Andre LaPlant of MotoVentures, leads the training classes at the Moto ADV Rally. With a wealth of experience in motorcycle riding and adventure, Andre LaPlant brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the training sessions. Under his guidance, riders receive personalized instruction, honing their skills in various terrains and scenarios, ensuring they’re well-prepared for the exhilarating challenges of the rally. LaPlant and MotoVentures’ commitment to safety, skill development, and the thrill of adventure make their training classes an indispensable component of the Moto Adventure Rally experience.
See Course Syllabus Here
See Class Schedule
About Andre of MotoVentures
Andre LaPlante and MotoVentures have been integral to educating motorcycle riders in off-road riding techniques for the past 25 years, based in Southern California, a hub of the off-road riding community. Established in 1998 by Gary LaPlante and his son Andre, MotoVentures initially offered dirt bike tours through the Southwest United States. However, during these tours, they recognized a pressing need for off-road motorcycle rider training, leading MotoVentures to expand its mission to include teaching the skills necessary to conquer off-road riding and racing. This marked the inception of MotoVentures Motorcycle Rider Training.
Drawing from over 50 years of combined experience in off-road riding, racing, touring, and rider training, Gary and Andre authored the influential book “How to Ride Off-Road Motorcycles: Key Skills and Advanced Training for All Off-Road, Motocross, and Dual-Sport Riders,” published in 2012 and boasting over 20,000 copies sold globally. Concurrently, MotoVentures trademarked its riding curriculum as “Dirt First,” which emphasizes learning off-road riding as the safest and most effective method to develop motorcycle riding competence and confidence. In 2019, MotoVentures was honored with the Friend of the AMA award for its exceptional contributions to motorcycle rider training, having instructed tens of thousands of riders over the years at its private 350+ acre facility in Anza, CA, where weekly training seminars are conducted.
Recognizing the expanding market of Dual Sport and Adventure Riding, MotoVentures tailored comprehensive off-road rider training specifically for big bike riders, aligning with its Dirt First philosophy. In 2021, Andre participated in the BMW International GS Trophy Qualifier West, finishing an impressive 3rd place and sparking a passion for Adventure riding and pushing the boundaries of off-road capabilities with 500+ pound motorcycles. This journey underscores MotoVentures’ commitment to advancing rider skills and exploring new frontiers in motorcycle riding education.
Rene Perez MotoVentures Coach
It all began before the term “adventure motorcycling” was even coined. My journey started with the legendary KLR 650 in the early 2000s. The rugged simplicity and reliability of the KLR were my gateway to a world of limitless horizons and untamed landscapes. However, it was in 2001 when I stumbled upon an advertisement for the BMW F650GS Dakar. Its sleek design and robust build captivated my imagination—I knew it had to be mine.
The moment I first rode the Dakar, it was as if the world expanded in front of me. Each turn of the throttle, each mile conquered, brought with it a sense of freedom and adventure that words can hardly capture. The Dakar, with its steadfast roar, became a symbol of endless joy and exploration.
In 2012, I decided to upgrade my steed to the BMW F800 GS. This machine offered a perfect balance of power and agility, enhancing my ability to tackle diverse terrains. Whether traversing the rocky paths of Baja or the lush trails of Colombia, the F800 GS proved to be a reliable companion.
By 2018, I transitioned to the BMW R1200 GSA, a pinnacle of engineering excellence. This bike became my passport to adventures that spanned coast to coast—from the Pacific’s rugged coastline to the serene shores of the Atlantic. The R1200 GSA’s versatility and endurance allowed me to explore the vast expanse from Washington’s northern border to California’s southern reaches.
My adventures didn’t stop there. Baja and mainland Mexico offered landscapes as varied as they were beautiful, while Colombia’s rich culture and challenging routes added a new dimension to my riding experience. Each journey was a chapter filled with discovery, pushing the boundaries of my skills and endurance.
A highlight of my motorcycling career was being a semifinalist at the BMW GS Trophy in 2023. Competing with some of the best riders in the world was both an honor and a testament to the skills I had honed over the years.
Throughout this incredible journey, I’ve had the privilege of riding alongside remarkable individuals. Collaborating with “hall of fame” riders and BMW-certified coaches has been an enriching experience. Their expertise and camaraderie have not only improved my riding techniques but also deepened my appreciation for the adventure motorcycling community.
