Backcountry Discovery Routes’ adventure empire has grown again with the recent announcement of new Connectors that link up BDR’s expedition-length routes across multiple regions. With these connectors in place, ADV riders and other off-road explorers have a slew of new options for building multi-state trips. Coupled with BDR’s growing list of shorter BDR-X routes, their library of freely accessible GPS-supported moto journeys now stands at 29.
High desert geography dominates the New Mexico to Colorado BDR Connector.
Inna Thorn, Backcountry Discovery Route’s Executive Director, says their Connector routes “[offer] riders an adventurous way to link one BDR route to another. Designed in the signature BDR style, these connectors minimize highway travel and and maximize your time on enjoyable off-highway terrain.” These nine new routes are focused primarily in the West, with one 142-mile Connector on the East Coast linking the Mid-Atlantic BDR to the North East BDR. The others range in distance from just 27 miles (the Colorado BDR to Wyoming BDR Connector), to nearly 350 miles (the Connector that links the Oregon BDR to the Idaho and Nevada BDRs). The other six Connectors link California-North to Oregon, California-North to California-South, Colorado to Utah, New Mexico to Colorado, Oregon to Washington, and Utah to Idaho and Nevada.
The Mid-Atlantic to North East BDR Connector bridges the gap between the two routes with 142 miles of new road.
Like all BDR routes, the Connectors feature roads that cater to a wide range of abilities and experience and a mix of on- and off-piste riding. And they aren’t just utilitarian A-to-B routes, either—Connectors also showcase a range of natural and cultural landmarks, as well as fuel, food, and rest stops that add even more to see on your journey. With the South East BDR announced just last month, and Michigan, Montana, and British Columbia all in development, there will be many thousands of miles for ambitious ADV ramblers to download and explore.
BDR’s Board Chair Tim James Wins Motorcyclist of the Year
Backcountry Discovery Routes’ ambitious expansion and ongoing support of the ADV riding community hasn’t gone unnoticed. The American Motorcyclist Association, one of the world’s largest and oldest non-profit motorcycling associations, has named BDR’s Board Chair Tim James its 2024 Motorcyclist of the Year.
Backcountry Discovery Routes Board Chair Tim James.
“Tim James’ work with Backcountry Discovery Routes has made a substantial impact on the world of adventure and dual-sport motorcycling,” said AMA Board of Directors Chairman Russ Ehnes. “Beyond the always-exciting recreational component, Tim and BDR’s focus to improve remote communities and put motorcycling in a positive light is admirable work that has benefitted all motorcyclists. For what he has done for motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists throughout the country, Tim was the clear choice for 2024 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year.”
Visit “Tim James’ work with Backcountry Discovery Routes has made a substantial impact on the world of adventure and dual-sport motorcycling,” said AMA Board of Directors Chairman Russ Ehnes. “Beyond the always-exciting recreational component, Tim and BDR’s focus to improve remote communities and put motorcycling in a positive light is admirable work that has benefitted all motorcyclists. For what he has done for motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists throughout the country, Tim was the clear choice for 2024 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year.”
Visit ridebdr.com for more information on the new Connector routes and to download GPS tracks. Don’t forget that Butler Maps offers a range of weather-proof paper maps for all the main BDRs, as well as a handful of BDR-X routes.
Images: Backcountry Discovery Routes
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