Are you dreaming of conquering rugged terrains and pushing your riding skills to the limit? For enthusiasts eager to explore the off-road capabilities of a Triumph Adventure Bike, the Triumph Adventure Academy, nestled at the foot of the stunning Brecon Beacons in South Wales, offers an unparalleled experience. Whether you’re a complete novice venturing off the tarmac for the first time or a seasoned globetrotter seeking to refine your techniques, this academy provides expert training tailored to all skill levels. My recent day-long off-road training at this incredible facility alongside fellow rider Fiona was nothing short of transformative.
Woman ADV rider on Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro in Wales off-road training academy
Run by the accomplished Matt Reeds, a former British & World Enduro, British Rally & Cross Country Champion, the Triumph Adventure Academy is more than just a training center; it’s a gateway to unlocking the full potential of both rider and machine.
Discovering the Triumph Adventure Centre
The adventure began bright and early at the Triumph Adventure Centre, with an 8 am rendezvous. Stepping onto the grounds, we were greeted by an impressive lineup of Triumph’s latest models – the iconic Triumph Tiger, the stylish Bonneville Street Scrambler, and the robust Scrambler 1200, all gleaming and ready for action. Inside, Matt and his welcoming team of instructors were prepared to kickstart our day with refreshments and a necessary formality – signing the standard risk acknowledgment for off-road riding.
Moving on to the changing rooms, we found individual lockers prepared for each participant, complete with off-road body armour available upon request. The comprehensive gear setup included knee braces, body armour, jackets, trousers, gloves, and even rain gear, ensuring everyone was equipped for any eventuality. However, the ongoing heatwave across England meant rain was the least of our concerns; it promised to be a scorching day on bone-dry trails.
The pre-training socialising in the refreshment area provided a great opportunity to meet fellow riders, all while a captivating video played, showcasing the thrilling challenges that awaited us – steep hills, deep gravel, river crossings, and dusty power slides. The anticipation was palpable; everyone was eager to mount their chosen triumph adventure bike and begin.
My Triumph Adventure Experience Day significantly boosted my riding confidence, enhanced my bike handling, and improved my maneuvering skills. The varied terrain and exceptional training were truly top-notch!
Sandra (ADV Travelbug)
Choosing Your Weapon: Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro – The Ideal Adventure Bike?
Woman confidently riding a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro on gravel trails during off-road training in Wales
Bike selection time revealed a surprising trend – the Scrambler was the popular choice. While I appreciate the Scrambler’s aesthetic appeal, I knew from experience that the Tiger 900 Rally Pro excels in off-road handling and ease of control, making it, in my opinion, the quintessential triumph adventure bike for serious off-road riding. Having recently test-ridden the Scrambler, I found myself questioning its off-road practicality compared to the Tiger. Yes, power slides might look undeniably cooler on a Scrambler, but for overall performance and rider-friendliness in challenging conditions, the Tiger 900 Rally Pro seemed the obvious choice. Contrary to my expectations, most participants were drawn to the Scrambler.
Fortunately, the academy’s program is structured to allow everyone to experience both the Tiger and the Scrambler. Although switching isn’t mandatory, by day’s end, the consensus was clear: the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is undeniably more manageable and forgiving for off-road adventures. Sometimes, practicality trumps style, especially when conquering tough terrains on a triumph adventure bike.
Honing Your Skills: Mastering Off-Road Techniques
Before hitting the trails, a comprehensive briefing ensured everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the Scrambler and Tiger, understood the bike settings and off-road mode engagement. Keyless ignition nuances were also covered, ensuring no one fumbled for a nonexistent key. This concise introduction set the stage for a day focused on skill enhancement.
Core skills taught during the TRIUMPH ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE:
– Optimal Body Position – Precision Low Speed Control – Motorcycle Recovery Techniques – Effective Braking – Confident Hill Descent & Ascent – Momentum Management – Rut Negotiation – Trail Riding Mastery
Two women adventure riders on Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro and Scrambler 1200 during a training exercise
The training commenced with slow speed maneuvers within the academy’s arena. Participants were divided into groups based on experience, and I wisely opted for the group focusing on foundational skills. Witnessing some riders effortlessly power-sliding into corners confirmed my decision! My group, consisting of riders with some off-road experience but limited formal training, plus the surprisingly adept on-road rider Karen, and the incredibly impressive Phoenix, who at just 5ft tall, commanded the Scrambler with astonishing confidence. Phoenix’s skill was a testament to overcoming physical challenges in off-road riding, a quality I deeply admire.
The exercises were meticulously designed to instill correct body position for off-road riding, enabling us to use body weight to initiate turns and master counter steering for tighter maneuvers. Dedicated time was spent on braking techniques, differentiating between front and rear brake responses, crucial for instilling confidence and control, especially when dealing with a drifting rear tyre. Hill climbs were also introduced, but cornering remained a recurring theme, progressively increasing in complexity throughout the day. These fundamental skills are paramount for anyone looking to confidently handle a triumph adventure bike off-road.
Conquering the Trails: Putting the Triumph Adventure Bike to the Test
Trail riding, while exhilarating, demands stamina. The day’s structure alternated between focused exercises and trail riding sessions, interspersed with breaks for hydration and practice. This balanced approach maximised riding time while preventing fatigue and allowing for skill consolidation.
Trail riding experience at Triumph Adventure Academy on gravel roads in Wales with a Triumph adventure bike
The trails presented a diverse range of challenges – predominantly gravel, interspersed with ruts, potholes, loose stones, and engaging single track sections. A particularly memorable loop within the training ground was riddled with various ruts, some surprisingly deep and muddy despite the overall dry conditions, perfect for repeated practice in rut negotiation.
Meanwhile, the more advanced group tackled steeper hills, focusing on single track riding, jumps, and perfecting power slides. The academy grounds also boast impressive water crossings, although our one-day training didn’t include them due to time constraints. However, muddy puddles provided a taste of wetter challenges, albeit less intense due to the recent heatwave. These varied terrains effectively showcased the all-terrain capabilities of a triumph adventure bike.
Relax and Recharge: Facilities and Hospitality
Throughout the day, Triumph’s hospitality was exceptional, with constant provision of refreshments, water, energy bars, and a much-appreciated lunch. These breaks were not only essential for physical re-energisation but also provided valuable opportunities to connect with the other group, share experiences, and seek refuge in the shade from the intense sun.
As the training day neared its end around 3:30 pm, both groups reconvened for a final group ride. This concluding session extended beyond the training arena, venturing onto byways open to the public. Despite the collective exhaustion, the enthusiasm for one last ride was high. We enjoyed a final blast across gravel roads, culminating in the promised water crossing orchestrated by Matt, a perfect finale to an exceptional day.
Returning to the Triumph Adventure Centre, the clean showers and fresh towels were an absolute luxury. Covered in dust and sweat, the opportunity to freshen up was incredibly welcome, a testament to the academy’s thoughtful facilities.
Group of adventure motorcycle riders around a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro after completing off-road training
Final Verdict: Why the Triumph Adventure Experience is a Must for Triumph Adventure Bike Riders
The Triumph Adventure Experience, specifically the Level 1 training I attended, surpassed expectations. The training methodology was genuinely top-tier, laser-focused on technique refinement. I felt a tangible improvement in my body positioning and cornering precision. While I wished for more time to practice hill starts, explore single tracks, and tackle water crossings, this only fuels my desire to return for further training. For anyone serious about adventure riding and wanting to truly master their triumph adventure bike, this academy is indispensable.
The instructors were outstanding, the training grounds were incredibly diverse and challenging, and the facilities were first-class! Do I recommend it? Without hesitation, 100%. Will I be back? Absolutely!
Sandra (ADV Travelbug)
ADV Rider on Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro showcasing the capabilities of a triumph adventure bike
Don’t forget to check out my detailed blog post on the Tiger 900 Rally Pro!
