Moto Adventurer Unscripted: Real Conversations for Motorcyclists, Adventurers and Outdoor Explorers
Moto Adventurer Unscripted: Real Conversations for Motorcyclists, Adventurers and Outdoor Explorers
Drew Faulkner
EP169: 2 Years of ADV Riding What Surprised Me, What Changed, and What I Learned
1 hour 3 minutes Posted Aug 10, 2026 at 8:55 am.
0:00
1:03:25
Download MP3
Show notes

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: