Moto Adventurer Unscripted: Real Conversations for Motorcyclists, Adventurers and Outdoor Explorers

Drew Faulkner
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Automotive
  • Updated Weekly

Moto Adventurer Unscripted is a long-form motorcycle podcast on adventure riding, dual sport culture, and real-world ADV travel. It goes beyond surface advice into how riders build skills, plan routes, choose bikes, manage costs, and navigate events like rallies and dual sport gatherings. With an Appalachian focus, it explores terrain, the machines, and the community. Expect unfiltered discussions about meeting riders, preparing for trips and events, and building the skills and gear setups that make every ride smoother, safer, and more fun.

  1. 2d ago

    Red River Scramble 2026: The Ultimate Kentucky ADV & Dual Sport Rally Guide

    Red River Scramble is back for 2026, and we're breaking down everything you need to know before you point your motorcycle toward Red River Gorge, Kentucky. Drew and Mark take you inside this grassroots, choose-your-own-adventure motorcycle rally—from what the Scramble is all about to where to stay, what to expect at Lago Linda Hideaway, how to meet other riders, and what kind of riding you'll find throughout the region. We'll break down the different route difficulty levels, from scenic gravel and easy adventure riding to intermediate terrain, advanced ADV routes, and dedicated dual-sport trails. We also talk about the Dango Death March, changing trail conditions, wet clay, water crossings, and how to choose routes that match your skill level. Whether you're a Red River Scramble veteran, a first-time attendee, or just looking for an excuse to ride the backroads of Eastern Kentucky, this episode will help you prepare for the 2026 Scramble. Red River Scramble 2026: October 1–4 in Red River Gorge, Kentucky. In this episode: What the Red River Scramble is and why it's different Camping, RVs, cabins, and other accommodations What to expect at Lago Linda Hideaway How to meet people if you're attending solo Red River Gorge riding, attractions, and routes Route difficulty levels and terrain Mud, clay, water crossings, and changing trail conditions How to choose routes that match your skill level Subscriber Bonus: We go behind the scenes of the Scramble with the Pumpkin Hollow story, route reconnaissance, hidden sticker caches, the Dango Death March, rally logistics, and what it takes to organize an adventure motorcycle event.The Red River Scramble is less about organized activities and more about one thing: getting out into the woods and having an adventure. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    Red River Scramble 2026: The Ultimate Kentucky ADV & Dual Sport Rally Guide

  2. Aug 24

    EP171: How to Prepare for a Group ADV Motorcycle Ride

    Group rides can be one of the best ways to get into adventure and dual sport motorcycling—but they can also go sideways fast when riders show up without understanding the ride, terrain, pace, or expectations. In this episode, Drew and Mark break down what you need to know before joining an ADV motorcycle group ride, whether you're a new adventure rider or an experienced rider looking to make group rides run more smoothly. We cover how to choose the right ride, understand terrain and difficulty, estimate mileage and fuel requirements, and match your skill level and motorcycle to the group. We also dig into motorcycle preparation and gear, including mechanical inspections, tires, fuel range, hydration, navigation, tools, spare parts, rain gear, and communication systems. Then we get into group ride etiquette and communication: showing up on time, fuel stops, parking, hand signals, Cardo/intercom communication, intersections, keeping track of other riders, and—perhaps most importantly—not disappearing without telling anyone. Throughout the episode, we come back to one simple idea: know your limits, leave your ego at home, communicate when you're tired, and don't be afraid to take a break or turn around. In this episode: How to choose the right ADV group ride Understanding terrain, pace, mileage and fuel range Matching your motorcycle and skill level to a ride Preparing your bike, gear and navigation Essential tools, spares and trail repair supplies Group ride communication and hand signals Intersections and keeping the group together Group ride etiquette and common rider mistakes Knowing when to slow down, bail out or turn around Building friendships and community through adventure riding Subscriber bonus: The extended section goes behind the scenes of leading an ADV group ride, covering risk management, rider recovery, emergencies, mechanical failures, losing a rider, communication plans, intersections, and knowing when to end the ride.Whether you ride an ADV motorcycle, dual sport, or just want to start riding off-road with other people, this episode will help you show up prepared and become the kind of rider other people actually want in their group. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

