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Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Film

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Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Documentary Film

Backcountry Discovery Routes has released news on an upcoming film about its new Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route (CABDR-North). The film is scheduled to premiere on Feb. 17 at the Sofia Performing Arts Center in Sacramento, California, before a three-month tour.

The adventure motorcycling non-profit Backcountry Discover Routes works to responsibly create adventure and dual-sport motorcycling routes. The company’s recent Economic Impact Study white paper shows that BDR has brought in $60 million to BDR-related areas and small communities during 2023.

Related: Backcountry Discovery Routes Announces Economic Impact of BDR Routes

Upon the film’s premiere, the company will release free GPS tracks, a digital map, FAQs, and travel resources on the BDR website, and a waterproof map of the route can be purchased on the online store.

Related: Riding South Dakota’s Black Hills BDR-X

For more information on the film and the CABDR-North route, read the press release below, and find the film’s trailer at the bottom.

Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Documentary Film

The adventure motorcycling non-profit Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) has just released the trailer for their upcoming Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route (CABDR-North) Expedition documentary film. The feature-length film premieres on Feb. 17 at the Sofia Performing Arts Center (Sutter Theatre) in Sacramento, California, kicking off a three-month tour with over 80 film screenings planned at motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country.

The CABDR-North represents the organization’s 13th route for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel, with free GPS tracks, travel resources, and BDR Motorcycle Map scheduled to accompany the film’s debut.

Motorcycle dealerships and clubs interested in hosting an CABDR-North film screening can reserve their tour date on the BDR website.

Riders looking to help BDR continue on its mission of creating and preserving ADV riding opportunities should consider joining the BDR Annual Supporter Program featuring exclusive BDR swag and industry discounts from over 40 adventure brands.

Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Documentary Film

About the Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route & Film

The Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route expedition film features members of the BDR team and special guests from both BMW Motorrad USA and Zero Motorcycles as they take a first run on the all-new route, immersing themselves in Northern California’s captivating blend of landscapes, terrain, and history.

Starting in Mammoth Lakes, California, atop Minaret Vista, the 940-mile route traverses the Great Sierra Nevada Range’s conifer forests, mountain meadows, and gentle slopes, concluding in the high desert of the Modoc Plateau just north of Alturas, California, at the Oregon border. Riders enjoy blissful forested two-tracks, tackle rugged canyon, and mountain roads and ascend peaks to fire lookouts with unparalleled, 360-degree views.

Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Documentary Film

Highlights of the route include quaint towns nestled in the High Sierra’s folds, with their historic inns dating back to the 1880s. Beyond the thrill of the twisty roads and scenic vistas, riders can delve into California history, discover relics of mining towns, and witness geological wonders.

The route caters to riders of varying skill levels and offers optional challenging sections, plus three expert segments.

Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Documentary Film

“California.… The mere utterance of the word evokes a vision and emotion expressed in countless song and prose dedicated to a place called ‘California,’” said Ron West, Northern California BDR Route architect and BDR board member. “The birthplace of Disneyland is also nothing short of a Magic Kingdom for the adventure rider. This route, born of countless scouting trips over the last five years, captures the essence of a remote and beautiful Northern California, one that may be difficult for the casual tourist to comprehend. But we found it! Just as adventurers before you from California’s earliest days seeking gold or a new beginning, so can you find your adventure by simply downloading and following the tracks laid before you. Eureka!”

Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Documentary Film

Route Release & Film Tour

The Official Film Premiere of the CABDR-North documentary will be on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. PST at the Sofia Performing Arts Center (Sutter Theatre) in Sacramento, California, featuring representatives from BDR, BMW Motorrad USA, Zero Motorcycles, and select industry partners and journalists.

Free GPS tracks, digital map, FAQs, and travel resources will be released on February 17th at 12 noon PST on the BDR website. The waterproof CABDR-North motorcycle map will be available for purchase at the BDR Online Store.

Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Documentary Film

For those in Southern California, BDR is hosting a film screening and a mini-ADV Expo event on March 16 in the Los Angeles Arts District, at Bike Shed, a 30,000 square foot moto-venue, with a bar and restaurant, multi-brand retail space, barbershop, tattoo studio, and gallery space. During the day, the event is open to the public for free from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring representatives from major ADV brands and BDR industry partners, as well as OEM demo rides. The film screening will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the gallery space with admission tickets sold on the BDR website.

