Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route | Feature Film

[@BigRockMoto]

➕Gear Overview Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npipZIxrn8aVrLM ➕V-Strom Bike Setup Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYa6opZsaJWcl9E ➕NorCal BDR Gear➕ ⚡Lone Rider MotoBags and Overlander Duffle: bit.ly/4gP8oy5 ⚡MotoCampNerd Camping Gear (just go here, my cheap gear didn't work): motocampnerd.com/?ref=tv7aUA86wYMVPp ⚡Alpinestars Bogota Pro Jacket: imp.i104546.net/nLzME6 ⚡Mosko Moto Woodsman IR Pant: tinyurl.com/bdz4jvt8 ⚡Alpinestars Toucan Boot: imp.i104546.net/LXzjaa ⚡MSR Mid Layer: bit.ly/3Ikkyi1 ⚡Klim Baja Gloves: imp.i104546.net/0Jn2GV ⚡REV'IT! Sand 4 H20 Glove: imp.i104546.net/k02v0z ⚡Mosko Moto Wildcat Backpack: tinyurl.com/3kud2bdh ⚡Mosko Moto Barfly Rain Pant: tinyurl.com/mpat64px ⚡Klim Base Layers: imp.i104546.net/Jz69We ⚡Mosko Base Layers: tinyurl.com/yc68cyjn ⚡Power Bank: amzn.to/40orBRu ⚡Flying Eyes Sunglasses: flyingeyesoptics.com/ ⚡Giant Loop Cactus Canteen: imp.i104546.net/rQA9nG ⚡Folding Camp Shoes: amzn.to/3AhZNDy ⚡Merino Wool Socks: bit.ly/31yihhV ⚡Peak Refuel Meals: amzn.to/4hllmDU ⚡AntiGravity Batteries/Jump Packs: antigravitybatteries.com/ref/69/ ➕V-Strom 800DE Bike Build➕ ⚡ Barkbuster VPS Handguards: imp.i104546.net/jrK2GP OR tinyurl.com/38e9y3np ⚡ Heidenau K60 Ranger Tires: imp.i104546.net/q4rNvn ⚡ Rabaconda Tire Changer: tinyurl.com/2j22c76t ⚡ Cyclops Aux Light Kit: tinyurl.com/8e73mvam ⚡ Carpuride Nav Tablet (use code BIGROCKMOTO for 30% off): tinyurl.com/bdmjxacc ⚡ Puig Clip-on Wind Visor (med): imp.i104546.net/ORazYN ⚡ Lone Rider Motobags: bit.ly/4gP8oy5 ⚡ Lone Rider Overlander 48 Duffle: bit.ly/3YgUgq9 ⚡ Tusk Pannier Racks: tinyurl.com/yrutapc2 ⚡ Tusk SideStand Foot: tinyurl.com/mb8y2xen ⚡ Rigg Gear Hurricane Tank Bag: tinyurl.com/5x592t72 ⚡ SAE Power Outlet: amzn.to/3XU0RoR ⚡ Veridian Cruise Control: tinyurl.com/mr3f6rst ➕Cameras➕ ⚡ DJI Osmo Action 4: amzn.to/48O1F2b ⚡ DJI Osmo Pocket 3: amzn.to/3Pcqeik ⚡ DJI Mini Pro 4 Drone: amzn.to/3WKU6a2 ➕SUPPORT➕ (affiliate links) ⚡ Link Tree: linktr.ee/bigrockmoto ⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia ⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz ⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto ⚡ Carpuride: tinyurl.com/bdmjxacc (use code BIGROCKMOTO for 30% off) ⚡ Lone Rider: bit.ly/4erYJeC ⚡ MotoCampNerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=tv7aUA86wYMVPp ⚡ Veridian Cruise: veridiancruise.com/?coupon=bigrockmoto ⚡ Insta360: tinyurl.com/whtd6ubt ⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640 ⚡ Chigee: tinyurl.com/486mm38k ⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A ⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/

[@DorkintheRoad]

Holy crap dude I'm stoked to watch this!

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for being a great friend and riding buddy!

[@Kevimoto]

​@BigRockMoto but did you find his mute button? Just kidding, Ben! 😁

[@deanmalkewich2366]

@@Kevimotohaha great comment😂 These guys would both be fun to hang out with

[@ThePowelly999]

Man up! You ride a KTM for goodness sake, you’ll be getting us a soppy reputation, I mean what would Chris Birch say?!

[@trailrider1980]

Did you get to try the vstrom yet?