  3. Aug 17

    EP170: 7 Mistakes That Ruin Adventure Motorcycle Trips More Than Breakdowns

    We spend a lot of time worrying about flat tires, broken chains, and dead batteries—but are mechanical failures really what end most adventure motorcycle trips? In this episode, Drew and Mark break down the mistakes that are far more likely to ruin your ride than a breakdown ever will. From poor fitness and dehydration to bad weather, unrealistic expectations, group ride drama, and simple planning mistakes, they share hard-earned lessons from years of adventure riding, rally organizing, and exploring the backroads of Appalachia. Along the way, they discuss: Why your body can fail before your motorcycle does The hidden dangers of dehydration, fatigue, and poor nutrition How weather can completely change—or end—a trip Planning mistakes that create more stress than adventure Group ride personalities, conflict, and keeping the trip fun The "death by a thousand annoyances" that slowly wears riders down Why attitude is often the most important piece of gear you pack Whether you're preparing for your first overnight ADV trip or you're a seasoned rider planning your next big expedition, this episode will help you avoid the mistakes that actually send riders home early. Question of the Week:What's more likely to ruin an adventure motorcycle trip than a mechanical breakdown? Share your stories with us in the Moto Adventurer Unscripted Facebook Group or email motoadvr@gmail.com. Ride safe, stay hydrated, and remember: sometimes the biggest obstacle isn't the trail—it's the decisions you make before you ever leave the driveway. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    EP170: 7 Mistakes That Ruin Adventure Motorcycle Trips More Than Breakdowns

  4. Aug 10

    EP169: 2 Years of ADV Riding What Surprised Me, What Changed, and What I Learned

    What really changes during your first two years of adventure riding? This week we're joined by Roy, who shares his journey from brand-new ADV rider to confidently tackling challenging terrain throughout Kentucky and Appalachia. We discuss the lessons that surprised him most, the mistakes he made, the gear he wishes he'd bought sooner, and how his confidence evolved after two seasons on an adventure bike. Expectations vs. reality as a new adventure riderThe biggest surprises after buying an ADV motorcycleLearning to ride mud, gravel, and rocky terrain*How tire choice changed everythingAdventure bike vs. dual sport: why Roy now owns bothAccessories that were worth buying—and those that weren'tWhy "ride your own ride" is the best advice for new ADV riders After the public episode, we continue the conversation with practical advice for riders who are just getting started, including: How to choose your first adventure motorcycleWhat Roy would do differently if he started over todayWhere new riders should spend—and save—their moneyBuilding confidence without taking unnecessary risksMore stories from the trail that didn't make the public showIf you're thinking about buying your first adventure bike—or you're still in your first few seasons of riding—this episode is full of practical lessons that can help shorten the learning curve. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. ⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe⁠ Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr⁠ In this episode:In the Subscriber Aftershow:

    EP169: 2 Years of ADV Riding What Surprised Me, What Changed, and What I Learned

  5. Aug 3

    EP168: Can You Still Trust Motorcycle Influencers: The Cost of Losing Authenticity

    Can you still trust motorcycle influencers? As YouTube creators and social media personalities increasingly replace traditional motorcycle journalism, riders are left wondering where honest reviews end and sponsored content begins. In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark discuss the state of motorcycle YouTube, adventure motorcycle influencers, dual-sport content creators, sponsored gear reviews, affiliate marketing, clickbait, free products, and the growing challenge of staying authentic while creating motorcycle content. They examine how influencer culture has changed the ADV community, what makes a review trustworthy, and how riders can identify genuine experience versus paid promotion. Along the way, they highlight several creators they believe consistently produce high-quality, authentic motorcycle content and discuss what today's motorcycle community should expect from gear reviews, bike reviews, and long-term testing. Subscriber Bonus: We go behind the scenes of our own podcast to discuss sponsorship offers, affiliate links, free gear, Spotify advertising, YouTube monetization, and the ethical decisions we face as motorcycle content creators. You'll also hear real examples of companies that have approached us, what we've accepted (and turned down), how we maintain our independence, and exactly how your subscription supports future motorcycle reviews, gear testing, and podcast production. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    EP168: Can You Still Trust Motorcycle Influencers: The Cost of Losing Authenticity

  6. Jul 27

    EP167: Behind the Curtain: The Motorcycle Journalism Industry with Chris Cope

    What really happens behind the scenes of motorcycle journalism? In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, we sit down with longtime motorcycle journalist Chris Cope to pull back the curtain on the motorcycle media industry. Chris is the former Editor-in-Chief of RideApart and founder of Dancing the Polka, where he combines motorcycle storytelling, reviews, and reflections on the culture surrounding riding. We explore what life is actually like running a major motorcycle publication, how manufacturer press launches work from a journalist's perspective, how motorcycle reviews go from a first ride to a published article, and the challenges facing modern motorcycle media. Chris shares insights into: The reality of being an Editor-in-Chief at RideApart What riders don't see behind motorcycle press launches How motorcycle journalists balance manufacturers, readers, and honest opinions The evolution from traditional motorcycle magazines to online media and influencers Why storytelling and emotional connection matter more than horsepower numbers and specifications The future of motorcycle journalism in the age of AI Whether you're curious about how motorcycle reviews are made, interested in becoming a motorcycle writer, or simply want a better understanding of the industry that shapes the bikes we ride, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look from someone who has lived it. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    EP167: Behind the Curtain: The Motorcycle Journalism Industry with Chris Cope

