Exploring America’s Backcountry: The Story of BDRs
How Backcountry Discovery Routes Are Transforming Adventure Riding
For motorcyclists with an adventurous spirit, the open road is only the beginning. Beyond the asphalt, winding through forests, deserts, and mountain passes, lies a network of routes designed for those who seek a deeper connection with the land and the ride itself: the Backcountry Discovery Routes, or BDRs.
What Are BDRs?
Backcountry Discovery Routes are off-pavement trails crafted specifically for dual-sport and adventure motorcycles. These routes span entire states, offering a multi-day journey through some of the most scenic and remote parts of the country. A typical BDR combines gravel roads, forest service tracks, and rugged two-track trails, often stitched together to form a contiguous north-south or east-west passage across a given region.
These aren’t technical racecourses or extreme enduro trails. Instead, they’re designed to be challenging yet achievable for riders on fully loaded adventure bikes. The emphasis is on exploration, scenery, and the immersive experience of traversing wild landscapes on two wheels.
Origins: From Idea to Adventure Network
The concept of BDRs took shape in the early 2010s, born from the desire of a small group of riders and advocates to create legal, sustainable routes for motorcycle travel that avoided highways and maximized remote backcountry access. Their aim was twofold: to give adventure motorcyclists a compelling way to explore public lands, and to support rural economies along the way.
Inspired by earlier off-road routes and fueled by the growing popularity of ADV riding, this grassroots initiative quickly evolved. With support from riding communities, sponsors, and public land agencies, the first official routes were mapped, documented, and released to the public—complete with free GPS tracks, planning resources, and documentaries to inspire and inform.
Where Are the BDRs?
As of today, BDRs exist in over a dozen U.S. states, with more in the works. From the alpine passes of Colorado to the desert plateaus of Arizona, each route showcases the unique geography, culture, and challenges of its region. Some routes span over 1,000 miles, taking riders from border to border, while others focus on shorter, more technical terrain.
These routes often traverse national forests, BLM land, and remote counties—places where cell service is scarce and self-sufficiency is key. Wayfinding, weather changes, and elevation gain are all part of the experience, making every ride a test of both skill and resilience.
Who Rides the BDRs?
The typical BDR rider is an adventure motorcyclist who craves more than just a weekend spin. They might be solo riders chasing solitude or small groups looking for a shared challenge. Many are experienced ADV enthusiasts riding BMW GSs, KTM Adventures, Honda Africa Twins, and similar bikes, but riders on lighter dual-sports and even electric bikes have taken up the journey.
What unites them is the love of backcountry travel, a willingness to rough it, and a deep respect for the terrain and communities they encounter. These aren’t joyrides—they’re immersive experiences where preparation and a sense of responsibility go hand in hand with the thrill of discovery.
Who Builds and Maintains BDRs?
BDRs don’t appear by magic. Behind each one is a coordinated effort by nonprofit organizations, mapping experts, local riders, and volunteers. The planning process involves extensive scouting, coordination with land management agencies, and community outreach to ensure that routes are legal, sustainable, and minimally disruptive to wildlife and local residents.
Ongoing maintenance is just as important as route creation. With weather events, wildfires, road closures, and evolving land use policies, these routes require constant updates and rider feedback. Enthusiast communities play a vital role by reporting obstacles, advocating for trail access, and even helping with signage and clean-up efforts.
A Ride With Purpose
BDRs are more than just motorcycle trails—they’re a celebration of America’s natural diversity and the freedom of the open road (and beyond). By encouraging responsible exploration, supporting remote communities, and promoting public land stewardship, they offer riders not just a challenge, but a chance to be part of something larger.
For those with an adventurous soul and a reliable set of knobby tires, the backcountry awaits.
If you’re ready to plan your own backcountry motorcycle adventure, detailed maps, GPS tracks, planning tips, and documentaries for each official route can be found at ridebdr.com. Whether you’re a seasoned ADV rider or just starting to explore off the beaten path, the site offers everything you need to prepare for a safe, responsible, and unforgettable journey.
-Kevin Cave