Every year, nearly 100 motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country host screenings of the BDR organization’s newest film. Check the Film Tour page for a schedule of upcoming CABDR-North premieres and join your fellow adventure enthusiasts for an exciting evening of adventure motorcycle film entertainment.

Dealerships and/or clubs interested in hosting a film screening can get more information and reserve their screening date on the BDR Dealership Page.

Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Documentary Film

Route Sponsors

BDR partnerships with major industry brands made this project possible.

BMW Motorrad USA is presenting their third BDR route, with the Lead Motorcycle Instructor from the BMW U.S. Rider Academy (in Greer, South Carolina) joining the CABDR-North filming expedition.

“Now, with first-hand experience of riding a BMW GS on a BDR, I have insights that will help us better prepare students who are training for a BDR ride,” said Richie Few, led motorcycle instructor at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. “If you dream about taking your motorcycle off the beaten path or riding a BDR, join us in South Carolina and take a class at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Together, we can help make that dream a reality.”

Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Documentary Film

Zero Motorcycles underscored their commitment to advancing the possibilities of electric adventure riding in the backcountry by providing two DSR/X motorcycles, their pioneering electric ADV model, to be tested on the route.

“For me, the Northern California BDR expedition is rooted deep,” said Trevor Doniak, chief prototype and test rider for Zero Motorcycles. “From participating in the development of the DSR/X at Zero in Santa Cruz to my personal upbringing in Northern California, this was an experience of a lifetime. The NorCal BDR will not disappoint! I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 4 years old and love every aspect of riding. The Northern California BDR fulfilled me 10X from a motorcycle rider’s perspective.”

Edelweiss Bike Travel, Austria-based premier world-wide motorcycle tour company, has been a BDR industry supporter for many years.

Outback Motortek, producer of quality protection and multifunctional luggage systems (used by BDR recently in their Ducati DesertX build) has deep roots in metal fabrication going as far back as the early 80’s.

Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Documentary Film

Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Industry Partners

Special thanks to BDR community members and partners including:

Touratech-USA, KLIM Technical Riding Gear, Mosko Moto, Motoz Tires, SENA, Alpinestars, Colorado Motorcycle Adventures, Gaia GPS, Rev’It!, Austin Moto Adventures, Cyclops Adventure Sports, Moto Camp Nerd, West 38 Moto, Rever, Wolfman Luggage/Threadworks, Black Dog Cycle Works, Doubletake Mirror, ADVMoto Magazine, Upshift Online, and BMW MOA.

The post Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route Expedition Film appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Riding South Dakota’s Black Hills BDR-X

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Black Hills BDR-X
On the Black Hills BDR-X, Daniel was thrilled with the 411cc Royal Enfield Himalayan. “It’s the way to go for me as I continue to master my off-road riding skills!” (See Shad TR40 Terra Adventure saddlebags review here.)

If you’re looking for a golden adventure riding opportunity, the Black Hills BDR-X marks the spot. Backcountry Discovery Routes are adventure/dual‑­sport routes that typically cover entire states and take about a week to complete, with GPS tracks and helpful info provided for free by the nonprofit BDR organization. In addition to its main routes, BDR has mapped out several shorter BDR-­X loop routes that can be completed in a few days.

Black Hills BDR-X

Scan QR code above or click here to view the route on REVER

Located in western South Dakota, the Black Hills area is known for its scenic beauty, curvy roads, and historic sites like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. When most motorcyclists think of the Black Hills, they think of the Sturgis rally, which brings upwards of 500,000 people to the region every August.

The Black Hills BDR-X is a 355‑­mile mostly off‑­road loop that starts and ends in Keystone, just a few miles east of Mount Rushmore, and is divided into three sections. Backcountry Discovery Routes recommends riding the Black Hills BDR-­X counterclockwise, but since it’s a loop, you can start and finish anywhere along the route and run it in either direction.

Black Hills BDR-X Mount Rushmore
The presidents at Mount Rushmore represent key aspects of U.S. history: Washington symbolizes the country’s birth, Jefferson represents expansion, Lincoln signifies development, and Roosevelt signifies preservation.

What makes the Black Hills BDR-X such a perfect adventure route is its variety. The landscape includes rugged mountains, dense forests, and wide‑­open prairies. The route passes through historic towns like Deadwood, Mystic, and Hill City, as well as public lands such as Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park.