[@borissh9932]

Riding a motorcycle off-road is a therapy for the soul amidst a chaos of life!

[@AT2021Rocker]

My new mantra, “therapy for the soul amongst the chaos of life” well said!

[@guzziman]

Rising alone is a form of meditation...great video ian

[@BigRockMoto]

Absolutely

[@Loiczzr]

Every long ride I do (600+ miles) is only alone, and I just love it.

[@BenEly-u8z]

Just a big thank you for such great content. In the UK, we have nothing like the off road freedom you guy's have but it's also cool that you all seem to appreciate it.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@BallardBaller]

Happy to see this you tube crossover... you're all very different , but I'm so glad to see it.

[@ADV_Agenda]

I'm so glad you posted this so soon, another epic trip with two great people!!

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for making it great!

[@advredbikes]

Oh my goodness, Ian, what an amazing adventure thank you for putting it into a long format movie style. Yes I did bring out some chips. Put my feet up with the dog and watch the views for epic and what a ride waterfalls so much different rain and great company, but I do get the part where you wanna be by yourself sometimes as I would looking forward to the next video thank you.

[@scotteldredge5811]

Best BDR video I've seen. It's what I'd hoped for from the official BDR productions.

[@breeno59]

Can't image the amount of effort that went into this - really dig this long form stuff, Ian - hope other folks do too and you can continue to do this kind of content 👏🏻

[@BigRockMoto]

Many thanks!

[@motorcyclesandguitars1892]

Thanks for all the great work+content Ian. Following you since the Africa Twin driveway review 😉 Super happy for you that your channel is becoming more & more popular. Well deserved!

[@BigRockMoto]

thank you

[@somebodyhelpusall7555]

Just bought an 800de yesterday left from the dealer and am riding it on a 3 day trip through Australia, absolutely love it. Your videos are insanely helpful and inspired me towards this bike- most fun I've ever had on a bike and my last ride was a Yamaha VMAX gen 2. Look forward to setting it up, definitely want aome highway pegs!

[@anadventureoutdoors]

crank up the shock screws on the top and bottom of the shock that will stiffen them up quiet a bit.

[@renebeland4837]

Thank you for taking me on the ride with you! I have never been in that part of our wonderful country but I feel like vicariously; I did.

[@BIBuildy]

This is so awesome! I'm less than 1/3 of the way in, and I'm already thinking this is one of my favorite BDR documentaries.

[@BigRockMoto]

Wow, thanks!

[@Meldonator]

The film format is awesome for a nice evening in front of the TV with some p rosciutto and nice wine. Thank you Ian! (really love this 800DE)

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@m.z.h1484]

Riding with friends can get hard after a few days, that's when individual preferences start to show. Riding is such a personal thing it's almost impossible to share it for very long. The fact that you took the Vstrom on this trip says a lot about how far those bikes have come.

[@Bikes_N_Adventure]

Incredible capture of this bucket list adventure! Thank you for taking the time to document this journey, hope to ride this one day 🙌🏼

[@thehillfolk4041]

Loving these trip movies Ian ! Awsome

[@doconabike7915]

Great job, Ian! Loved it.

[@JamEWalsh]

What a great video! Just loved it. The quality of that drone camera video was really excellent! I loved being able to "ride along" with you guys. Again, wonderful video!

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dougmate2378]

Killer looking trip gents 🤙🍻 I'm glad you talked about the wild fires and said the reality.

[@stevehung6049]

Ian, that was really good. I enjoyed the "feature length" version. It was interesting getting Ben's version and then yours. Great job.

[@trd4d]

It is always such a treat to watch your productions. Didn't expect a forest management lesson, but I have to agree with 99% of what you said. Outstanding. And the discussion about having to ride the bike home at the end of the excursion. Always amazes me when people take their family car to the drags, or their work truck that they need to have to make money, and break it in the 4x4 area. Great videos too. Gonna go pick up a DE Wednesday, depending on what happens on the state and national level tomorrow.

[@yowser8780]

Great video quality. Color, resolution, stability and framing... !!

[@BigRockMoto]

Much appreciated!

[@Mark-dd2nh]

Great video. Might be your best one yet! I am also pleased to see that you show long sections where you aren't standing "for effect" and are simply enjoying the ride. I am tired of seeing videos of big adventure bikes going down smooth graded roads with the whole group standing. To me it looks so choreographed. I stand for two reasons, technical terrain and when my legs and butt get tired. Hope you have another one of these trips planned in the near future. AND thanks for all the hard work that you put into this for us to enjoy!

