Meet the team:

The Heart of Académie Ridaventure

Académie Ridaventure.

How the Journey Began.

Founded in 2019 by the esteemed Claude Gagné, a certified BMW Germany instructor, Académie Ridaventure was born from a passion for motorcycle excellence. Our academy is dedicated to imparting the essential techniques needed for proficient trail and adventure riding, catering to both dual-use and adventure motorcycles. Our focus is on nurturing skills that ensure both enjoyment and safety on every ride.

Mission and Vision Statement

At Académie Ridaventure, we are driven by a mission to empower motorcycle enthusiasts with unparalleled training and skills development. Dedicated to providing a comprehensive learning experience, we focus on safety, technique, and the pure joy of riding. Our goal is to equip every student, from beginners to seasoned riders, with the confidence and competence to explore new terrains and embrace the adventure of the open road.

Our vision extends beyond the present, aspiring to establish Académie Ridaventure as a leading motorcycle training academy, renowned for our commitment to excellence and a deep-seated passion for riding. We aim to foster a community of skilled, responsible, and enthusiastic riders who share our love for adventure. Through continuous innovation in our training methods and a profound respect for the sport, we are dedicated to inspiring and cultivating a new generation of motorcycle adventurers

Claude Gagné, owner – Chief Instructor

With 41 years’ experience in the world of motorcycling, Claude Gagné is a certified instructor with the BMW Motorrad Instructor Academy, having completed his Off-Road Motorbike training in Hechlingen, Germany (2013), as well as his On-Road Motorbike training in Maisach, Germany (2016). In 2023, he obtained BMW Motorrad Tour Guide certification in Málaga, Spain, consolidating his expertise in the professional accompaniment of groups on the road.

A former participant in the GS Challenge (2008-2009) and member of the Canadian GS Challenge team from 2012 to 2018, Claude was also Marshal of the 2014 GS Trophy. He now has more than 12 years’ experience as a BMW-certified instructor, and has been a MOA ambassador since 2014.

He also worked for 5 years as a motorbike trail agent (FQMHR), enriching his field expertise with solid experience in safety and route management. Passionate, rigorous and renowned for his structured teaching methods, Claude has covered more than 500,000 kilometres behind the wheel of a BMW GSA, both on-road and off-road.

Stephane Blackman – Instructor

With 42 years on two wheels, our recently retired police sergeant brings over three decades of law enforcement experience to the motorcycle world. A certified Level 1 & 2 police motorcycle operator from the Ontario Police College, he’s competed in skills competitions across Canada and the U.S. and now serves as an instructor at top government training facilities.

Holding Level 3 coaching certifications for Tae Kwon Do Quebec and Ringette Canada, he’s also a Master Officiating Facilitator for Ringette Canada.

As a road master for Gabriel BMW Motorrad, he leads client test drives on his GS1250 Adventure, BMW RT1200P, and Harley Davidson FLHP, sharing his passion and expertise with the motorcycle community.

Eric Ménard – Assistant Instructor

Eric, a journalist and motorcycle instructor, is known for his work on the Show de Moto on RDS. He has explored roads across Peru, Turkey, Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe, and the Orient.

Eric participated in the 2018 BMW GS Trophy Mongolia as a journalist for the Canadian team and is an effective communicator of his passion for Sport Adventure motorcycling.

Steve Maxwell – Instructor

Steve has been riding since the age of 12, with the past 15 years focused on ADV bikes, primarily BMW R1200GS models. He has served as a motor officer with the Toronto Police Service Winged Wheels precision motorcycle team and as a trainer for motor officer annual requalification.

Steve’s experience includes teaching experienced rider slow-speed training and motorcycle licensing training with the OSC, and he has competed in several BMW GS Challenge events.

Start Your Riding Adventure

Register Now for Unmatched Training

Your journey to becoming a master rider begins with a single step: registration. At Académie Ridaventure, we’re ready to guide you on a path filled with exhilarating experiences and expert training.