  7. Jul 20

    EP166: DIY Motorcycle Mods That Actually Work: 50+ Garage Hacks for Adventure Riders

    What happens when two adventure riders compare every cheap motorcycle modification they've ever built, borrowed, or stolen from the internet? In this episode, Drew and Mark share 50+ DIY motorcycle mods, garage hacks, roadside repairs, and budget upgrades that actually work. From homemade luggage and comfort improvements to trail-side repair tricks, camping gear, tool hacks, and motorcycle protection ideas, this episode is packed with practical solutions that can save you hundreds of dollars without sacrificing reliability. Whether you ride an adventure bike, dual sport, ADV touring bike, or simply enjoy building your own gear, you'll come away with plenty of ideas to customize your motorcycle on a budget. Topics include: DIY luggage & storage — Ammo can panniers, Pelican cases, and homemade tool tubes Comfort upgrades — DIY throttle locks, pool noodle passenger backrests, and budget wind protection Garage tools & maintenance — Homemade specialty tools and chain maintenance Bike protection — DIY skid plates, radiator guards, & headlight protection. Roadside repairs — Creative fixes using JB Weld, Gorilla Tape, paracord, and everyday materials Camping & travel hacks — Budget camp gear, military surplus finds, and packing solutions If you enjoy motorcycle garage projects, budget adventure riding, DIY fabrication, or simply finding creative ways to improve your bike without spending a fortune, this episode is full of practical ideas you can use immediately. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    EP166: DIY Motorcycle Mods That Actually Work: 50+ Garage Hacks for Adventure Riders

  8. Jul 16 ·  Bonus

    Is Lower Gearing Worth It? The Truth About Changing Your Motorcycle Sprocket Unscripted Shortcut

    Is gearing down your motorcycle really the best $30 off-road upgrade, or is it one of the most overrated modifications in adventure riding? In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted: Shortcuts, Drew Faulkner takes a practical look at one of the most common modifications in dual-sport and ADV riding: changing your final drive gearing. Learn what "gearing down" actually means, why so many riders swap front and rear sprockets, and the real-world advantages for technical trails, hill climbs, rocks, and slow-speed control. More importantly, we discuss the trade-offs that often get overlooked, including higher highway RPM, increased vibration, speedometer changes, and why there really is no free lunch when changing your motorcycle's gearing. Whether you ride a Yamaha Ténéré 700, Triumph Scrambler, WR250R, CRF250L, KTM dual sport, or just want to understand motorcycle sprocket changes before spending your money, this episode will help you decide if lower gearing is actually the right modification for your riding style. In this episode: What gearing down really means Front vs. rear sprocket changes Why ADV and dual-sport riders lower their gearing Highway compromises nobody talks about Common installation tips and mistakes How to decide if it's worth doing on your bike Subscriber Bonus: After the public episode, Drew shares his personal experience with four different motorcycles—the Triumph Scrambler, Yamaha Ténéré 700, Honda CRF250L, and KTM 350—including why he geared each bike down, why he returned several of them to stock gearing, and how his opinion has changed after years of riding everything from adventure rallies to hare scrambles. If you've ever wondered whether lower gearing is really worth it, this is the part of the conversation you won't want to miss. Have you changed your gearing? What motorcycle do you ride, what sprocket combination are you running, and would you make the same choice again? Leave a comment or send us an email—we'd love to hear your experience. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    Is Lower Gearing Worth It? The Truth About Changing Your Motorcycle Sprocket Unscripted Shortcut
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About

Moto Adventurer Unscripted is a long-form motorcycle podcast on adventure riding, dual sport culture, and real-world ADV travel. It goes beyond surface advice into how riders build skills, plan routes, choose bikes, manage costs, and navigate events like rallies and dual sport gatherings. With an Appalachian focus, it explores terrain, the machines, and the community. Expect unfiltered discussions about meeting riders, preparing for trips and events, and building the skills and gear setups that make every ride smoother, safer, and more fun.

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