72 Hours of Off-Road Motorcycle Training (I had a ROUGH time)

I spent 72 Hours Training with an Off-Road Motorcycle Instructor and I had a Rough Time on the 2022 Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT at Touratech Rally West.
This video created in partnership with SHEADV
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00:00 Intro
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[@frase32]

Why did I, a 45 year old man, get emotional watching this? The fact that this exists for women riders is so amazing. Awesome video. I can't wait to show this to my daughter!

Because it's full of love. You can be hardcore and soft at the same time. We men have so much to learn - and unlearn.

[@richardmourdock2719]

I have no doubt that you put a lot of pressure on yourself, perhaps subconsciously. With 47,000 subscribers, you knew that every moment you were being held to a higher standard and THAT is a lot of pressure. All of us who have watched your videos over the years know that you can ride and do ride fearlessly but never, never recklessly. All of us remain impressed with your skills and your ability to give us enjoyment from your enjoyment. Hang in there!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

🤗 Thank you for your kind words Richard!

[@beamdoctor5637]

Gee that was a nice comment.. So much negative stuff out there keep up the support of bikers.

[@ne-adv]

The off-road ADV community is enhanced when we can get a better gender balance. Camping, riding, exploring should be something couples are not only encouraged to do, but should be a norm. And ladies should feel it's something open to them. SHEADV are ambassador's we all badly need. Thank you, SHEADV!

[@ridetofood]

RAIN CANT STOP THIS CREW

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

💛 Thanks friend :)

[@cornishrider576]

Well done! It's not always as easy as it looks. The training looked excellent. I'm a 64 year old man and 5 months ago attended a 2 day course on the Africa twin. Although I had some off road experience I didn't think there was sufficient basic training as shown in this video before hitting the real technical stuff. As a result I had a big off and am now recovering from rotator cuff surgery. I wish there were more training schools across the UK like SHEADV for both men and women. Well done again.

[@Crittermoto]

Way to go Amanda! I was super stoked to see so many women riding at Touratech. All of us, men and women, benefit from training. Thanks for the video.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks Critter :)

[@benjohnson7170]

Kudos to She ADV and yourself for sharing the experience. 50 yo bloke here from Oz,I learnt a thing or 2 about ADV and life.

[@motochickryder]

Definitely don't be hard on yourself! Doing the slow speed stuff on a DCT bike is really hard. So you did amazing achieving what you did on the DCT Africa Twin! Main thing is that you kept getting back on the bike! 😊👍

[@LASadvgrrl]

good for you sticking with it.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Well done, Amanda! We've been riding for so long, we've fallen into the inacurate assumption that we don't "need" more training. You've inspired me to seek out a course I can take this year. I think a re-fresher to help me hone my skills would be a huge help. Thanks for always inspriring us to go further, push harder, and always have fun!!!

[@monunyabidness5949]

Keep learning, always. When you lose, don't lose the lesson. Analyse what happened, try to figure out what went wrong, how to prevent it, or how to correct it, then try to practise that. I've learned so much watching your videos. You are an amazing rider and an amazing human.

[@AdventuresonZero]

The great thing about these courses is this is EXACTY when you want to make these mistakes. I took Brett Tkacs course last spring, and had quite the nasty fall - however, like you, learned the valuable lesson of focus. ADV riding is much more focus intensive than street riding, something I picked up during my time in the course. Thanks for documenting your experience and for being vulnerable enough to share your hardships! Be safe out there!

[@RugerM77]

Rain can't stop this crew!

[@fredmeier3515]

I felt your pain and starting frustration to begin but rejoiced in your successes. My bike is way too big, but you have given me hope. Please keep going.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your support! I believe in you! You've got this

[@leayoung3014]

I’m so glad you got to train with Shal! I took her beginner adv class two years ago in the Denver area and it was so hot in the eastern part of Denver that day that I was too burned out to take the next level class that next day. But I learned a lot and I am so very glad I took her course! You did fantastic Amanda! Good Job!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@mantaradius5902]

Rain can't stop this crew! Thank you for your candid view of how things went. You have excellent perseverance and are a badass indeed.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

I appreciate that!