Black Hills BDR-X
We rode into Deadwood covered in Black Hills dust just like they did 150 years ago.

There are great campgrounds or more luxurious lodging available. You’re never far from civilization, so you can get away from it all yet still have access to gas stations, stores, restaurants, and hotels. The BDR-X route includes flowing gravel and dirt roads, challenging two‑­track, and some of the area’s best paved roads, including Spearfish Canyon Road, Needles Highway, and Iron Mountain Road.

Black Hills BDR-X Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon was the filming location of the final scene in “Dances With Wolves.”

Setting the Hook

Last July, I joined three of my CFMOTO USA colleagues – Reid Strait, Daniel Dégallier, and Bill Baker – at Get On ADV Fest, a four‑­day adventure‑­bike rally in the Black Hills where we introduced the Ibex 800 T adventure bike. There was plenty of off‑­road riding involved, and REVER provided excellent tracks for the event.

Related: 2023 CFMOTO Ibex 800 T | Road Test Review 

Black Hills BDR-X
The Black Hills BDR-X is a best-of-class route. Gorgeous canyon roads. Superb gravel. Epic two-track. Majestic scenery. Native American and U.S. history. Clean, easy camping. Great food. Yup, there’s golden riding in them thar Black Hills.

The riding was so good, we were inspired to return in September and be among the first to ride the new Black Hills BDR-­X. The stars aligned when we learned that Rally for Rangers, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support park rangers, would be hosting an event in the Black Hills at the same time (see sidebar below). CFMOTO USA provided Ibex 800 Ts for the guides to use during the event, along with a Papio minibike for cruising around the campground.  

Black Hills BDR-X Hitchrail Bar
The Hitch Rail Bar and Restaurant in Pringle is a great lunch stop.

After we delivered the bikes to the event, we spent the next few days riding the Black Hills BDR-­X to do some team bonding. Reid rode an Ibex 800 T, but the rest of us rode our personal bikes: Bill on a KTM 690 Enduro R, Daniel on a Royal Enfield Himalayan, and me on a Kawasaki KLX 300.

Black Hills BDR-X Pactola Reservoir
There’s an old mining town at the bottom of Pactola Reservoir, which was completed in 1956.

Black Hills BDR-X: 4 Riders, 4 Bikes, 4 Days

We may have different tastes in bikes, but we all agree on one thing: The Black Hills BDR-X is fantastic. It’s 355 miles of adventure motorcycling bliss. In terms of difficulty, I’d rate it 4 or 5 on a scale of 1‑­10. (I’ve also ridden the Mid Atlantic BDR, which I’d rate an easy 2 or 3.) Every day of the BDR-­X was filled with moments of euphoria, which crystallized into memories that we’ll share around the campfire for years to come.

Related: Backcountry Discovery Routes Announces Economic Impact of BDR Routes

Black Hills BDR-X Kawasaki KLX
Brad’s Kawasaki KLX after the BDR-X.

During one part of the ride, the sun overhead was radiant, casting a warm, autumn glow. The steady, gentle crunch of gravel under my tires never got old, nor did the scenery. Towering cliffs with rough textures contrasted with the vivid foliage below. The curves and bends unfurled before me, each one as breathtaking as the last. It was a sensory feast, as if Mother Nature took out her paintbrush, mixed up an impossibly diverse palette of rich colors, and painted a masterpiece. At higher elevations, the hills were ablaze in scarlet, amber, and gold, while it was a verdant wonderland down below. I was tempted to ride faster, but I slowed down, smelled the pines, and savored the experience.

Black Hills BDR-X
Campfire quote of the night: “Motorcycles are like beer. The best one is the one in your hand.”

Black Hills Gold

If you love off‑­road adventure riding, you’ll love the Black Hills BDR-X, which was like discovering a vein of gold. There’s gravel, rocky two‑­track, mud, and epic pavement. There’s majestic scenery, wildlife, and history. You can’t see and do it all in one trip, so like the four of us, you’ll want to come back. It’s fun but by no means a stroll in the park, and it’s the difficult stuff that sticks with you for a lifetime.

Black Hills BDR-X
Get the best zip ties money can buy; you’ll be glad you spent the extra quarter.