[@BigRockMoto]

you are so right about the standing. it's reached a ridiculous level.

[@1young-geezer]

Happily surprised! that while thinking 2+ hours was just too much to bear, I sat and watched in one sitting! LOL. Nice production Ian, and fun trip for me, ha. I thoroughly enjoyed your video in Colorado, Ouray/Silverton/etc. These travel trips of yours are really well done, thanks.

[@raymondvoigt7336]

Excellent, guys! Job well done

[@churchofbrap876]

Good stuff man! Very enjoyable film!

[@richis65]

I agree with the comment about thinking about everything and thinking about nothing. Great observation.

[@linusdegrell]

Hello Ian, I really enjoy this film. Great to see a relaxed ride, good times and insights in the surroundings. Especially that last part is invaluable for me watching from a far away country 🇸🇪 and adds another dimension to the film. Thank you!

[@Squatch_Rider66]

That was a great vid. Loved the longer format to fit in the entire journey.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad to hear it!

[@brettchambers4821]

Ian this is one of your best yet. Excellent job on documenting your journey.

[@Return_oftheMack]

I really appreciate this channel and the versatility of it. The review videos are top notch but this style and the footage is great too. I just winterized my bike so as a Wisconsin chick that can’t ride all year, thank you for the content!

[@JacobAnawalt]

Loved your perspective, thank you for sharing! Beautiful country. I'm currently more of a go slow on dirt person, but I see how I could really enjoy a V-Strom more road/backroad/byway trip.

[@bkpoirier]

Epic ride Ian! Fair to say, this post is going to sell some V-Stroms.😁

[@staudio]

Great documentation of your trip, very impressive. Also the toughness of the V-Strom was impressive as well.

[@Silent_Mountain_ADV]

Thank you for a great video. I really like the mix of motorcycle riding and interesting facts and history about the surroundings. And your sense of humor 🙂

[@thehammer3340]

Excellent adventure, thanks for taking us along. Safe Riding.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BallardBaller]

13:00 into this.... amazing shots!!! You need to do more of these type videos

[@KitMayoADV]

Great film! Thank you! It looked like a great trip and a good BDR to add to the collection. And pretty funny to see you were enjoying Futurama at the end there, too. :)

[@danketchpel7460]

Thanks a bunch Ian along with Ben and Jeff for a very realistic video review of the NorCal BDR. I was planning to ride this with some other friends about a month after you did but last minute decision change to do a road trip to the Black Hills instead. We're thinking about riding the NorCal BDR next year and your observations and comments will be very valuable in our planning. Personally I'm probably more on your side of dirt vs pavement touring even though I come from a dirt background. I was happy to see you rode most of the true route vs the official film that had a LOT of the optional hard way sections that didn't look very appealing to me. Your comments on preserving the bike were spot on. I learned that early on doing long distance multi-day dual sport rides, you have to make it back and the truck is a loooong ways away.

[@garrettturner760]

always good seeing Kenneth. probably the last time he was around before his move.

[@okie6786]

Amazing scenery and roads! looks like a very fun ride.

[@ThePowelly999]

Thanks to the three of you for this, as a person living in good ole Blighty, I can only envy the space and scenery you have available to you. A great all round review of the trip and gear (I’ve watched the other video too). The KTM never broke or punctured, just saying! 😉

[@Porsche996driver]

Wow quite an epic trip Ian! My family used to go to Bishop and Owens Valley around 1980 plenty of memories I really need to go again.

[@richardstockhausen9044]

Ian my man! Another awesome adv ride. I'm digging these. Ride on bruddah.

[@davidherringgo]

Enjoyed tge added Drone footage. Well edited and filmed.

[@bmwlane8834]

I totally get the solo riding and being by yourself. I'm a very social person Both in business and personally...my wife and I love socializing. But I love being alone and riding solo and traveling solo. I get it!

[@Kevimoto]

Barely halfway through and already epic. Cheers, Ian! 👌

[@LennartMakinen]

Your usual good mood evaporated after a few days and I fully understand. Camping is overrated.

[@justinrichards1984]

Couldn't agree more about what you said.. Long rides thinking about stuff or simply nothing! Sometimes you just need to be in your helmet to get things done. Well said!

[@BiggityBuckBumble]

Recognize a lot of the feelings traveling with friends that want to camp. Camping has never been my thing, but usually gets tolerable after the first night. Loved watching this Ian, thank you so much for putting this together.