[@mkramsauer]

That was so cool thanks for sharing your experience I think we all can relate

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@richardgitz2264]

Really great video Amanda, thank you for sharing.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks for watching!

[@In_MT]

Rain can't stop this crew

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

👏👏👏

[@dhwagneriii]

Well done Amanda! You are an inspiration for all of us!

[@marklanders630]

As a man that didn't start riding until later in life I could use a course like this.

[@davidslate2005]

Great job, Amanda. You are inspiration to all people trying something hard to do. And you don't quit. Please don't change.

[@105Gunner]

Rain can’t stop this crew! Way to stick with it Amanda 👍

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Wow. I have the same bike. I’m a 6’2” bloke and wish I had just a little of your skill. Inspirational to see you handle the beast.

[@TheTTLegend]

In many ways we learn more from our failures. That cross drill is no joke.

[@fixento]

Amanda, another excellant production, thanks. You did great, practice is great, but by experience you done this and more out where it really counts, on some remote fire/bm/trail gravel/dirt road a bike that's packed like a mule. Your handicapped a bit by the Africa Twin DCT, a great bike, but is big and a bit top heavy. You were taught to use the clutch and rear brake for tight turns, not the throttle, so understandably the DCT poses a muscle memory conflict. After totaling my CB500X in a puddle with 28 inches of clay, I considered buying the Africa Twin because of you. However, I sat on both, the Transalp 750 won, it had lower center of gravity and weighed 100 lb less with almost the same hp, so at my age [80] I could pick it up. I watched your presentation in front of those ladies, they awed by your experiences. Never doubt your abilities or credentials, like the girl said, she couldn't ride it load with luggage. I commend you on your riding skills, because in reality, your have faced, adjusted, and over come all the off road issues will riding a loaded bike knowing you had to press on. Keep positive, never doubt your abilities, and alway pick the right track for you.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Mastering whatever bike you're on currently is why taking classes is so helpful! :) I'm glad you like the Transalp! It seems like a great bike! The Twin is great for what I do because I'm doing a LOT of Big Mile Days with like 70% of that on slab, so the Twin just offers a lot more comfort than a smaller bike could. Thank you for the kind words!

[@ColinsMarine]

I took a three day off road training course. Two years of healing later from a torn up shoulder and a knee replacement . Ive started to ride again…a road bike!! I won’t even go out on wet days now.

I stopped riding in my 20's life happened. After watching your videos I got a 250 and started riding. I turn 60 in march and now I have a DR 650 with a 5 gallon tank and luggage. I'm from Montana hope to see you on the road.

[@saradiamondheart6337]

This is probably one of my favorite KZbin videos I've seen in awhile, I could watch this over and over again. I don't ride motorcycles yet, but I have started becoming passionate about them and I'm hoping to enroll in a safety course soon to try and get my endorsement! I'm so happy to have found so many, incredible and inspiring women riders including you! This video spoke to my soul. Even though I don't ride motorcycles yet, I do relate to the way you push yourself and strive for perfection, I relate to getting frustrated when not understanding something and making mistakes. And seeing you pushing through and refusing to give up was inspiring!! You are so talented and I'm so proud of you! I hope I can start getting into riding soon, get more involved with the community and have experiences like these. You did amazing! The ending made me smile so bright. Wonderful job and thank you for sharing this experience!! This video was done beautifully!

[@lonely_trans_girl]

I so felt you on this! I did 2 offroad training programs last summer with mostly men, which seemed to add to the pressure. I struggled so bad the first day with not being as good going in one direction than the other then messing up an obstacle and missing the next one entirely 😅 I must have practiced in my dreams because the lessons clicked more the second day! From what you showed, I think you did awesome! I have a CB500X and to me that is a big, heavy bike. The Africa Twin is a beautiful machine but it's way too much for my skill level. You do this very well, I think ❤️🤗

[@MrRickrm]

You did great. I was at the rally on my wr250r and had fun. But even after riding over 55 years, I feel my skills need a class now.

