What makes an adventure motorcycle ride a great ride?

For some riders, it’s the destination. For others, it’s the road, scenery, food, challenge, people, or simply getting away for a while. In this episode of Moto Adventure Unscripted, Drew and Mark break down the different “flavors” of adventure motorcycle riding and explore why two riders can take the same route and come home with completely different ideas of what made it fun.

The conversation covers destination riders, road collectors, photographers, history buffs, wanderers, campers, endurance riders, challenge seekers, rally riders, social riders, and solo riders. We also discuss how those preferences can change as riders move through different seasons of life.

Drew and Mark compare their own riding personalities and ask what really makes an ideal ADV ride. Is it 50 miles or 500? Is the goal to conquer difficult terrain, discover an unknown road, find a great meal, explore somewhere new, or simply disappear into the countryside for a day?

The episode also tackles a challenge for anyone organizing group adventure rides: How do you build a ride when everyone has a different idea of what “fun” means? Communication, reading the group, adapting the route, and understanding what riders actually enjoy can make the difference between a great group ride and a miserable one.

What kind of ADV rider are you?

-Destination riders vs. road collectors

-Scenic riders, foodies, photographers and history buffs

-Wanderers, solo riders and challenge seekers

-Why your riding style can change over time

-How many miles makes a great riding day?

-What makes a perfect adventure motorcycle ride?

-How to build a group ADV ride for different types of riders

For Subscribers:

The conversation continues with how to read a group, accommodate different riding preferences, and build the perfect adventure ride. We also get into some motorcycle tech and gear updates.

The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe

Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:

https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

Adventure motorcycle suspension can seem like black magic. What do all those clickers actually do? What is SAG? How do preload, compression damping, rebound damping, and spring rate affect the way your ADV motorcycle handles?

In this episode of Moto Adventure Unscripted, Drew and Mark break down adventure motorcycle suspension from the ground up and explain what riders actually need to know before spending money on suspension upgrades.

We start with the basics: what suspension is supposed to do, the difference between springs and damping, and how preload affects your motorcycle when you add a rider, passenger, or luggage. Drew and Mark explain SAG, static sag, rider sag, spring rate, compression damping, rebound damping, and suspension clickers in plain English.

From there, they tackle some of the most common ADV suspension problems and questions:

• How to establish your motorcycle's factory suspension settings

• How to tell when you actually need a different spring rate

• Why adding more preload isn't always the answer

• Why motorcycles dive under braking

• Why suspension can feel harsh on gravel and rough terrain

• How to adjust compression and rebound damping

• Why you shouldn't simply copy someone else's suspension settings

• When stock suspension is good enough—and when you've actually outgrown it

• How often ADV motorcycle suspension needs to be serviced

The goal isn't to turn you into a suspension tuner. It's to help you understand what your motorcycle is doing, make sensible adjustments, and know when it's actually time to spend money.SUBSCRIBER SEGMENT

The subscriber hour goes deeper into suspension types, linkage and PDS systems, fork oil weight and oil height, high- and low-speed damping, valving and revalving, cartridge kits, shock upgrades, suspension servicing, and when it's worth sending your suspension to a professional tuner.

Two hours of suspension nerdiness, commercial-free for subscribers.

The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe

Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:

https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

What happens after the motorcycle crash?

In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Tyler joins Drew and Mark to talk openly about a recent motorcycle crash, the injuries that followed, the recovery process, and what it actually feels like to get back on a motorcycle after a hard hit.

Tyler walks us through a high-side crash on wet, freshly paved asphalt in Arkansas, the decision to ride another 600 miles toward home, and eventually discovering he had three fractured ribs and a collapsed lung. We talk about motorcycle gear, helmet replacement, motorcycle repair costs, riding partners, and the lessons Tyler took away from the experience. Most importantly, we discuss the mental side of recovery, rebuilding confidence, and why Tyler was determined to get back on the motorcycle rather than let the crash change his relationship with riding.

We also tackle a question every experienced motorcyclist eventually faces: How does our approach to risk change as we get older and more experienced? Tyler, Mark, and Drew compare how their riding philosophies have evolved and why experience changes the way we evaluate speed, road conditions, fatigue, and the consequences of a mistake.

SUBSCRIBER-ONLY BONUS:

Subscribers get an additional hour of conversation covering Tyler’s motorcycle backstory, his KLR beginnings, rider aids, and how age and experience have changed his approach to risk and adventure riding.

Moto Adventurer Unscripted is a weekly podcast about adventure motorcycles, dual-sport riding, motorcycle travel, camping, navigation, gear, and the realities of exploring on two wheels.

The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe

Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:

https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

Want to become a better adventure rider without waiting for your next big trip or paying for a training course? Your driveway, backyard, field, or even an empty parking lot can become an ADV motorcycle training ground.