[@RandyBB-yz1kq]

Can’t believe I watched the whole show, wasn’t my initial intention:) Enjoyed the views. Once again Ian, nice job on filming and narratives .

[@willmrx]

To have watched you and Ben become, the go to, for ADV info is, just awesome!

[@majorlee1]

Nice! Super excited to watch this after work 👍

[@BigRockMoto]

Hope you enjoy!

[@borissh9932]

You were able to convey that mountain silence through your video!

[@brianjohnson8294]

Wow what an incredible video. I love the history and geography and yet you didn't forget to give your thoughts on how the bike and gear was doing, as well as Ben and Jeff's. Loving the forest and yet I grew up in the home building business I appreciate your thoughts on the wildfires and the forest but as someone at a distance tho here in VA. Truly one of the most beautiful places the High Sierra's, and what an amazing video, thank you!

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidherringgo]

Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@spa491]

Californiana y todo el medio Oeste es una pasada !!

[@benoitlegros1673]

Thankyou for the geographic teaching and all the pictures you send us your à great journalist, the sound of the Suzuki is nice i realy think of buying one .i own a KLR now next spring maby à New bike 🏁

[@georgeloveday9674]

What a great video! I’m ready to get on that bike and road with you.

[@FLY--wy2yi]

Great timing! I just finished my first big motorcycle trip…..2,000 miles through the American Southwest. Was nice to get home and watch this! I was on a rented BMW GS 750 and did some awesome off road stuff on Shafers Trail, Moab, UT! Already looking at some Adventure Bike options……Africa Twin maybe?? Cheers from New York!

[@untamedsmiles1338]

Thank you for doing this.

[@dannyreddy]

Got the same bike, can't wait to take it to the mountains. Sadly I'm stuck in Florida

[@SeanBreen-hp7mb]

Always enjoy your content, thank you. Bit surprised when you commented you prefer the road touring over off-road as you create great content on dual sports and seem to love riding them. Also a useful review on the VStrom, and a powerful comment on why packing light is important - don’t want to blow out the suspension. 👍👍👍

[@bigjoe4020]

Can't believe I watched the whole thing. Good job keeping my short attention span engaged for 2 hours. Yep, camping and dirt sucks and I avoid both as much as possible BUT sometimes camping / dirt road IS the only option. rsm8

[@kevinsterner9490]

Great video Ian. Took me a couple of days to complete but well worth it. I know you tried to down play it, but to me a failed rear shock is a major issue especially for a new bike. Maybe it’s a freak deal but it would be a concern to me. Thanks for sharing.

[@cyclonus01]

This dude is high maintenance. Holy crap. 🤣😂

[@EPeltzer]

I don't think I'd actually buy one but for this particular ride and anything like this particular ride the Suzuki is really pretty ideal. Comfortable on the freeway, comfortable on logging roads, suspension is kind of soft but really soaks up bumps all day long. This BDR is mostly truck and fire roads and pavement mixed in. Certainly not a lot of difficult single track! Yeah you just have to ride it at a little more relaxed pace but you're probably going to do that anyway off road and 400 miles from home. It's really a long way from Southern California to the Truckee area. On the highway that's like 8, 9 hours. I've driven and ridden through the Owens Valley and on both sides of Sierras all my life. California has hundreds and hundreds of square miles of wilderness like this and it's great to see this new BDR open up.

[@newlife155]

Your point about riding alone is a common way of thinking. Maybe you can use the hybrid method I use with buddies time to time. We just establish our destination and leave at different times so that we can do our own ride yet meet up to share the experience. Works for me and my buds.

[@BigRockMoto]

Good point!

[@timesink101]

You miss out on one of the big advantages of riding with others though, help picking up those beastly bikes if you crash.

[@simulacrae]

Great video of a fantastic trip, but it would be interesting to see a video about the rear shock. Like a post trip service video.

[@drzrider3440]

Watched Bens series of this ride. Have to admit about your statement about riding alone. I agree whole hartedly. Yes its nice to have the buddy rides as well. But something about the ability to stop when and where you want for how ever long you want is nice. You never slow someone else down or are waiting on someone. I have ran the idaho BDR 3 out of the last 5 years. This last August rode it with a friend. His first multi day after day ride. Has done a couple day rides. But had to wait more than i expected. Also he insisted on riding in shorts with no knee pads at all. Yes it was hot, and he looked comfortable.....until he low sided it in a gravelly off cambered corner. So injuries to others can even end a ride. So for me, anyone is welcome to come with, but dont get mad when i plan a week or two solo ride just for myself. More remote the better.