[@bikingwithgrantygrant779]

I think you did great. Sometimes we all put too much pressure on ourselves and sometimes we have good days and bad days. What's amazing to me is, you constantly train to make yourself better, a thing a lot of riders don't and should do. I love watching your videos. You are an inspiration to other riders and just keep doing what you are doing. Looking forward to more videos. I too am going to try a bmw or triumph off road course here in the UK, based on what I have seen you do

[@kellymeier579]

Great video. I dont know why you dont have more subscribers. I have 3 favorite riders to follow: You, Kinga , and Noraly. It would be awesome if the stars were to align, and you could all do a collaboration. And remember, you only get old when you stop learning.

[@jackson_foto]

Absolutely LOVED this. Your dedication to improving and sharing that gets me so pumped!

[@jasonyoung7673]

Proud of You Amanda😀, keep experiencing, learning, & growing as a woman/motorcycle enthusiast..... enjoy being present in the moment with your motorcycle.... where ever it takes you!!...... Great content...:)

[@castle228]

Good stuff, Amanda! Way to stick with it when things got tough. I admire your courage and dedication. Cheers!

[@BryanHastings-db4xr]

hats off to ya mam you dine forgot more than me ever learned smile ole man from mississippi on a wing and and a prayer and retired smile

[@aquasian21]

What a brilliant vid! I found it and you really inspirational so thank you and good luck with your next adventure 💜

[@user-hi9qn1lp5b]

Amanda, you are doing great! Keep up the good work and attitude. Thanks for the vid.

[@Jeremybaland]

Great video! Using a DCT has more of a learning curve on slow speed maneuvers. As you know riding is a mindset, its great to see you not allowing fear to control what you want to do. Lou

[@monawoka97]

Man ya'll are wild. After growing up on dirt bikes I really don't think I could take a bike that big and heavy off road. I'll take a yz250f any day.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Good for you

[@GTMAVRICK19]

Hi Amanda, I am new to youtube and I have watched a few of your videos! You are an inspiration to all! You are doing "the thing" and you give it your all! You are awesome in my book! I have really enjoyed seeing the Country from your eyes. I have driven across the US 14 times but not on a Motorcycle. I have been riding "street" bikes since 1986 an I have over 30 thousand miles of riding between a GS750, Dyna and now my 09 Heritage. You are really good at making videos also. You have a great Brother, and when you and Gary are riding together, I see lots of happiness in both of you obviously! I wish I had a Brother or Sister to ride with me. They don't ride motorcycles. I have really enjoyed the rides I have been on and there is so much more I want to see. I have seen 31 States, most by car or truck, some on motorcycles. I love the West and the East, I have lived on both ends and, in many States, in between. I guess my favorite States to ride in have been New Mexico and North Carolina. I was stationed at the Air Force Base near the White Sands National Park, and I think everyone should see it at least once! I have been there many times myself. Thank you for sharing! Please be safe as usual, I know you are. Maybe I will make a video sometime. I have seen videos from other people as well and I think I have some things to add from my experiences. I wish you all the best and safe travels! Keep going!

[@kevinsterner9490]

Great job Amanda. That AT is not very forgiving in slow technical stuff. Being an Africa Twin owner I can attest to that. Add your anxiety issues (that I can relate to as well ) you did an awesome job.

[@swedbear4035]

You're such an inspiration! The frustration part was extremely relatable ro me and then you decided to get back in the saddle and what a come back! You seem to have great character 💪 And whatching this group of women and the SheAdv made me so happy, wow! 😃

[@AdventureswithRedbeard]

What an amazing experience you had. I rejoiced to see you did the obstacle course and that you were just enjoying the experience. It's so easy for us to get in our heads and forget that we should be enjoying training, even when we aren't getting it down. It's about time for me to get my cones out and really practice. Thank you for this great and inspirational video. See you on the road!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@olliechristopher467]

That was painful to watch. I cannot imagine how hard a DCT bike is to make tight turns. Good on you young lady!!

