I’ll be the first to admit that the motorcycle/sidecar combo is not the first mode of transport that comes to mind when I think about overlanding. However, after traversing 35 countries and 34,000 miles in just 15 months with a scooter and sidecar, Guinness World Record holders Matt and Reece aka “The Sidecar Guys” have proven it’s a viable option for around-the-world travel. In their latest adventure, the duo rides Backcountry Discovery Routes from Seattle to Los Angeles on a Ural motorcycle and sidecar.
Russian-made Ural Motorcycles are designed to perform optimally over rough terrain and are unashamedly simple and utilitarian. The design primarily utilizes steel and aluminum and is propelled by a 749cc air-cooled opposed-twin engine and shaft drive. The duo is found riding the drool-worthy Ural Adventure model that’s optimized for the toughest terrains. The journey begins at the Ural HQ in Seattle before departing on their epic adventure. Matt and Reece completed the journey on largely unpaved routes documented by Backcountry Discovery Routes (a non-profit organization that creates off-highway routes for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel). During the ride, the Brits experience firsthand the impact of wildfires, camp in the mountains and at deserted mining towns, and offer advice on traversing technical terrain. They join a section of the Pony Express Trail, ride the Nevada BDR where they enjoy natural hot pools, feel the heat in Death Valley, and make the final push to Los Angeles. This epic ride sees them cover four states (Washington, Idaho, Nevada, and California) and 2,200 miles on largely unpaved roads in just 10 days.
This is a unique and entertaining short film that does a wonderful job of showcasing the magic of motorcycle/sidecar travel. There are plenty of laughs, informative and entertaining narration throughout, and valuable advice for those considering a similar trip. The ride showcases the important work of Backcountry Discovery Routes and left me desperately wanting to ride them myself, while the Ural Adventure proved to be a dependable adventure motorcycle for remote exploration. Matt and Reece are now the official Ural dealers in the UK and run a Sidecar Experience to “share with others what three-wheel adventures are all about.” If you’d like to keep abreast of their latest expeditions, follow them on Instagram at The Sidecar Guys.
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