On Day 3, it was raining, and we opted to do the optional hard section over Bear Mountain. The route was rutted, rocky, steep two‑­track. The slick mud packed up on our tires, turning them into Teflon‑­coated slicks. Bill christened this spur route “Axle Grease Alley.” On the final bit, I chose my line and went for it, twisting the throttle to the stop, desperate for the tires to hook up, every muscle in my body fighting to keep me and the Kawasaki upright. After I made it to the top, Reid gave me a thumbs‑­up and said, “Brad, you looked like a flailing Kool‑­Aid man. Next time keep your feet on the pegs!”

Black Hills BDR-X
Climbing Bear Mountain in the rain took its toll on the KTM’s 17,000-mile clutch, which gave up the ghost short of the top. Bill had just enough bite left to make it to camp.

Happily, we all made it through the toughest sections in one piece. Despite the struggle and the chaos, even with our bikes and bodies caked in mud, we were grinning from ear to ear. Daniel’s quick thinking led us to a car wash in Custer, where we pressure‑­washed our bikes and could again recognize which was which. Cost? A few quarters. Memories? Priceless.

Black Hills BDR-X Bear Mountain lookout tower
BDR-X Section 3: If the trails are muddy, there are two ways to reach the Bear Mountain lookout tower: the “Hard Way” and the “Not Today” way. If it’s dry as July and the dust is flying, no problem.

Rally for Rangers Sidebar

The mission of Rally for Rangers is “to protect the world’s special places by empowering rangers around the world with new motorcycles and equipment.” It has provided more than 160 motorcycles and equipment for rangers in parks in distant places like Mongolia, Argentina, Nepal, Bhutan, Peru, and Namibia.

The first Rally for Rangers USA event took place last September in South Dakota’s Black Hills National Forest and Pine Ridge Reservation. Fifteen adventure riders raised nearly $40,000 before convening in Custer State Park for a weekend of camping, riding, visiting tribal park rangers, and donating equipment and funds to protect parks and forests.

Traditional Rally for Rangers events are two‑­week international journeys, but the USA rallies are held over a long weekend. The Black Hills event donated night vision optics for tribal rangers of the Oglala Sioux Parks to conduct nighttime anti‑­poaching patrols. A donation was also made to the Forest Service motorized trails program to support motorcycle‑­only trails in the Black Hills National Forest.

Black Hills BDR-X Rally for Rangers
On our third day, we met up with Rally for Rangers. It was a night to remember that included amazing food, a meet-and-greet with the Oglala Sioux rangers, and ideal camping conditions in Custer State Park.

Riders in this inaugural event hailed from all over the U.S., with some trailering their bikes and others renting from Rogue Moto or using demo bikes provided by CFMOTO. The weekend included off‑­road training by Heavy Enduro as well as on- and off‑­road riding on Needles Highway, portions of the Black Hills BDR‑­X, and otherwise inaccessible trails on the Pine Ridge Reservation hosted by the Oglala Sioux rangers.

The Black Hills Rally for Rangers event takes place again in September 2024 to support Oglala Sioux and Northern Cheyenne tribal rangers. For more information, visit the Rally For Rangers website or listen to our interview with Rally for Rangers co‑­founder Tom Medema on the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast.

Black Hills BDR-X

Black Hills BDR-X Resources:

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Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Backcountry Discovery Routes Announces Economic Impact of BDR Routes

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Continuing in their mission of responsibly creating off-highway routes for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel, the nonprofit Backcountry Discovery Routes organization has released its 2023 Economic Impact Study white paper, which reports more than $60 million dollars in boosts to local economies in proximity to BDR routes. Of particular interest was the impact on smaller rural communities, where the increase in tourism dollars has helped offset declines in other industries such as mining or forestry. For more information, read the press release below.

Backcountry Discovery Routes BDR

SEATTLE – Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), the nonprofit organization dedicated to developing adventure riding opportunities across the U.S., just released its comprehensive Economic Impact Study white paper.  The report underscores the role played by BDR riders in bolstering local economies, with BDR-related spending creating an annual economic impact of over $60 million across all BDR routes.

To access the complete economic impact study white paper and learn more about Backcountry Discovery Routes, visit the Economic Impact Study page on the BDR website.

Conducted in partnership with the University of Wyoming’s Center for Business and Economic Analysis (CBEA), the study examined visitor spending patterns among motorcyclists traveling on BDR routes. Key findings were derived from economic impact calculations, utilizing state-specific multipliers, industry-specific margins, estimates of out-of-state visitors, and average spending per industry and state.

