Just as many of us have succumbed to the reality of winter and its diminishing riding opportunities, a light can be seen at the end of the tunnel! The American Motorcycle Association has announced dates for their 2018 National Adventure Riding Series. We all know the AMA is committed to growing the sport of motorcycling but what you might not know is that they are dedicated to all facets including the rapidly growing adventure segment.

Since 2007 the AMA has hosted this series with the hope of involving as many new ADV Riders as possible. KTM has returned as the primary sponsor bringing with them their industry leading machines and proven commitment to opening people’s minds to the world of adventure. KTM is expanding their support in 2018 by offering exciting opportunities to ride with their pros and on their latest adventure models.

“We are proud to provide AMA members with opportunities to get out and ride. And we appreciate KTM’s support for the series and the company’s commitment to the adventure riding segment.” – AMA Recreational Riding Manager Heather Wilson

The 2018 National Adventure Riding series consists of 20 events scattered about the country with accessibility in mind. By casting this broad net the AMA hopes to make these events accessible to local riders as well as offering others the opportunity to ride areas that they are not familiar with. Some longtime national adventure riding event organizers remain on the schedule, while other organizers who have been hosting adventure rides for many years have been added.

“Without organizers like these, it wouldn’t be as easy for an adventure rider to find other motorcyclists who enjoy this style of riding or to find routes they may not think to travel on their own.” – KTM Event Specialist and Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty

Explore New Routes on a Variety of Terrain

These events are tailor made for newcomers as well as more experienced riders. Different difficulty and skill options are offered at each event to ensure there is riding to keep everyone entertained. The goal is getting riders to scenic places that they wouldn’t typically get to see so they can understand why this type of riding is so infectious. The ADV Series offers a unique opportunity to meet and ride with like-minded individuals, improve your abilities and conquer new terrain.

AMA membership is required for these national-level events. One-event pass may be purchased for $20 (only available for purchase at the event) or a full AMA membership for $49 (online or at the event). If you are not currently an American Motorcycle Association member it is something to seriously consider. The AMA is heavily involved with protecting your rights as a motorcyclist. They also do a staggering amount of work safeguarding the future of motorcycling and keeping our riding areas/trails open.

2018 KTM AMA National ADV Ride Schedule

April 14–15: Slate Creek Adventure Ride
Appalachian Trail Riders – Bybee, Tenn.

April 21–22: Perry Mountain Tour Run Adventure Rally
Perry Mountain Motorcycle Club – Stanton, Ala.

May 5–6: Yosemite Adventure Tour
Family Off–Road Adventures – Buck Meadows, Calif.

*KTM East Coast Adventure Rider Rally*
May 19–20: Snow Shoe Mountain 500
Pine Barrens Adventures LLC – Snow Shoe, W. Va.

June 2–3: Show Me 500 National Adventure Ride
Midwest Trail Riders Association – Bixby, Mo.

June 2–3: Durty Dabbers Great Adventure Dual Sport
Durty Dabbers – Lock Haven, Pa.

June 9–10: Ride for Research
Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders – Wabeno, Wis.

June 22–24: Big Bear Run
Big Bear Trail Riders – Big Bear, Calif.

June 23–24: PA Grand Canyon 500
Pine Barrens Adventures LLC – Gaines, Pa.

June 23–24: Ozark 200
Arkansas Dirt Riders, Inc. – New Blaine, Ark.

July 21–22: Copperhead National Adventure Ride
Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club – Logan, Ohio

August 10–12: Enchanted Circle Adventure Rally
*Website Coming Soon* Contact Email: roger@rpimoto.com
RPI LLC – Taos Ski Valley, N.M.

September 1–3: Wild West Tour
High Desert Adventures – Prineville, Ore.

September 8–9: Blue Ridge Adventure Ride
Appalachian Trail Riders – Pineola, N.C.

September 22–23: Big Woods 200
Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders – Wabeno, Wis.

September 29–30: Renfro Valley Adventure Ride
Appalachian Trail Riders – Mt. Vernon, Ky.

October 13–14: Buffaloe 500 National Adventure Ride
Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club – Columbus, Ind.

October 20–21: Howlin’ at the Moon
Arizona Trail Riders – Prescott Valley, Ariz.

October 26–28: Pine Barrens 500
Pine Barrens Adventures LLC – Hammonton, N.J.

November 23–24: L.A. – Barstow to Vegas
District 37 Dual Sport – Palmdale, Calif.

So while we might just be getting into the thick of winter in most places there is already hope on the horizon. Start planning your 2018 adventures now by visiting www.americanmotorcyclist.com or click here to follow the series’ official Facebook page.

Author: Spencer Hill

“The Gear Dude” has been fueling his motorcycle addiction with adventure since first swinging his leg over a bike in 2010. Whether he’s exploring his own backyard in the Pacific Northwest or crisscrossing the United States, Spencer is always in search of scenic off-road routes, epic camping locations and the best gear possible. He began writing shortly after taking up two-wheel travel to share his experiences and offer insight with his extensive backpacking, camping and overland background.