but now that I am, boy is it paying dividends
“Mindset” vs “Skillset”. A great lesson in many aspects of life. Thanks for another great video! I’m a new 1250GS rider and am absorbing everything I can. Great content as usual. Thank you.
I agree with others who have said this is probably your best video yet. Ten years ago I rode from SF to Tierra del Fuego via the Pan Am and Ruta 40, and what you say is totally congruent with my experience. I learned a lot about myself and what being an "adventure motorcyclist" is and isn't, with strong emphasis on that part about when you get passed by the locals on less powerful bikes carrying heavier loads. It's dangerous and romantic and yet mundane and logistical, and realizing that what you're doing isn't that big a deal goes a long way to taking the edge off so you can just do what needs to get done.
I agree 100%, Bret. A group that welds together, faces some challenges and succeeds pushes your abilities. As you said - when the highway is not an option. Cheers from a snowy Nürnberg/Germany, Günter
He’s serious… I was concerned about going up a trail there in Nepal when that grandma passed me on a 125cc scooter (passenger on back holding a goat!). Needless to say I had to go for it… 🤪
Well done! My experience is , from my couch i am the best Adventure rider in the World. Sometimes all is too comfortable and the possibilities are endless. Why you should penetrate yourself? Because of the memories, no one can take away from you. Dont think and hesitate too much, climb that hill...
Very well said. My riding journey began just under 3 years ago, and something that dawned on me quite rapidly was that mind over matter goes a long way on two wheels. This is why keeping your vision high helps so much - as it doesn't enable you to focus on the things that scare you right in front of the bike. Instead you wait to "feel" those obstacles beneath you and react in a way that lets your training and skillset takeover to get you through it. On the other hand, when you focus on those fears, you stiffen up and all of the things you're trained not to do go right out the window. Your videos have helped me grow exponentially as a rider, but also group riding with the Flying Monkey Adventure Riders in Southern California quickly took me from being studied, to becoming skillful. The group setting really does have a huge impact. I've grown so much now that I'm able to lead weekly riders up here in Northern California's Sierra Nevada Mountains - all because of a lack of fear and being able to listen to/take advice. Well done as always Bret!
Yes, it’s all true. In one of my own episodes, we (3 of us in DS and one in a HD springer softtail) got lost in 2015, on the middle and high up the Atlas Mountains in Marrocos and got our selfs in a hard track (mud, many miles drops, way after sundown. It’s was one of the scariest 10 hours of that trip but one (like many others) that grew us as riders. I did that trail many times after with no fear, just joy! This can be said about many other trips, many other trails. My two cents: just don’t lose all of it, keep some doubt about your skills even if it doesn’t keep you from “going for it”, save some respect for the track to avoid being overconfident . As a example, If you cross a river walk it first and don’t trust it’s all going to be ok. Dont be so bold that you go the full circle. Great video and a true lesson on how to behave and learn how adventure riding is.
Thanks Bret. I just got my bike out on the road yesterday here in Alaska. I had just a touch of "spring rust" (subliminal fear) The patches of sand and snow did not help either. This video posted at just the right time for me. I did keep my smile on though.
Reminds me of a ride in northern Thailand (where I now live) on a road bike. Road turned to slippery mud. I dismounted your assess if I should continue or double back. Then a farmer zipped by on a scooter wearing flip flops. For him it was a day at the office 🤣
The true talent you have, is being able to translate the different techniques, to a wide variety of riders. Everyone experiences fear, and confidence differently. So being able to calm this person, and hipe the other at the same time, is the real talent. Thanks for what you do! 👍❤
well said Bret...we needed this. Same mind principle applies in lots of applications/life. I experience this in basketball. I'm old, 50+ and still play on a regular basis. Although I don't have the skills of the younger players I can still do great things when i'm confident and put my mind into it.
Agreed completely. I recently went through Nepal (on an Enfield Meteor). I can't learn by verbal instruction, but discovered that watching others closely -and falling off occasionally- was a very useful way to boost skills.