[@KeViNMCMXXCIX]

Good stuff Amanda! Well done! All worth the experience!

[@StrixyN]

Great video! Important video. Keep riding. Keep creating.

[@tankermike99]

Rain can't stop this crew. Another great video Amanda. It's been an awesome journey watching your community and channel grow. Here's to an epic 2024

[@georgeferguson9779]

Well done! Congratulations!

[@brucegerken1063]

Great video thank you very well done as always thanks for taking us along and putting in all the work. Cheers to ya.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks 👍

[@msims1250]

I always appreciate the honesty and sincerity of your content.

[@ElsaRhae]

This was so interesting and helpful to see!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Oh my goodness 🙏 thank you so much for watching 😊 I'm so glad you found it helpful!

[@artmcalister8230]

Wooooooo! Rain can’t stop this crew! ❤

[@samtech79]

Thanks for posting this. It’s really interesting to see the difference between how men and women learn this stuff. I do some sand riding coaching and my clients go at it soooooo differently. Men have less fear and get annoyed at praise, they only want to hear what to do differently and the success is the praise. Women seem to get a lot more validation from hearing from their coaches. I’m fascinated.

[@t0m0tech]

thank you, this video is very informative on motivation and focus needed

[@trishschofield7808]

👏 Great video and info thanks Amanda.❤

[@MichaelH416]

I love love love that you keep going forward. The glass is never full. There is always a want for more. Not in a greedy way, but in a spiritual way. You are amazing Amanda. I do not do adventure riding. I can’t stand watching it on other channels. It’s not my thing. I will watch your videos forever because you inspire the soul, not the mechanics of it. Your channel for me is about personal growth, the willingness to be brutally honest and vulnerable, and the courage to face the fears and the adventures ahead. Keep being beautiful.

[@user-ss2tu7lj8v]

This Vid is awesome. Thank You Amanda!!!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@jberejik]

Shared this with my wife. We both agree. Awesome! Congrats. 🙂

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thank you!! 😁

[@Jillybean620]

Amazing. What a great opportunity. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Don-ev5ov]

I love how the instructor acknowledged your experience and skills. A very cool course and location.

[@weginale]

As a beginner winen adv rider I found you pretty courageous and inspiring! Maybe we’ll cross path one day. Ride safe 🤘

[@cleytonsilva6879]

Amazing progress, my respects!

[@briansylvester22]

Very inspiring video! Great job!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ChinamanMike]

Great stuff. Those bikes are huge!

[@phillipdaulton9861]

Rain can’t stop this crew!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

🤗❤️

[@stevenpeck5949]

I love watching you grow your skills. Have a great 2024!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@gerdagregerson]

Rain can’t stop this crew! What an awesome video, Amanda! What an amazing experience! You did so great 🤩👍🏻

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

🤗 thanks so much!

[@Motoramblings]

Awesome video! Amazing group, and you did it!!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks so much!!

[@TheExistentialVegan]

Well, that was awesome. I love the getting to know your bike stuff. Cowboy mount, practicing with one hand. Love to see a vid of all the different practicing techniques. Subbed.

[@lesterroberts4787]

Amanda, you are awesome and ride better than most people I know. I also need more seat time.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

AW! Thank you very much, I appreciate that! I think we ALL could use more practice :)

[@lesterroberts4787]

@@AstheMagpieFlies I'm in north Texas by Lake Texoma on 40 acres, if your ever in the neighbor hood you have a place here to stay, your brother is welcome too.

[@hunczar]

I did a similar two day school in the Pine Barrens in NJ in sand; it helped so much, but the bike was too big and too top heavy ultimately. Good for you doing this on the ATAS ES.

[@adventureriha331]

One of my goals for riding is taking more classes like this one. I wish there were more opportunities in the Midwest.