In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark break down practical adventure motorcycle skills and drills you can practice close to home. We talk emergency braking and rear-wheel lockups, learning how your ABS and rider modes actually behave, mastering clutch and throttle control, walking and maneuvering a heavy ADV motorcycle, getting comfortable riding while standing, and practicing full-lock turns and figure eights in surprisingly small spaces. We also get into hill starts and stops, body position, slow-speed motorcycle control, using the rear brake and clutch together, practicing on grass and gravel, and ways to build a simple backyard enduro course with logs, rocks, lumber, cones, and whatever else you have lying around.

The bigger question is simple: If you want to become a better adventure motorcycle rider, is riding more enough—or do you actually need to practice?

In the subscriber section, we go further with Elephant/J-turn techniques for turning a big adventure bike around in tight spaces, balance and vision drills, line selection, additional advanced ADV skills, and some behind-the-scenes Red River Scramble route reconnaissance.

Whether you're new to adventure riding or an experienced ADV rider looking to sharpen your off-road motorcycle skills, these are exercises you can work on a few minutes at a time—without ever leaving home.

The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe

Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:

https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

Want to become a better adventure rider without waiting for your next big trip or paying for a training course? Your driveway, backyard, field, or even an empty parking lot can become an ADV motorcycle training ground.

In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark break down practical adventure motorcycle skills and drills you can practice close to home. We talk emergency braking and rear-wheel lockups, learning how your ABS and rider modes actually behave, mastering clutch and throttle control, walking and maneuvering a heavy ADV motorcycle, getting comfortable riding while standing, and practicing full-lock turns and figure eights in surprisingly small spaces. We also get into hill starts and stops, body position, slow-speed motorcycle control, using the rear brake and clutch together, practicing on grass and gravel, and ways to build a simple backyard enduro course with logs, rocks, lumber, cones, and whatever else you have lying around.

The bigger question is simple: If you want to become a better adventure motorcycle rider, is riding more enough—or do you actually need to practice?

In the subscriber section, we go further with Elephant/J-turn techniques for turning a big adventure bike around in tight spaces, balance and vision drills, line selection, additional advanced ADV skills, and some behind-the-scenes Red River Scramble route reconnaissance.

Whether you're new to adventure riding or an experienced ADV rider looking to sharpen your off-road motorcycle skills, these are exercises you can work on a few minutes at a time—without ever leaving home.

The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe

Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:

https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

Red River Scramble is back for 2026, and we're breaking down everything you need to know before you point your motorcycle toward Red River Gorge, Kentucky.

Drew and Mark take you inside this grassroots, choose-your-own-adventure motorcycle rally—from what the Scramble is all about to where to stay, what to expect at Lago Linda Hideaway, how to meet other riders, and what kind of riding you'll find throughout the region.

We'll break down the different route difficulty levels, from scenic gravel and easy adventure riding to intermediate terrain, advanced ADV routes, and dedicated dual-sport trails. We also talk about the Dango Death March, changing trail conditions, wet clay, water crossings, and how to choose routes that match your skill level.

Whether you're a Red River Scramble veteran, a first-time attendee, or just looking for an excuse to ride the backroads of Eastern Kentucky, this episode will help you prepare for the 2026 Scramble.

Red River Scramble 2026: October 1–4 in Red River Gorge, Kentucky.

In this episode:

• What the Red River Scramble is and why it's different

• Camping, RVs, cabins, and other accommodations

• What to expect at Lago Linda Hideaway

• How to meet people if you're attending solo

• Red River Gorge riding, attractions, and routes

• Route difficulty levels and terrain

• Mud, clay, water crossings, and changing trail conditions

• How to choose routes that match your skill level

Subscriber Bonus: We go behind the scenes of the Scramble with the Pumpkin Hollow story, route reconnaissance, hidden sticker caches, the Dango Death March, rally logistics, and what it takes to organize an adventure motorcycle event.The Red River Scramble is less about organized activities and more about one thing: getting out into the woods and having an adventure.

The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe

Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:

https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

Group rides can be one of the best ways to get into adventure and dual sport motorcycling—but they can also go sideways fast when riders show up without understanding the ride, terrain, pace, or expectations.

In this episode, Drew and Mark break down what you need to know before joining an ADV motorcycle group ride, whether you're a new adventure rider or an experienced rider looking to make group rides run more smoothly.

We cover how to choose the right ride, understand terrain and difficulty, estimate mileage and fuel requirements, and match your skill level and motorcycle to the group. We also dig into motorcycle preparation and gear, including mechanical inspections, tires, fuel range, hydration, navigation, tools, spare parts, rain gear, and communication systems. Then we get into group ride etiquette and communication: showing up on time, fuel stops, parking, hand signals, Cardo/intercom communication, intersections, keeping track of other riders, and—perhaps most importantly—not disappearing without telling anyone.