Impressive that you are constantly reviewing and reflecting on how you teach and how to improve what you do Brett. Keep riding and keep your great videos coming👍
This is so true Bret, my first experience off-road was on a 250 GasGas in the Devil’s Punch Bowl in Crested Butte, Colorado. It was absolutely terrifying, but I came back from those two days of riding with skills that would have taken me months to develop in a training course….and balls of steal😂
I live out in the desert and the struggle with sand is a constant yesterday I was so frustrated that after a ride I fell in an area I should've been successful. I had the fear of my previous fall which I did get hurt and fear definetly might have been the reason for my failure. Today I went back out there to try and get my confidence back and I was determined not to let fear get the best of me. Thankfully I did well and got some of my confidence back. You are right the mind is one of the biggest factors when riding it has to be right.
This was your thoughts born of travelling with others (of course your efforts enabled this) and it had an authentic humility that moved me and reminded and made the empathy in my experiences of riding with others that was so good and worthwhile Thank you that was valuable
If I was half the rider that you are, I'd be twice the rider I am now, at the very least! So useful, full of inspiration, tips and confidence building techniques. Very few riders I believe ever reach the full potential of what their machines are capable of.
It's a shame I can only hit thumb up once. This video deserve way more than that. Motorcycle riding interested me because it's always about the rider not the tool nor anything else. Adventure is a spirit, an attitude, a priceless experience.
Great video that makes so much sense. When I head off road, after months on the tar, I freeze. Time to head out more frequently and learn/reinforce the skills because on my dirt bike, it comes naturally.
Same is true with track days and road racing. I’ve heard all the excuses in the book, but getting out there and having to do it and put down miles builds speed faster than all the drills and trainings put together.
Love this video Bret. Always nice to have these breathers. These moments of self reflection. To remember the philosophical impact of how and where we ride. :)
When I go down state and ride the lose gravel roads it always start out max 25-30 mph but with in the hour I find myself do 50+ when I realize the speed I'll start over thinking and end back up slow then before I know it back too speeding... It's all in my head. And it's hard to beat it because my riding is 80% on road.
Very true Bret, I think my biggest hurdle after having 37 years without a bike is my confidence is not equal to my aspirations. As a kid I grew up living on an unmade road, which meant riding my pushbike up and down the hill was something that I learnt quickly and likewise when I started riding a motorbike I did not see it as a challenge. At 59 and now owning a Tiger900 rally pro I am concerned about going off road, mainly I think because I am short and cannot easily touch the floor when necessary . Ian Back on Two Wheels
Find the mototrek video with the 5 foot tall lady riding the wheels off a GS Adventure. She lays it down and picks it up like a boss too. You ain’t to short. You just gotta learn how to use the right techniques and practice til you can’t get it wrong. Don’t worry about screwing up. You’ll do that, a lot. Everyone does. (I specialize in doing that in front of the largest possible audience🙄😂). Always get back up and do it again til you can’t do it wrong.
A friend who is a concealed-carry instructor has said that it’s easier to teach ‘green’ individuals, because they haven’t developed bad habits yet. Sometimes it’s harder to train someone out of a bad habit, or train someone who thinks they knows the skill already.
Great information Bret as always. You are so so insightful with the way you present this has to be one of your absolute best videos. Keep up the great work.
My first motorcycle tour, we went to a 14000 foot high pass that was completely off road. I was on a 125 that refused to climb more than a few feet at a time while sometimes slipping back more feet that I had gained. It took around 4 hours to do 11 miles. But we had to do it, so we did.
This was great, Bret. Thank you. I’m relatively new to riding, but am planning some longer international trips. This sort of attitude and insight is very encouraging, and as always entertaining.
Excellent video….!! I think when, as riders, we’re in a situation where we can’t “take the highway “, we resolve to do the task at hand. Just my opinion….
Awesome video.... Gave us all something to chew on. I've never thought of most of these principles. It's funny how much that a person can learn, in a 10 min. video. THANKS !!
There is a reason why many sports professionals hire sport phycologists to get to the next level . I'm always impressed with people who have the mental toughness to do incredible things . The mind seems to be the thing we under develop while spending so much time and money on our bikes and gear .