Each ride, each adventure, is a story etched into the landscape. And as long as there’s a road ahead, I’ll continue to chase the horizon, fueled by the thrill of discovery and the spirit of adventure.
Class Schedule
THURSDAY
9:30am-11:30pm – BEGINNER LEVEL Training-morning class, skills, drills, safety -2 hr, limited to 12 riders
12:30pm-400pm – ADVANCED LEVEL Training-afternoon class, skills, drills, and outride-3 1/2hr, limited to 12 riders
FRIDAY
9:00am-11:00pm – BEGINNER LEVEL Training-afternoon class, skills, drills, safety -2hr, limited to 12 riders
12:00pm-3:30pm – ADVANCED LEVEL Training-morning class, skills, drills, and outride-3 1/2hr, limited to 12 riders
SATURDAY
8:00am-11:30pm – ADVANCED LEVEL Training-morning class, skills, drills, and outride-3 1/2hr, limited to 12 riders
12:00pm-3:30pm – ADVANCED LEVEL Training-afternoon class, skills, drills, and outride-3 1/2hr, limited to 12 riders
MotoVentures course Syllabus What we will be covering
Beginner Dual Sport & Adventure Rider Training
Schedules
Thursday, October 31, 9:30am to 11:30am.
Friday, November 1, 9:00am to 11:00am
The session will begin with rider and coach introductions, followed by advice for new riders. Participants will learn about motorcycle set-up, including ABS and traction control functions, essential maintenance, and safety checks. The session will also cover how to prepare your motorcycle for off-road riding, recommended riding gear, necessary equipment, and dietary recommendations for maintaining energy during rides.
The training will introduce the basics of dual sport and adventure riding, focusing on proper body positioning and fundamental techniques for off-road riding. Riders will practice good visual habits, slow-speed tight turns, clutch control, throttle control, and braking on loose surfaces. The objectives of the course are to ensure participants understand proper bike set-up, functions of traction control and ABS, demonstrate good body positioning and off-road riding techniques, maintain proper balance in low-speed environments, and develop the ability to stop quickly using both brakes.
Participants should bring personal riding gear, their adventure motorcycle in good working condition, a basic tool kit, a hydration pack or water bottles, snacks, and any personal dietary items. Safety protocols require all participants to wear appropriate riding gear during all sessions and to follow all safety instructions and guidelines provided by the instructors. It’s important to check the weather forecast and prepare for variable conditions, including potential rain or cold temperatures.
Advanced Dual Sport & Adventure Rider Training
Schedules
Thursday, October 31, 12:30pm to 4:00pm.
Friday, November 1, 12:00pm to 3:30pm
Saturday, November 2, 12;00PM TO 3:30PM
The course will start with a classroom session, featuring rider and coach introductions, where participants will get acquainted with their instructors and fellow riders. The session will then cover off-road fundamentals, emphasizing the importance of good visual habits for safe and effective riding. Riders will also engage in static practice to learn proper body positioning while standing on their motorcycles.
The course description includes practical exercises and techniques essential for off-road riding. Riders will practice low-speed, tight turns to enhance maneuverability and control. Emphasis will be placed on threshold braking with a focus on front brake control, a critical skill for managing speed and stopping power on uneven terrain. The course will also teach the technique of riding while standing up, which is crucial for maintaining balance and control on rough surfaces. Participants will learn hill extraction methods to get unstuck from hills, traverse side hills and off-camber sections, and master turning on hills. Techniques for handling steep downhills and sand riding will also be covered. The training will culminate in a trail ride designed to apply and practice the skills learned in real-world conditions.
The course objectives are to build a solid foundation for advanced off-road riding, ensuring that participants understand how proper body positioning can enhance their riding ability and conserve energy. By the end of the course, riders should feel comfortable navigating difficult off-road terrain, controlling their speed on steep downhills, and finding traction in low-traction environments. This comprehensive training aims to equip riders with the skills and confidence needed for successful adventure riding.
Participants should bring personal riding gear, their adventure motorcycle in good working condition, a basic tool kit, a hydration pack or water bottles, snacks, and any personal dietary items. Safety protocols require all participants to wear appropriate riding gear during all sessions and to follow all safety instructions and guidelines provided by the instructors. It’s important to check the weather forecast and prepare for variable conditions, including potential rain or cold temperatures.