Backcountry Discovery Routes BDR

One of the standout conclusions from the study is the substantial positive impact BDR has on small rural communities. As the organization continues to create new BDR routes, it brings a surge of economic activity to these areas in the form of tourism. The influx of commerce extends to various sectors, including hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, parks, and more. Many of these rural communities have faced economic challenges due to declines in traditional industries such as mining and forestry, and BDR’s initiatives have proven to be an important source of new tourism revenue for these remote local economies.

Backcountry Discovery Routes BDR

Inna Thorn, executive director at Backcountry Discovery Routes, said that many states are looking for new outdoor recreation opportunities to help diversify their economies and bring new tourism dollars to local communities.

“This economic impact study underscores the substantial positive influence BDR has on the communities we travel through,” she said. “More than just an advocate for off-highway motorcycling, BDR is a catalyst for economic growth in rural communities along our routes. As we continue to expand our network of routes, we are committed to making a lasting and positive difference in these communities, while educating our riders about safe and respectful travel on public lands and in local communities.”

Related: Backcountry Discovery Routes | Ep. 58 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

In addition, BDR efforts are also growing the sport by creating new adventure riders and driving motorcycle sales. The study found that BDR riders generated $9.6 million in motorcycle sales in 2022. BDR riders are not just buying motorcycles, they are also spending significant dollars on related products and services to prepare for a BDR ride. 

Backcountry Discovery Routes BDR

BDR invites all interested parties, including policymakers, local officials, and motorcycling enthusiasts, to explore the full economic impact study white paper. By understanding the tangible benefits that BDR routes bring to rural areas, communities and stakeholders can work together to harness the potential for sustainable growth and development of adventure motorcycle tourism.

About Backcountry Discovery Routes

Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that creates off-highway routes for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel. The organization’s work includes promoting rider education and safety campaigns, driving economic relief to rural communities, and encouraging responsible motorcycle travel in the backcountry. Through the careful investment of funds and working with land managers and other public benefit organizations, BDR seeks to keep remote public roads open for motorcycling for generations to come. 

BDR delivers turn-key trip planning resources to the community including GPS tracks, digital maps, travel information, route condition updates, YouTube videos, Q&As, and other information – all available 24/7 on the Backcountry Discovery Routes website. The organization relies on the generosity of donors and a team of volunteers and ambassadors who contribute thousands of hours each year to help carry out this mission. 

Since 2010, BDR has created routes in Washington, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, the Mid-Atlantic region, Southern California, the North-East region, Wyoming, and Oregon and the soon-to-be-released Northern, California project. In 2022, BDR introduced a new concept of shorter, BDR-style routes that loop called BDR-X. Current BDR-X routes include Red Desert, Wyoming; PA Wilds, Pennsylvania; Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert, Oregon; and now the Black Hills, South Dakota.

See all of Rider‘s Backcountry Discovery Routes coverage here.

The post Backcountry Discovery Routes Announces Economic Impact of BDR Routes appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Backcountry Discovery Routes | Ep. 58 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

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Ep58 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast Backcountry Discovery Routes

Our guests on Episode 58 of the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast are Inna Thorn, executive director of Backcountry Discovery Routes, and Tim James, BDR’s board president. Backcountry Discovery Routes is a nonprofit organization that creates off-highway routes for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. BDR has introduced a new route with free GPS tracks nearly every year since 2010. When we last spoke to Inna and Tim last year on Episode 33, the Wyoming BDR had just been released. In 2023, the Oregon BDR was released, making it the 12th full route, and each one can be completed in about a week. Backcountry Discovery Routes has also released shorter BDR-X routes that are loops that can be done in two to three days. Through the tireless work of its staff and many volunteers, Backcountry Discovery Routes maintains existing routes and continues developing new ones. Future BDRs will include Southern California, Montana, and the Southeast. Visit the BDR website to learn more and support their efforts.

LINKS: RideBDR.com, BDR on Instagram, BDR on Facebook

You can listen to Episode 58 on iTunes, Spotify, and Podbean, or via the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast webpage. Please subscribe, leave us a 5-star rating, and tell your friends! Scroll down for a list of previous episodes.

Visit the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast webpage to check out previous episodes:

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Backcountry Discovery Routes: BMW and BDR Collaborate on New Oregon Route

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Following the success of the first partnership between BMW Motorrad USA and Backcountry Discovery Routes in 2022 with the Wyoming BDR, the two groups have announced a second partnership for a route in Oregon. The new route will be officially launched Saturday, Feb. 4, at the premiere screening of the ORBDR Expedition documentary in Portland and other select locations around the nation. For more information, read the press release below from BMW Motorrad USA.

Backcountry Discovery Routes Oregon BDR

BMW Motorrad USA is excited to announce its second partnership with adventure motorcycling nonprofit, Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) on their newest route – Oregon. This is the second BDR route on which BMW Motorrad has collaborated, the first being the Wyoming BDR, released in 2022.

Related: New Route: Wyoming Backcountry Discovery Route

The ORBDR represents the organization’s 12th route for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel, with free GPS tracks, travel resources, and a Butler Motorcycle Map scheduled to accompany the film’s debut.

Backcountry Discovery Routes Oregon BDR

Luciana Francisco, BMW Motorrad USA head of brand and marketing, said BMW Motorrad is proud to partner with Backcountry Discovery Routes for the second time in two years.

“In 2023, BMW Motorrad celebrates its 100th year anniversary and also marks 43 years of BMW GS motorcycles,” Francisco said. “This is the perfect time to share our passion for the adventure and dual-sport riding communities and show our continued support for the BDR organization and what they stand for. We look forward to both new and experienced off-road enthusiasts being inspired by the scenic routes of the ORBDR.”

Related: Backcountry Discovery Routes: Two Buddies on Yamaha Ténéré 700s in Utah and Arizona

To launch of the new Oregon route, Backcountry Discovery Routes and BMW Motorrad will kick-off with a film premiere event in Portland, Oregon, and selected BMW Motorrad dealer events on Saturday, Feb. 4. Additionally, over 70 film screenings are planned through spring 2023, hosted by dealers and clubs around the country. More information on the film screening locations is available at the Backcountry Discovery Routes events webpage.

Backcountry Discovery Routes Oregon BDR

The ORBDR expedition film features members of the BDR team and special guests from BMW Motorrad USA, Mosko Moto, and Edelweiss Bike Travel as they take a first run on the all-new ORBDR. Starting in the high desert landscapes of Southeastern Oregon and exploring North into the Cascade Range, the crew tests their endurance, riding cross-state through 750 miles of lava rock, silt, sand, and steep mountain roads. Highlighting the state’s many natural wonders including hot springs, pyroducts, caverns, buttes, and glaciated volcanoes, the route and film showcases why traveling by motorcycle is one of the best ways to discover the backcountry of Oregon.

Story continues below trailer for ORBDR Expedition

Bryce Stevens, Oregon Route architect & BDR co-founder grew up in the Pacific Northwest and said he has “always been fascinated by volcanoes.”

“The ORBDR is a route filled with natural wonders of the volcanic kind. We designed the ORBDR to show off different regions of the state and keep the route ever-changing,” Stevens said. “Oregon has vast high desert in the southeast, sparse pine forests in the central part of the state, and densely forested mountains in the Cascade Range. It almost feels like three BDRs packed into one.”

Related: Backcountry Discovery Routes: Ep. 33 Rider Magazine Insider Podcast

Joining the expedition team in Oregon was Ricardo Rodriguez, lead motorcycle instructor at BMW’s U.S. Rider Academy in Greer, South Carolina. Ricardo is a graduate of BMW’s rigorous International Instructor’s Academy and has been teaching on-road street survival, adventure off-road, and authority riding skills since 2010.

“The BDR Team has set out on a fantastic mission, helping keep public lands accessible to the adventure community,” he said. “I am very proud and excited about the relationship between BDR, BMW Motorrad, and the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Having the opportunity to be a part of the Oregon BDR has helped build my experience as a rider and a coach. Overcoming the challenges along the ORBDR reinforced to me the value of the skills we teach daily at the US Rider Academy.”

Rodriguez continued to say that Backcountry Discovery Routes offers properly trained riders an opportunity to put their skills to the test.

“The Oregon BDR is a challenge and reward riding adventure.”

For more information, visit the Backcountry Discovery Routes website.