I am new to this style of riding (30 plus years away from a dirt bike as a teen). Last year I took an new to me F700GS out west for a couple weeks and found myself a couple times in situations I probably shouldn't have been in. To your point. When you have to you have to. Once you go down that hill on a dead end trail on the north rim you have little choice but to get out on your own. I wouldn't repeat some of the routes I took alone again but I wholly agree the confidence level goes up once you've done it. It's been said that courage isn't the absence of fear but the mastery of it. Sometimes you don't even realize it's happening until you've succeeded.
Bret, thank you for this video. Great words of wisdom. you can apply your words to any sport, flying an airplane, or driving a car. Good instruction helps. So does practice.
Isn't it an interesting observation that many of us that do this do it for fun, for recreation whereas some of the places you go people do this as necessity, or for survival. Definitely two very different worlds to live in and I'm both envious of you and your groups that are able to experience that and glad that you're willing to share.
WoW, thanks you … I decided to go to Europe (tarmac all the way) whit a group and by listening to you I will do some effort to stay whit the group… thanks 🙏🏼
Really well said, Bret. Great video. IMO; fear has no place when on a motorcycle, only respect. Wether it be the machine you're on, the places you go, or the people you meet. Easier said than done of course and it is "healthy" to be fearfull, but in small doses. We're all working towards overcoming and managing fear every single day.
OOOOMMMGGG ,,, your BEST video EVER ... you have to have reality check!! WOW stunning.. that's what i want.. real things and real situation.. if grandma will pass me with a goat on her scooter ... well she's a better rider than me.. there's always something to learn from everybody ... you're good Bret .. wow you're soo Good .. i hope one time i shall come with you on a trip somewhere .. !! Hi buddy from italy..
Yes agree this is the best video yet with no technical stuff. Probably should be titled “Getting the philosophy of riding right” Experienced a similar thing while riding through the Khardung La pass (18380 ft)in Ladakh on the Royal Enfieldmotorcycles. Our egos got a reset when we passed a couple on bicycles! One also experience a lot of Comradeship when going through such experiences.
Thank you Bret. This video as VERY appreciated. I am new to the ride (2years) and I prefer ti ride alone. I have had a couple of experiences riding with one or two other riders. I admirer you as a teacher and have learned a lot thru your videos. So mt take from this video is: I WILL try to ride more this year with others. And that international ride IS on the bucket list! Cheers and continued success.👍🏾
As always an excellent video. Just one little remark. It’s not our mind that’s blocking us, but our thoughts. The mind can do it, we’re consciously experiencing it, but the train of thoughts drags us down. (Based on the 3 Principles).
I so appreciate this video. I , like many others, have a massive fear of going through poor traction areas on a large adventure bike. I KNOW that I would be able to do it if I could just ignore that fear and go for it. Sand and mud are my nemesis. I so fear going down that I put a death grip on the bike , don't stand up and forget everything I've seen and read. The silly thing is that I have 'gone down' on my GS many times with not a scratch. I wear all the appropriate equipment and have my bike outfitted similarly. So I'm not sure what this big fear is. I do know that it's bordering on a phobia. I think that what you say is spot on. If I had no choice , I would overcome this and be able to ride in almost any conditions. I KNOW I'm a better rider than my mind lets me be. I will force myself to 'lighten up' and enjoy what this beautiful sport brings to the table at some point. Videos like this give me hope.
Yep, when grandma (with passenger holding a goat) passed me I knew I was letting my fears hold me back. Nepal was insane riding and I loved every second! Makes riding WABDR seem extremely tame and some sections used to scare me. Awesome expedition experience. Recommend it to anyone who has the time to go!
Hello from WA! Always fun to see people from the Evergreen State.
Probably your best video yet. Should be used as an intro to adv riding course, or just adventuring in general.
100%
This isn't a motorcycleriding lesson, this is a life lesson taught in a captivating way.
Years ago I went to a motocross camp. One of the instructors said something in reference to the bigger jumps. "You know the bike can do it, you know the techniques, Don't let fear stand in the way."
The fear keep you alive, don't stand in your way… That is why we have fear…
Never went to MX camp, but I do apply such philosophy when taking my KTM 790 Adventure S to the sandy MX track at Lazy Springs Rec Area in Lehigh Acres and send it flyin'. Landing on the "S forks" is the real scary thing... hahaha!
