Adventure motorcycle rally is coming to Washington

Why it matters: If, like me, you bought a dual sport or adventure motorcycle without ever having had previous off-road experience, it can be daunting to know where to start.

• Though the Touratech Rally typically draws more than a thousand veteran riders annually, there's a new emphasis this year on welcoming newcomers to the event and new riders and helping them get comfortable with the sport, Matt Lewis, marketing and events director for Touratech-USA, told Axios.

Details: The event features 12 mapped-out courses from three very easy or beginner routes to "super advanced" ones, he said.

• Beginners can take part in guided rides on the easier routes that will run about every hour and be steered by experienced leads and followed by sweeps. They can also ride slowly at their own pace to get the feel of the road, Lewis said.

• Classes for new riders will include the basics, such as how to brake on gravel and how to right a fallen bike.
• There's plenty for mid-level and seasoned riders as well, from new model demo rides to courses by off-road legend Jimmy Lewis and lessons on how to prepare and cook epic trailside meals.