Backcountry Discovery Routes Oregon BDR
Backcountry Discovery Routes Oregon BDR
Backcountry Discovery Routes Oregon BDR

The post Backcountry Discovery Routes: BMW and BDR Collaborate on New Oregon Route first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

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Backcountry Discovery Routes: First BDR-X Route and YouTube BDR Film Library

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Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) has made two announcements for dual-sport and adventure riders: the new BDR-X routes, which will be looped BDR-style routes, and the free BDR documentary film library, made accessible via YouTube. The Red Desert, WY BDR-X will be the first of the series. The folks at BDR were featured on the Rider Magazine Insider Podcast, which you can listen to here. Read more in the press release below.

Backcountry Discovery Routes BDR-X Route and YouTube BDR film library

Since 2010, the adventure motorcycling nonprofit Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) has created 11 trans-state and regional routes for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. Now BDR announces a new concept of shorter BDR-style routes that loop with the release of the first in the series: the Red Desert, WY BDR-X.

BDR-X routes will be developed as excursions off existing BDR routes or routes in an entirely new area known for its desirable BDR-style riding. BDR-X’s will be 300-600 miles in length, take only a few days to complete, and conveniently loop riders back to wherever they started the route. A number of BDR-X routes are already in the works, including the PA Wilds BDR-X, set for release in early fall, the Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert, OR BDR-X, and the Black Hills, SD BDR-X planned for release in 2023.

Backcountry Discovery Routes BDR-X Route and YouTube BDR film library

The free trip-planning resources for BDR-X’s are similar to that of traditional routes and include an interactive map, free GPS tracks download, a short documentary film, a printable map, travel resources, and FAQs.

You can now view the short documentary film of the Red Desert BDR-X Expedition and find free GPS tracks and trip planning resources online.

About the BDR-X Red Desert, WY BDR-X

This first route in the BDR-X series shares the same starting point as the WYBDR and offers a sampling of Wyoming’s diverse terrain from the vast region known as the Red Desert. The loop is 149 miles long when starting and ending in the town of Baggs. The route can be completed in one long day or broken up into two. Dispersed camping is available midway through the route.

Backcountry Discovery Routes BDR-X Route and YouTube BDR film library

The Red Desert offers “National Park” quality scenery and technical riding. This area is one of the last high-desert ecosystems in North America and the home to Killpecker Sand Dunes, the largest living dune system in the United States. Riders will enjoy varied landscape of buttes, dunes, sagebrush steppe, mountains, and rocky pinnacles.

If you’re riding the entire WYBDR and looking for a bit more or are in the southern Wyoming area on the hunt for an epic but shorter adventure, the Red Desert BDR-X will not disappoint.

The Entire BDR Documentary Film Library is Now Free to Watch on YouTube!

Big news for the ADV community, the BDR organization has just made its library of 11 BDR expedition documentary films available for free on YouTube. From the first BDR route in Washington to the latest in Wyoming, viewers can see the organization grow from just a few riders and a big idea back in 2009 to a respected nonprofit organization that has become a household name in the ADV community today.

The majority of the films were filmed and directed by noted ADV filmmaker and BDR co-founder Sterling Noren of Noren Films.

BDR Executive Director Inna Thorn said it was a “big goal” for the organization to offer all of the BDR film titles for free to the community. 

“Now anyone, anywhere in the world with an internet connection can watch these films and get inspired to ride a BDR,” Thorn said. “The overwhelming support of the riding community and our industry partners has made this gift possible. From the beginning, BDR was envisioned to be ‘for the community and by the community.’ It is imperative for us to remain true to our mission of continuously delivering more routes, more resources, and more inspiration to our enthusiasts.”

Backcountry Discovery Routes BDR-X Route and YouTube BDR film library

Downloading or streaming the films commercial-free is still available on Vimeo on Demand for a small donation to BDR. Some titles are also available on Amazon.

To watch the films, visit YouTube.com and Vimeo.com.

Special Thanks to BDR Sponsors

The nonprofit organization would like to thank the BDR community and the following companies for making its work possible:

BMW Motorrad USA, Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Touratech-USA, Sena, KLIM Technical Riding Gear, Moto Discovery, Backcountry Expeditions, Mosko Moto, Rev’It!, Motoz Tires, Colorado Motorcycle Adventures, Wolfman Motorcycle Luggage, Butler Maps, Rever, West 38 Moto, Giant Loop, Black Dog Cycle Works, Moto Camp Nerd, Upshift Online, BMW MOA, and ADVMoto Magazine.

The post Backcountry Discovery Routes: First BDR-X Route and YouTube BDR Film Library first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com