As an older rider (64), and I really appreciate this video due to a relatively similar experience. I have about 15 years of riding experience on big & small DS/Adventure bikes and a smattering of road bikes, both sport and cruiser. But truthfully, I've never rode longer than 5/7 hours and never overnight. Last summer, I bought a large adventure bike in California, (I'm in NE Georgia), flew out there, rode with my son in Northern California for 4 days, Rode solo from Sacramento to Kanab, Utah to meet my son in law and a group of 4 other riders, where we rode Utah, Colorado, and Nevada before taking 4 days to get home. I did things I'd never done, road longer in one day than I ever had, and did things I didn't enjoy, but I made it and had fun... in hindsight! There was no option to just stop, park the bike and fly home.
I ride the Georgia Traverse on most nicer weekends if you would like to join me. I am also an older rider (56). Message me if you are interested.
@@davidcarr5718 Hi David. That sounds like fun. I'll reach out so we can connect.
Lessons learned on the bike apply to life as well. Thank you for your thoughts!
Bret, this is easily one of the best videos you've done. Fear is the only thing that doesn't get adequately addressed anywhere else and it's definitely been my biggest adversary in really tackling ADV.
Also, speaking as a fellow instructor, that was an outSTANDING delivery. Thank you!
helmet to hat transition is spot on
I always tell people who are new to big Harley-Davidsons is that it is all in your head! Before I realized that, I was always afraid of them and was riding them with too much caution. One day it just clicked in my brain that it was all in my head, and after that it became second nature. Your video is spot on!
Brother, you rock!
Really important points made in this video that all adventure riders can relate to. My greatest fear/weakness is heights, coming down Black Bear Pass I froze at one point on a big step. My legs felt like jelly and I just froze up, then another rider I had never met came down the pass and stopped by me and said "it's all in your head buddy just follow me" and sped off confidently, riding not on the rocky section next to the mountainside with massive steps but on the smooth part about a two foot wide that sits on the edge of a 1000 foot drop like he was off to the coffee shop. I still could not bring myself to ride that narrow path but nevertheless the spell was broken and I just rode off down on the rocky side for the rest of the way and laughed at myself for being so stupid.
Some people say there is no better feeling than facing and then overcoming your fears! But it is tough. It takes hard work and dedication and when you need it most- teamwork. So remember- if you want to overcome your fears then find someone who believes in you and make it happen! Thank you for this, Bret! We are so completely on the same page.
One of the slickest helmet-cap transitions we've seen...😉 I'm smiling.
Almost as smooth as his u turns 😉
I just hit that point myself. I’m making a habit of going on longer trips over varied terrain, into places I’ve never been. And the learning curve is steep and much more satisfying and productive than drills in a parking lot or on the few short dirt roads I can easily get to from my house. The challenge well met, that is unavoidable and demanding, is the only way to become confident in your riding… or really, in any endeavor we set before ourselves. This was a good lesson Bret.
I really like this kind of video! Everything has to do with human perception, emotions and our mind.
It’s never all about the bike, the tire, the power or technique. I mean, it does sometimes..it always has to do with us primarily.
Thank you so much Bret!
Thanks!
"You can do anything, if you put your focus, on how to do it, rather than on, why you can't." Yes, it is much easier to focus when there is no choice, and alot more fun too! Smiling all the way to the Arctic Ocean @Tuktoyaktuk in 2022.
Yep... Attitude Matters 😊
I just had an 8 day riding experience with 2 other more experienced riders. My skills improved but more importantly my confidence and management of fear improved immensely. One particularly tough and technical day I managed to get through, my mates were curious as to how I did it, what had changed in me. All I could say was pretty well what you just did, repetition of challenges that normalised it, no other option, once I was on track I had to make it out, observing others ride the track on the exact same bike and proving it was possible. One other takeaway, I also saw the same riders make some mistakes or drop their bike when I hadn’t, this instilled confidence that I wasn’t as hopeless as I thought I was. Fantastic video Brett, thank you!
