PSSOR Alaska Adventure

August 11-18, 2012

Escape to rugged Alaska with our ADV Instructors for the best training tour available. Ride Alaska - and build the needed skills along the way!

What is PSSOR Alaska Adventure?

Alaska Adventure is a multi-day training camp and tour run by expert and professional adventure riders.

We are combining the best parts of a training camp and a tour to create a unique adventure. This adventure is for those that have always wanted to ride rugged Alaska but didn't want to go alone or were worried they might not have the skill needed.

Join PSSOR Alaska Training Tour

We provide You provide
  • Professional ADV Instructors
  • Support vehicle (carries spare gas, parts, tools, luggage and extra bike)
  • Welcome & farewell dinners
  • 13 Meals (5 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 7 Dinners)
  • Camping accommodations for 5 nights
  • Transportation to Anchorage
  • Lodging on Arrival/Departure days
  • Suitable dualsport/adventure motorcycle
  • Riding gear
  • Camping gear

Space On This Training Tour

1 One
2 Two
3 OPEN
4 OPEN
5 OPEN
6 OPEN
7 OPEN
8 OPEN
9 OPEN
10 OPEN
Yellow is space still available.

Training Tour Price: $2,795

Book Your Spot Now
Have Questions?
A $795 deposit is required at the time of booking. Be sure to read the "Things To Know" section below.

General Route

Starting in Anchorage the overall route loops clockwise around the Talkeetna mountain range. We will skirt Denali National Park, Nelchina Public Use Area, and Wrangell-St. Elias Preserve & Wilderness.

Total mileage for this training tour is about 1,100 miles between destinations and you'll get more mileage with the day training rides and exploration of local areas. The first and last days have about 300 miles with a mix of mostly pavement and some gravel. In between days will average 200 miles depending on the group and length of training rides with most of it being on gravel.

We will setup camps in areas with limited services and use them as bases. From these bases we will ride "out-and-back" style into the local terrain for on-the-go training. This is a great way to get in more sights without the pressure of getting to destinations.

Your ADV Instructors

Bret Tkacs

PSS Instructor Since 1996

BMW F800GS Rider

I have spent my entire life riding motorcycles only to find out five years ago that adventure riding is where it is really at! I live everyday to the fullest and love traveling and coaching other riders. Come join me and I will share my secrets as a professional rider and instructor while you have the time of your life.

Alaska is truly one of the last frontiers and the opportunity to enjoy this majestic state while also learning and perfecting your riding skills is almost too good to be true. Whether you are new to gravel or a seasoned adventurer come ride with me and you will have an unforgettable adventure!

RJ Myrup

PSS Instructor Since 2005

Kawasaki KLR650 Rider

The last four years of adventure riding for me have been the ones with the most growth as a rider. It seems as I traveled to more places, attended more events, and instructed more camps that my passion for adventure riding grew larger.

Alaska represents an amazing opportunity for those of you that want to grow as a rider – and be able to whet your appetite for the spectacular sights of Alaska. My goal is to lead each of you to the edge of wilderness while building your skills so that you are humble but confident through the journey.

Training Tour Itinerary

After booking space on the training tour we will send you information of things you'll want to consider brining and tasks to take care of in preparation the training tour.

Day 1
Saturday, August 11th, 2012
Arrive in Anchorage / Welcome dinner with ADV Instructors.
Meals:
Dinner
Today you'll find your way into Anchorage and begin prep for the training tour that starts the next day. If renting a bike you'll want to make final arrangements to pick up your rental bike and ensure you have all items you'll need for the training tour. Tonight you'll meet with your ADV Instructors for dinner. This is where the group begins to share their goals for this training tour along with any prior experiences.
Day 2
Sunday, August 12th, 2012
Depart Anchorage & Head for the hills!
Meals:
Lunch
Dinner
This morning you'll square away any last minute arrangements. We'll be departing mid-morning and getting out of town as quickly as possible. Today's route takes us to Gracious House via Hatcher Pass. There will be a mix of pavement and graded roads providing your ADV Instructors the opportunity to gauge the group's riding skills and begin coaching. Tonight we'll setup camp and have dinner at Gracious House.
Day 3
Monday, August 13th, 2012
Gracious Base Camp & Local area training rides.
Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
We'll wake up (hopefully earlier than later) and devour a group breakfast at Gracious House and we'll go over the planned training and route. We'll leave base camp set and head out for day rides to explore the local area and get on-the-go training. You'll have the opportunity for different packed and loose surfaces and plenty of water crossings. Tonight we'll have dinner at Gracious House and then turn in for the night.
Day 4
Tuesday, August 14th, 2012
Gracious Base Camp & Local area training rides.
Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
Again, we'll all wake up and enjoy a warm breakfast at Gracious House. As a group we'll take the opportunity to check our bikes for maintenance and adjustments. Departing base camp we'll head toward new areas and continue the off pavement skills, add in hill skills all while enjoying the Alaska scenery. Tonight will be the final dinner and last night at Gracious House.
Day 5
Wednesday, August 15th, 2012
Travel to Copper Center
Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
Today we'll have breakfast and pack up camp at Gracious House. Then we hit the Denali Highway and head for Copper Center. The route today will be a mix of gravel and pavement providing the opportunity to relax a bit while taking in the great Alaska views as we head to the next destination. Tonight we'll have dinner and setup camp at Copper Center.
Day 6
Thursday, August 16th, 2012
Destinations: McCarty or Valdez
Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
This morning the group will come together at breakfast and go over the route options for the day. Today is all about practical application of skills that have been worked on thus far. Route options include multiple pavement and gravel options. Your ADV Instructors will lead a group onto winding gravel roads into the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. Everyone will meet back at Copper Center for dinner and a recap of the days explorations.
Day 7
Friday, August 17th, 2012
Trek back to Anchorage
Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
Today is our final day as a group and we'll get an early breakfast and pack up and begin the trek back to Anchorage. The routes will be mostly pavement, but we'll have excursions onto gravel to catch some of the great sights along the way. Tonight we'll have a farewell dinner in Anchorage and swap photos of our Alaska Adventure.
Day 8
Sunday, August 18th, 2012
Depart Anchorage
Meals:
None
For those of you that have made extended arrangements with your rental your Alaska Adventure will continue with your new skills and boost in confidence. Throughout the day others will head for their scheduled departures while they recall the memories of this PSSOR Alaska Training Tour.

