I think this solves a problem with your current guided-ride model. Right now, calling something a guided ride implies that you've figured everything out and you're responsible for delivering a predictable experience to whoever purchases it. That puts you in the position of accommodating the least experienced rider who signs up.

“Come Scout With Me” changes the contract—both practically and psychologically.

The message becomes:

I'm heading out to scout a section of New Mexico for a future Breaking Away Expedition. Want to come?

This isn't a polished tour where every turn, lunch stop and obstacle has been predetermined. We're going exploring. We may find an incredible road. We may find a locked gate. We may have to turn around. We may get into some shit.

You'll need the riding ability, motorcycle and attitude to deal with that. If that sounds like your kind of day, come scout with me.

That's much more Breaking Away than conventional guided touring.

It also creates an interesting product ladder:

Come Scout With Me → exploratory, unpredictable, experienced riders, limited spots

Expeditions → finished/scouted GPS product, self-directed, affordable

Rallies/Events → community experience, organized logistics, broader rider range

That distinction should become part of the website architecture.

Build a real Breaking Away trail-rating system

Rating What it actually means

ADV 1 — Easy Maintained dirt/gravel roads. Generally firm surfaces. Minimal loose terrain. Suitable for riders comfortable taking an ADV bike off pavement.

ADV 2 — Intermediate Rougher forest roads, loose gravel, moderate climbs/descents, ruts, sand or embedded rock. Rider should be comfortable standing, controlling the bike on loose surfaces and recovering from occasional mistakes.

ADV 3 — Intermediate+ Sustained rough terrain with combinations of rocks, ruts, loose climbs/descents, sand, water crossings or uneven two-track. Expect sections where line choice matters. Dropping the motorcycle is a realistic possibility. Rider should be comfortable picking up their bike and continuing after difficult sections.

ADV 4 — Advanced Technical terrain where momentum, line selection and advanced off-road control are routinely required. Steep/loose climbs, significant rocks, deep sand, ledges, mud or difficult crossings may occur. Not appropriate for riders still developing basic off-road skills.

Then add another piece that I think is more useful than the rating itself:

“You should be comfortable…”

For Rio Arriba, for example:

INTERMEDIATE+

You should be comfortable:

Riding a loaded ADV motorcycle on loose dirt and gravel.

Standing on the pegs for extended periods.

Riding through ruts and choosing lines around rocks and obstacles.

Managing moderate loose climbs and descents.

Picking up your own motorcycle—or helping another rider pick up theirs.

Riding at highway speeds when connecting trail sections.

Riding for most of the day, potentially several days in a row.

Encountering a section that's harder than expected without completely losing your shit.

That last point is actually important to your brand. Attitude should be part of the rating.

You could even have a separate little designation:

Adventure Factor: HIGH

Routes are scouted and planned, but conditions change. Weather happens. Roads wash out. Gates close. Trees fall. Navigation occasionally gets interesting. That's part of adventure riding—not necessarily evidence that something has gone wrong.

That starts setting expectations before someone gives you money.

10. “Come Scout With Me” should have a higher threshold

I wouldn't rate these exactly like a normal Expedition.

I'd explicitly say something like:

Scout Ride — Experienced Riders Only

Scout rides aren't training rides. Participants should already possess solid off-road motorcycle skills and good judgment. Routes may include unknown conditions, reroutes and terrain we haven't previously ridden. You should be self-sufficient, mechanically prepared and comfortable making decisions in the backcountry.

That dramatically reduces the amount of “Is this ride right for me?” hand-holding you're currently doing.

And I'd make the rider self-select during checkout:

Before registering, I confirm that:

☐ I have read the terrain description.

☐ My motorcycle is appropriate for the ride.

☐ I have the required riding experience.

☐ I understand that scouting involves unknown conditions and possible reroutes.

☐ I'm capable of managing myself and my motorcycle in the backcountry.