My last trip to the Andes, 10.000km, I did by myself, and I’ve learned that when you travel alone you need this “attitude” to go for it, regardless of what is in front of you. You can’t just turn around to avoid a path out of your comfort zone or wait for your trip partner to help you to decide something or lift your bike when you fall. You must face all the small and big problems that can happen in this kind of trip by yourself. I see lots of people that do off road courses to learn how to manage a bike but, in the end, some of them are simply to afraid and insecure to get the bike and hit the road fearing what might happen. I understand the concept behind group travel, but I also recommend that everyone should do some lone trips. The planning itself is already big part of the journey and helps a lot in the mind set.
I did the ACT Portugal on my own last autumn. I improved more over five days of riding there then in the previous 4 years. because it was real and I had to do it. I couldn't believe how much better my riding had got when I arrived home.
Brett, first off - Thank you for all you do to help all of us riders out here! Everything you said is spot on! I have a saying I like to use -"Convince the Mind and the Ass Will Follow". Well put on the mental aspect of riding in challenging conditions.
Cheers!
One of your best videos yet! Its not all about 'ride this way' or 'ride that way'. 99% is between the ears and just overcoming fear. Excellent reminder. Thanks Bret.
Sometimes the thing that gets me through tough spots is the knowledge that there is no other alternative and nowhere else to go. Do or die.
This is brilliant, seriously the best video. This is me through & through!
Ugg couldn't agree more. I was recently thinking about this and my own riding. I see it as the training vs experience problem. For me, even though I would spend a great amount of time practicing/training on some technical roads near San Diego, I would have troubling applying the skills to a completely new road (and in many cases, less technical road). In a sense I over trained on the roads I frequented, and my confidence was more derived on the repetition of getting over a specific ledge rather than from ledges in general.
Similar to the people that rode with you in Napal, I had a "ah-ha" moment when riding down Baja. As you said in the video about being in real scenarios is absolutely true. I can train myself for years on how to stand up riding over rocks, but nothing is going to prepare you for doing it with a 200 foot drop off next to you. Many times, due to the pressures of the adventure (meaning I had to do what I was uncomfortable in order to get food or whatever), I timidly rode more and gained more experience riding in a continually different environment. I did find more and more the skills a spent a great deal of time obtaining appearing as experience began to silence my doubts.
For me the problem I had (have) was that because I started from zero off-road skill I sought out training, but overtime found comfort in the controlled setting of training to the point it prevented me from progressing further. It's hard to step out of newly created comfort zone, but now that I am, boy is it paying dividends
Well done as always Bret!
“Mindset” vs “Skillset”. A great lesson in many aspects of life. Thanks for another great video! I’m a new 1250GS rider and am absorbing everything I can. Great content as usual. Thank you.
I agree with others who have said this is probably your best video yet. Ten years ago I rode from SF to Tierra del Fuego via the Pan Am and Ruta 40, and what you say is totally congruent with my experience.
I learned a lot about myself and what being an "adventure motorcyclist" is and isn't, with strong emphasis on that part about when you get passed by the locals on less powerful bikes carrying heavier loads.
It's dangerous and romantic and yet mundane and logistical, and realizing that what you're doing isn't that big a deal goes a long way to taking the edge off so you can just do what needs to get done.
I agree 100%, Bret. A group that welds together, faces some challenges and succeeds pushes your abilities. As you said - when the highway is not an option.
Cheers from a snowy Nürnberg/Germany, Günter
The grandma with the goat on the scooter got me! Great "rant", excellent talk.
He’s serious… I was concerned about going up a trail there in Nepal when that grandma passed me on a 125cc scooter (passenger on back holding a goat!). Needless to say I had to go for it… 🤪
Best ever; learned so much and came away incredibly inspired despite my lame skills!
Thank you once again Bret.
This is why I subscribe to this channel! Excellent instruction!
Excellent video. I went to Mexico and the teamwork, comradarie and the no turning back attitude made all the difference.
Life lessons as well as ADV lessons. Good share.
Well done!
My experience is , from my couch i am the best Adventure rider in the World.
Sometimes all is too comfortable and the possibilities are endless. Why you should penetrate yourself? Because of the memories, no one can take away from you.
Dont think and hesitate too much, climb that hill...
I'm watching this video one year later. Attitude does matter and your have good words of wisdom.
Very good points. I agree that not having an option to go around things in general makes you better. Not just riding, but outside it too.