Throughout the episode, we come back to one simple idea: know your limits, leave your ego at home, communicate when you're tired, and don't be afraid to take a break or turn around.

In this episode:

• How to choose the right ADV group ride

• Understanding terrain, pace, mileage and fuel range

• Matching your motorcycle and skill level to a ride

• Preparing your bike, gear and navigation

• Essential tools, spares and trail repair supplies

• Group ride communication and hand signals

• Intersections and keeping the group together

• Group ride etiquette and common rider mistakes

• Knowing when to slow down, bail out or turn around

• Building friendships and community through adventure riding

Subscriber bonus: The extended section goes behind the scenes of leading an ADV group ride, covering risk management, rider recovery, emergencies, mechanical failures, losing a rider, communication plans, intersections, and knowing when to end the ride.Whether you ride an ADV motorcycle, dual sport, or just want to start riding off-road with other people, this episode will help you show up prepared and become the kind of rider other people actually want in their group.

The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe

Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:

https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

We spend a lot of time worrying about flat tires, broken chains, and dead batteries—but are mechanical failures really what end most adventure motorcycle trips?

In this episode, Drew and Mark break down the mistakes that are far more likely to ruin your ride than a breakdown ever will. From poor fitness and dehydration to bad weather, unrealistic expectations, group ride drama, and simple planning mistakes, they share hard-earned lessons from years of adventure riding, rally organizing, and exploring the backroads of Appalachia.

Along the way, they discuss:

• Why your body can fail before your motorcycle does

• The hidden dangers of dehydration, fatigue, and poor nutrition

• How weather can completely change—or end—a trip

• Planning mistakes that create more stress than adventure

• Group ride personalities, conflict, and keeping the trip fun

• The "death by a thousand annoyances" that slowly wears riders down

• Why attitude is often the most important piece of gear you pack

Whether you're preparing for your first overnight ADV trip or you're a seasoned rider planning your next big expedition, this episode will help you avoid the mistakes that actually send riders home early.

Question of the Week:What's more likely to ruin an adventure motorcycle trip than a mechanical breakdown? Share your stories with us in the Moto Adventurer Unscripted Facebook Group or email [email protected].

Ride safe, stay hydrated, and remember: sometimes the biggest obstacle isn't the trail—it's the decisions you make before you ever leave the driveway.

The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe

Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:

https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

What really changes during your first two years of adventure riding?

This week we're joined by Roy, who shares his journey from brand-new ADV rider to confidently tackling challenging terrain throughout Kentucky and Appalachia. We discuss the lessons that surprised him most, the mistakes he made, the gear he wishes he'd bought sooner, and how his confidence evolved after two seasons on an adventure bike.

• Expectations vs. reality as a new adventure rider
• The biggest surprises after buying an ADV motorcycle
• Learning to ride mud, gravel, and rocky terrain*How tire choice changed everything
• Adventure bike vs. dual sport: why Roy now owns both
• Accessories that were worth buying—and those that weren't
• Why "ride your own ride" is the best advice for new ADV riders

After the public episode, we continue the conversation with practical advice for riders who are just getting started, including:

• How to choose your first adventure motorcycle
• What Roy would do differently if he started over today
• Where new riders should spend—and save—their money
• Building confidence without taking unnecessary risks
• More stories from the trail that didn't make the public show

If you're thinking about buying your first adventure bike—or you're still in your first few seasons of riding—this episode is full of practical lessons that can help shorten the learning curve.

The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.

⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe⁠

Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:

⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr⁠

In this episode:In the Subscriber Aftershow:

Can you still trust motorcycle influencers? As YouTube creators and social media personalities increasingly replace traditional motorcycle journalism, riders are left wondering where honest reviews end and sponsored content begins.

In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark discuss the state of motorcycle YouTube, adventure motorcycle influencers, dual-sport content creators, sponsored gear reviews, affiliate marketing, clickbait, free products, and the growing challenge of staying authentic while creating motorcycle content. They examine how influencer culture has changed the ADV community, what makes a review trustworthy, and how riders can identify genuine experience versus paid promotion.

Along the way, they highlight several creators they believe consistently produce high-quality, authentic motorcycle content and discuss what today's motorcycle community should expect from gear reviews, bike reviews, and long-term testing.

Subscriber Bonus: We go behind the scenes of our own podcast to discuss sponsorship offers, affiliate links, free gear, Spotify advertising, YouTube monetization, and the ethical decisions we face as motorcycle content creators. You'll also hear real examples of companies that have approached us, what we've accepted (and turned down), how we maintain our independence, and exactly how your subscription supports future motorcycle reviews, gear testing, and podcast production.

The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe

Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:

https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr