• Introduction

In ADVMoto Live! #4, host Carl Parker explores the world of adventure riding skills with Bill and Susan Dragoo of DART – Dragoo Adventure Rider Training. As certified BMW off-road instructors with over a decade of experience, the Dragoos share insights into why training matters, how riders from all backgrounds can benefit, and simple drills anyone can do at home. From counterweight balance to clutch control, this episode dives into six fundamental exercises that build skill, confidence, and safety for riders of all levels.

• Episode Summary

Adventure riding may look effortless on screen, but behind every smooth corner and confident hill climb lies solid technique. Bill and Susan Dragoo share their philosophy of teaching affordable, high-quality adventure rider training — a program built around practical learning and body mechanics rather than flashy stunts. They discuss how DART evolved from grassroots workshops in Bolivia into a nationally recognized training school, and how their hands-on approach helps riders of all backgrounds improve balance, control, and judgment.

• The DART Method: A “training without ego” philosophy focused on balance, control, judgment, and attitude.
• Home Exercises: Six at-home drills for improving clutch/throttle control, braking, and bike mastery — including one-legged riding and tap-and-turn techniques.
• Counterweight Training: Learn how to balance and steer large dual-sport bikes through controlled lean angles and peg weighting.
• Realistic Scenarios: Students practice hill recoveries, sand navigation, and slow-speed maneuvers designed to simulate real-world terrain.
• Common Challenges: Riders from street or dirt backgrounds discover how to adapt to heavier bikes and mixed traction environments.
• Confidence Through Mastery: Repetition, self-assessment, and small wins are key to growth — not horsepower or heroics.

The episode also features rally racers Glen Grundy and Taye Perry from South Africa, who discuss the importance of structured training in global rally racing — including how body mechanics and momentum can make or break a rider’s success in events like Dakar and Sonora Rally.

• Highlighted Quotes

“We consider four cornerstones of adventure riding to be balance, control, judgment, and attitude.” — Bill Dragoo

“You don’t know what you don’t know — training opens your mind to skills you didn’t realize existed.” — Susan Dragoo

“Momentum is my best friend. It’s better to go in a little quicker than to stop and fall over.” — Taye Perry

“Adventure riding is about self-awareness and growth — not the size of the bike.” — Carl Parker

• Support & Follow-Up

Learn more about DART Adventure Rider Training at DARTMoto.com or  BillDragoo.com and follow their events nationwide through the DART Facebook page. Connect with Taye Perry and Glen Grundy on Instagram to follow their rally journeys. For more rider interviews, tips, and event coverage, visit AdventureMotorcycle.com.

• About ADVMoto Live!

ADVMoto Live! is an original adventure and dual-sport podcast for riders who live and breathe the long way around. Hosted by Carl Parker, the show features explorers, builders, and dreamers whose stories inspire and define the adventure motorcycling community.