Very well said. My riding journey began just under 3 years ago, and something that dawned on me quite rapidly was that mind over matter goes a long way on two wheels. This is why keeping your vision high helps so much - as it doesn't enable you to focus on the things that scare you right in front of the bike. Instead you wait to "feel" those obstacles beneath you and react in a way that lets your training and skillset takeover to get you through it.
On the other hand, when you focus on those fears, you stiffen up and all of the things you're trained not to do go right out the window.
Your videos have helped me grow exponentially as a rider, but also group riding with the Flying Monkey Adventure Riders in Southern California quickly took me from being studied, to becoming skillful. The group setting really does have a huge impact. I've grown so much now that I'm able to lead weekly riders up here in Northern California's Sierra Nevada Mountains - all because of a lack of fear and being able to listen to/take advice.
Well done as always Bret!
Yes, it’s all true. In one of my own episodes, we (3 of us in DS and one in a HD springer softtail) got lost in 2015, on the middle and high up the Atlas Mountains in Marrocos and got our selfs in a hard track (mud, many miles drops, way after sundown. It’s was one of the scariest 10 hours of that trip but one (like many others) that grew us as riders. I did that trail many times after with no fear, just joy! This can be said about many other trips, many other trails. My two cents: just don’t lose all of it, keep some doubt about your skills even if it doesn’t keep you from “going for it”, save some respect for the track to avoid being overconfident . As a example, If you cross a river walk it first and don’t trust it’s all going to be ok. Dont be so bold that you go the full circle. Great video and a true lesson on how to behave and learn how adventure riding is.
Thanks Bret. I just got my bike out on the road yesterday here in Alaska. I had just a touch of "spring rust" (subliminal fear) The patches of sand and snow did not help either. This video posted at just the right time for me. I did keep my smile on though.
Haha! Yeah the ice hasn’t melted in the trails yet, but 90% of the roads are clear! Soon
Reminds me of a ride in northern Thailand (where I now live) on a road bike. Road turned to slippery mud. I dismounted your assess if I should continue or double back. Then a farmer zipped by on a scooter wearing flip flops. For him it was a day at the office 🤣
Thank you Bret! The grandma with the goat is all I needed to hear to put me in my place lol
PS your helmet to hat transfer was spot on!
The true talent you have, is being able to translate the different techniques, to a wide variety of riders. Everyone experiences fear, and confidence differently. So being able to calm this person, and hipe the other at the same time, is the real talent. Thanks for what you do! 👍❤
well said Bret...we needed this. Same mind principle applies in lots of applications/life. I experience this in basketball. I'm old, 50+ and still play on a regular basis. Although I don't have the skills of the younger players I can still do great things when i'm confident and put my mind into it.
Pure Gold!
Thanks Bret.
Thanx it helped me a lot.
A very honest down to earth reality check.Nicely presented in lay man terms.Thanks.
I love the simultaneous helmet removal / scally application at the very beginning.
Great video. Awesome hat change too!
Agreed completely. I recently went through Nepal (on an Enfield Meteor). I can't learn by verbal instruction, but discovered that watching others closely -and falling off occasionally- was a very useful way to boost skills.
Impressive that you are constantly reviewing and reflecting on how you teach and how to improve what you do Brett. Keep riding and keep your great videos coming👍
This is so true Bret, my first experience off-road was on a 250 GasGas in the Devil’s Punch Bowl in Crested Butte, Colorado. It was absolutely terrifying, but I came back from those two days of riding with skills that would have taken me months to develop in a training course….and balls of steal😂
I live out in the desert and the struggle with sand is a constant yesterday I was so frustrated that after a ride I fell in an area I should've been successful. I had the fear of my previous fall which I did get hurt and fear definetly might have been the reason for my failure. Today I went back out there to try and get my confidence back and I was determined not to let fear get the best of me. Thankfully I did well and got some of my confidence back. You are right the mind is one of the biggest factors when riding it has to be right.
This was your thoughts born of travelling with others (of course your efforts enabled this) and it had an authentic humility that moved me and reminded and made the empathy in my experiences of riding with others that was so good and worthwhile
Thank you that was valuable
If I was half the rider that you are, I'd be twice the rider I am now, at the very least! So useful, full of inspiration, tips and confidence building techniques. Very few riders I believe ever reach the full potential of what their machines are capable of.
Great advice, thanks.
Definitely your best video yet, thank you!
It's a shame I can only hit thumb up once. This video deserve way more than that.
Motorcycle riding interested me because it's always about the rider not the tool nor anything else.
Adventure is a spirit, an attitude, a priceless experience.
Great Lesson, Thanks Bret!
Thanks for this, Bret! Great insight.
This was a very good video. Like when you talk and explain things… Great job, from what I experienced.
Great video that makes so much sense. When I head off road, after months on the tar, I freeze. Time to head out more frequently and learn/reinforce the skills because on my dirt bike, it comes naturally.
Thank you Bret for a very inspiring video....State of mind is everything.
I appreciate all the things you have taught us, watching from Pila, Laguna, Philippines, Godbless!
Same is true with track days and road racing. I’ve heard all the excuses in the book, but getting out there and having to do it and put down miles builds speed faster than all the drills and trainings put together.
Love this video Bret. Always nice to have these breathers. These moments of self reflection. To remember the philosophical impact of how and where we ride. :)
When I go down state and ride the lose gravel roads it always start out max 25-30 mph but with in the hour I find myself do 50+ when I realize the speed I'll start over thinking and end back up slow then before I know it back too speeding... It's all in my head. And it's hard to beat it because my riding is 80% on road.
Very true Bret, I think my biggest hurdle after having 37 years without a bike is my confidence is not equal to my aspirations.
As a kid I grew up living on an unmade road, which meant riding my pushbike up and down the hill was something that I learnt quickly and likewise when I started riding a motorbike I did not see it as a challenge.
At 59 and now owning a Tiger900 rally pro I am concerned about going off road, mainly I think because I am short and cannot easily touch the floor when necessary .
Ian
Back on Two Wheels
Find the mototrek video with the 5 foot tall lady riding the wheels off a GS Adventure. She lays it down and picks it up like a boss too. You ain’t to short. You just gotta learn how to use the right techniques and practice til you can’t get it wrong. Don’t worry about screwing up. You’ll do that, a lot. Everyone does. (I specialize in doing that in front of the largest possible audience🙄😂). Always get back up and do it again til you can’t do it wrong.
So true. Waiting for you here in South Africa.
Yeah man!! Your best video, no doubt!!! Thanks Bret!!
A friend who is a concealed-carry instructor has said that it’s easier to teach ‘green’ individuals, because they haven’t developed bad habits yet. Sometimes it’s harder to train someone out of a bad habit, or train someone who thinks they knows the skill already.
Excellent message here, thank you for this. I’ve learned a lot from your channel lately, keep up the solid work.
Great information Bret as always. You are so so insightful with the way you present this has to be one of your absolute best videos. Keep up the great work.
My first motorcycle tour, we went to a 14000 foot high pass that was completely off road. I was on a 125 that refused to climb more than a few feet at a time while sometimes slipping back more feet that I had gained. It took around 4 hours to do 11 miles. But we had to do it, so we did.
Wow 14000ft you need oxygen, surprised the bike had any power at all, must have been a challenge for sure.
This was great, Bret. Thank you. I’m relatively new to riding, but am planning some longer international trips. This sort of attitude and insight is very encouraging, and as always entertaining.
The suspension bridge.... looks like FUN!
Excellent video….!!
I think when, as riders, we’re in a situation where we can’t “take the highway “, we resolve to do the task at hand. Just my opinion….
I can’t thank you enough for your content! I long for the day when I can join a tour or class. Thank you very much.
Awesome video.... Gave us all something to chew on. I've never thought of most of these principles. It's funny how much that a person can learn, in a 10 min. video. THANKS !!
As is the case with most things this reinforces the fact that learn by doing is the best way to learn. Discere Faciendo...
There is a reason why many sports professionals hire sport phycologists to get to the next level . I'm always impressed with people who have the mental toughness to do incredible things . The mind seems to be the thing we under develop while spending so much time and money on our bikes and gear .