[@tomkruger3496]

Those tight drills are very challenging. You did great.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thank you!

[@happy2wander1]

Awesome video. Shared it with my wife for encouragement

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@the_ice_wind_1775]

Congratulations!

[@CD-lm5xq]

Great video Amanda!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks so much 🤗

[@clifffawcett]

Rain can’t stop this crew 😊

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

🤗❤️

[@In_MT]

Great job overcoming "obstacles" of all kinds. 🙂

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks! 😊

[@haneymoto]

Rain Can't Stop This Crew. Great video as always

[@emfl4437]

This is awesome, there needs to be more female training sessions by females. A great way to meet other riders too. This video will hopefully give Shal additional publicity and encourage riders to take her classes

[@alexduey7868]

So cool to see so many women riding. Your a badass keep it up that’s a beast of a bike to ride.

[@ClassicRider]

I had'nt seen you show up for some time - nice to see you posting - rice safe -

[@monkeyman41333]

As a very short male rider I prefer watching the women riders because on average they are smaller and I can relate to their struggles. I would live to be able to participate in one of these classes. Leg strength is not an issue for me as I'm a bodybuilder. Subscribed

[@djpWilson]

Rain can't stop this crew! Happy to see you back!! :)

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

👏👏👏

[@timking2822]

Well, riding a bike that heavy off-road is starting out with a significant disadvantage. I compliment you for trying.

[@davidslate2005]

Honda, all Amanda's fans thank you.

[@kwik2008]

You did great 👍 Especially considering the weight and the dct. You inspire a lot of people

[@richardsprings1414]

Congratulations I watch all your videos very proud of you

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks Richard!

[@Wayne10160]

I love your videos because they are authentic. You are real !!!!! I cannot wait for my street to thaw so I can get out there. I live at 8500 feet in the mountains in Colorado.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thank you so much!!

[@chonkyb3134]

What a great training class!

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

It was!!

[@bigbadv5775]

I think unlearning habits is much harder than learning a technique right. I have ridden most of my life, about 55 years now. The thing that keeps me going is that I am always learning something new. A recent change to my bike coral has really helped. I have my adventure bike, T7. I also do Hair scrambles and endurance rides on my WR450F. The newest addition has been the Montesa 260 4RT. The balance , throttle and brake work I do on this 140lb bike translates into better control on the bigger bikes. I can drop it 300 time a day and its nothing to pick up over and over. In a trials event, the bike will go as far as my skill will take me. The big plus, I can practice in my yard. You can do anything you want to do. I have found as I age it's easier to work through my bad habits on the Montesa. Maybe consider taking some trials lessons. It's helped me a lot. You are a good rider and have done things that most people would never do SOLO. Hold your head high and have fun. You have accomplished so many things and inspired many people to get out there and ride. Looking forward to your next adventure. B

[@lawrencefrankenberg323]

Hi Amanda! Love your passion and dedication! Sure hope to see you and your brother at Americade one of these years 😂 Motorcycles, Mountains, Lakes, camping...what could go wrong?! Much love !

[@mw1606]

Well done. I have not reached out lately, but I am still watching and seeing your journey.

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

I appreciate that!

[@advredbikes]

Rain cant stop this Crew! Fabulous Ride Amanda, Its just beinghuman that we have our doubts, you are strong and very skilled. I have a 2017 Africa Twin DCT, I do find it hard to control the throttle and the brake in tight areas, plus the top heavy bike does not help. Great job, thank you for the great video. Nice to see Chris in the Video.

[@twinphill900]

Forward is forward, no matter how big or small. Be kind to yourself 😊

[@AstheMagpieFlies]

Thanks for the kind words ☺️

[@nomoreblahblah]

Excellent Cool 😎. I subscribed and liked

[@timktm1]

Way to go!😊

[@hennies9509]

Proud of any lady that chooses a big bike and rides. Great 👍🏼 stuff and keep it up. Stay safe on 2 wheels 🛞 🛞 and let the good times Cape Town South Africa.