Photo Highlights

The following photos are a brief glimpse into Bret's Alaska tour from July of 2011. We will follow a similar route and visit many of the places shown in these photos.


Things To Know

Read below to find answers to many commonly asked questions. If your question isn't answered below - Contact Us - and we'll be glad to assist you.

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Do I have to bring my own motorcycle?

You can if you like. If Alaska is too far to bring your own bike, then we recommend our rental partner MotoQuest Tours.

Where can I rent a motorcycle?

We recommend our support partner, MotoQuest Tours, for your rental needs. We have arranged special rates with them. They have Kawasaki KLR, BMW GS and other models available.

Where can I book a flight to Anchorage?

Many airlines offer flights into Anchorage. If you would like assistance in booking your flight we recommend you contact Sally at Alaska Travel Source ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 907-562-2213).

Where can I get information about ferries?

The ferry system is a great way to "ship" your bike up to Alaska with the added bonus of the sights along the Pacific Coast. The Alaska Marine Highway System is where you'll want to get information. The port of Whittier is closest to Anchorage.

Do I have to bring my own camping gear?

Yes. You can bring your camping gear with you during travel to Anchorage, or you can ship it ahead (FedEx/UPS) to MotoQuest Tours.

Do I have to camp, or are there hotel options?

Sometimes. There are hotel options in some of the places we will be staying. We cannot make guarantees about the weather but most people are okay with camping. If you would like more information let us know and we can help you make arrangements as needed.

Do I have to bring my own riding gear?

No. Rental riding gear is available through MotoQuest Tours.

Does all of my gear have to fit on the rental bike?

No. You will have the option to leave some of your gear on the support vehicle and "ride light" during the day.

What things do I have to buy during the training tour?

You'll have to buy gas for your motorcycle, any alcohol, hotel options, and any other upgrades.

How do I book a space on the training tour?

If space is still available simply submit the online booking form, or contact our office to reserve space. A minimum deposit of $795 is required a booking to reserve your spot. Any remaining amount is due 60 days prior to the training tour start date.

What is your cancellation/refund policy?

This cancellation/refund policy only applies to the training tour price and is not applicable to any other items rented/reserved (i.e. rental bike, gear, flight, accommodations, etc).

We reserve the right to cancel the training tour for any reason 60 days or more prior to the start date. In this scenario a full refund will apply. Please do not purchase airline tickets until your reserved spot is confirmed on the training tour.

You MUST notify us as soon as possible to let us know that you wish to cancel your reserved spot in the training tour. The allows us to open the spot and attempt to get it filled. If you refer another person and they take your reserved spot, then a full refund will be available, minus a $150 processing fee.

If you notify us...

  • 91 days or more from the tour start date:
    • The deposit along with any additional amount is refundable, minus a $150 processing fee.
    • Also eligible for Transfer, see below.
  • 31-90 days from the tour start date:
    • The deposit is non-refundable.
    • Any amount paid beyond the deposit is refundable.
    • Also eligible for Transfer, see below.
  • 30 days or less from the tour start date:
    • There are no refunds available.
    • If your spot is filled by another person, you become eligible for Transfer, see below.

Can I transfer to another PSS Off Road training tour or event?

If you are eligible for a transfer (see cancellation/refund policy above) you can place any amount paid, including the deposit, 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 3 years from the transfer date. Refunds after transferring will incur the processing fee.

What level of experience/skill do I need for this training tour?

You do not need to be overly experienced or skilled to participate in this training tour. We highly recommend that you have enough experience on a motorcycle such that you are confident with basic riding skills on pavement and groomed gravel roads.

A currently valid motorcycle endorsement is required!

Remember, this is a training tour - we will build skills as needed throughout the route.

What types of skills will we learn and work on during the training tour?

The route incorporates a variety of terrain from pavement, groomed gravel, to rough gravel, and trail-like conditions. There will be plenty of water/river crossings, steep hills and loose surfaces.

Your ADV Instructors will work to build core riding skills for posture, body position, traction management, power control, precise direction, along with slow speed balance/control.

Can I arrive before the training tour starts?

Absolutely! You can arrive early to do sightseeing around the area. If you will be renting a motorcycle in Anchorage you can arrive early to get a day or two experience on the motorcycle and become familiar with the handling.

You will have to provide your own accommodations and meals until the training tour starts.

Can I stay after the training tour ends?

Absolutely! It is common for riders to add on several extra motorcycle rental days to continue their exploration into the Kenai Peninsula.

You will have to provide your own accommodations and meals after the end of the training tour.