I am new to this style of riding (30 plus years away from a dirt bike as a teen). Last year I took an new to me F700GS out west for a couple weeks and found myself a couple times in situations I probably shouldn't have been in. To your point. When you have to you have to. Once you go down that hill on a dead end trail on the north rim you have little choice but to get out on your own. I wouldn't repeat some of the routes I took alone again but I wholly agree the confidence level goes up once you've done it. It's been said that courage isn't the absence of fear but the mastery of it. Sometimes you don't even realize it's happening until you've succeeded.
This is the first video anyone into ADV should watch. If I could afford the tour, I would jump on the next one.
Bret, thank you for this video. Great words of wisdom. you can apply your words to any sport, flying an airplane, or driving a car. Good instruction helps. So does practice.
Setting goals, with out goals how can you become better, this is where "attitude matters". See you in three weeks in GA. I'm pumped, stay safe.
Thank you Bret. Smile while you ride, cos attitude matters! Can't stress it enough!
Isn't it an interesting observation that many of us that do this do it for fun, for recreation whereas some of the places you go people do this as necessity, or for survival. Definitely two very different worlds to live in and I'm both envious of you and your groups that are able to experience that and glad that you're willing to share.
WoW, thanks you … I decided to go to Europe (tarmac all the way) whit a group and by listening to you I will do some effort to stay whit the group… thanks 🙏🏼
The transition from taking off the helmet and placing the cap was the best "Skillset" I've ever seen.
Really well said, Bret. Great video. IMO; fear has no place when on a motorcycle, only respect. Wether it be the machine you're on, the places you go, or the people you meet. Easier said than done of course and it is "healthy" to be fearfull, but in small doses. We're all working towards overcoming and managing fear every single day.
Thank you, it provided an opportunity to reflect.
OOOOMMMGGG ,,, your BEST video EVER ... you have to have reality check!! WOW stunning.. that's what i want.. real things and real situation.. if grandma will pass me with a goat on her scooter ... well she's a better rider than me.. there's always something to learn from everybody ... you're good Bret .. wow you're soo Good .. i hope one time i shall come with you on a trip somewhere .. !! Hi buddy from italy..
I wasn't sure if anyone would like this video... I am glad I was wrong
Yes agree this is the best video yet with no technical stuff. Probably should be titled “Getting the philosophy of riding right” Experienced a similar thing while riding through the Khardung La pass (18380 ft)in Ladakh on the Royal Enfieldmotorcycles. Our egos got a reset when we passed a couple on bicycles!
One also experience a lot of Comradeship when going through such experiences.
Looking forward to sharing some miles some day Bret. Great content as usual.
That's got to be one of your best videos ever, Bret. The 'path of least resistance'... so smart it could be from Lao Tseu.
Thank you
I can't agree more! And also it is like a life-and-death matter on the journey🤣
Thank you Bret. This video as VERY appreciated. I am new to the ride (2years) and I prefer ti ride alone. I have had a couple of experiences riding with one or two other riders. I admirer you as a teacher and have learned a lot thru your videos. So mt take from this video is: I WILL try to ride more this year with others. And that international ride IS on the bucket list! Cheers and continued success.👍🏾
As always an excellent video. Just one little remark. It’s not our mind that’s blocking us, but our thoughts. The mind can do it, we’re consciously experiencing it, but the train of thoughts drags us down. (Based on the 3 Principles).
Thanks again Bret!
Nicely presented pearls of wisdom…we’re headed back to OZ this November to play in the outback👍
I so appreciate this video.
I , like many others, have a massive fear of going through poor traction areas on a large adventure bike. I KNOW that I would be able to do it if I could just ignore that fear and go for it.
Sand and mud are my nemesis.
I so fear going down that I put a death grip on the bike , don't stand up and forget everything I've seen and read. The silly thing is that I have 'gone down' on my GS many times with not a scratch. I wear all the appropriate equipment and have my bike outfitted similarly. So I'm not sure what this big fear is. I do know that it's bordering on a phobia.
I think that what you say is spot on. If I had no choice , I would overcome this and be able to ride in almost any conditions.
I KNOW I'm a better rider than my mind lets me be.
I will force myself to 'lighten up' and enjoy what this beautiful sport brings to the table at some point.
Videos like this give me hope.