[@PeterBaumgart1a]

Great video Ian, and so many familiar places! I have not done this BDR, I might, but have been to many of those areas. I totally agree that sometimes there is no point to just slug it out because it's the route you programmed, or someone told you to take it. I would also mix and match, and skip and cut, as much as seems enjoyable. (Another thing that's easier done when you're only by yourself!) Anyway, we tend to forget the drudgery, and retain those precious moments and places to build unforgettable heart-lifting memories. But there is also something about "overcoming adversity": it might feel horrible in the moment, but if it's just a breakdown or something you can recover from with no permanent damage, that makes great memories too!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Safe to say, the vibration happening at a specific zone with the 800DE is emissions related. In other words, the emissions regulator specifies testing to be conducted at a specific RPM and specific distance (sound levels). Manufacturers often program lean fuel ratios into the fuel map at these specific RPM ranges for compliance. Lean combustion sets up vibration. The vibration is not inherent to the counter-balance shafts or mechanics of the engine.

[@parclan]

@36m05s "Camping. Who goes camping?" Love it!

[@WAZZUjohn03]

Looks like middle weight ADV bikes are well matched to this route. I appreciate how the style of your video contrasts with those posted by Dork. Well worth matching. Thanks for sharing.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thank you very much!

[@Lopez_67]

1:09:48 Damn it, Dork. I was really looking forward to some conversation and thoughts about the V-strom and Tuareg 😂

[@donnieyoung2774]

Route looks fun, good video !

[@motohours]

Looks like a great trip, too bad about the rear shock. I appreciate seeing the views of this BDR, which is on my list. I started a YT channel myself over a year ago, but just getting into the ADV riding, so excited to checkout these BDR rides.

[@YNOTRC]

This is great grabbing popcorn 🍿 for the feature

[@brucekendall52]

Outstanding coverage of your beautiful trip.I wish I did not live in another country.Thanks.JHB-SA

[@endonutz]

great vid and narration Ian...well done, happy trails

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks 👍

[@rjeepster8640]

Amazing so much fun. I think I will do the highway version of that on my GS 1200 such a great job thank you.

[@BigRockMoto]

Have fun!

[@MasonB305]

Well there goes my night!

[@insatiable_mind]

This is a great feature film! I love it! I live in NorCal about 40 minutes from one of the middle sections of the route. I can’t wait to get out there and ride it. I’m actually looking at buying a house close to the route soon.

[@alanwalls3117]

Great video thanks!

[@Tripleb6036]

Just watched this in one go. Loved the video and format. I’ll be doing a bunch of trips like this in the Philippines next year on the my VStrom and CRF 300 Rally. Unfortunately information on routes there is pretty hard to find so I’ll have to make up the routes as I go. Just bought the Klim Bala jacket and pants based on your review. Looking forward to more trips like this on your channel.

[@johnmoser1162]

Very nice!

[@CapeBiker]

Riding alone is great, it's my preferred type of riding. As you said, stop when you want, take photos when you want, change the route if you want etc. Awesome content as always, Ian.

[@ferkuzuel]

Another awesome video 👍

[@lonelycowboyontour306]

Seeing those wide sandy dirt roads you ride up there in north America the vstrom seems like the perfect bike for it. Thinking about the twisty, rocky gravel roads we have in the European western alps I'm afraid the 230 kilo of the vstrom seem to be a bit to much. What's you guess?

[@Euryheli]

Thanks for making this, been looking forward to it.

[@BigRockMoto]

No problem!

[@scottlance2447]

Good stuff. Big Rock Moto makes it interesting. Just rode from 88 down Mormon Immigrant Trail a week ago. Barely beat the snow.

[@sandwaves5642]

Nice places. Yes, once in a while, a decent trip is very much needed.......

[@daxmonster3429]

"The worst part of making coffee is you have to do it before you had coffee." The Gospel!

[@lukefish7562]

Thank ya sir! You’re full of great info and an inspiration to take off and adventure! I appreciate you. And the Dork.😁 🏍️💨

[@BigRockMoto]

Thank you kindly

[@lukefish7562]

It’s my pleasure. You deserve your success as I find you to be a genuine good person. Congrats on a beautiful family and a heck of nice occupation! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@MeerkatADV]

I wish I could have linked up with you guys for this. Getting the timing right can be the hardest part of an adventure.

[@regorschneid5245]

Really enjoyed the video! It was great to see that the quiet spot you found east of Crowley Lake was still quiet. I took my family out on a 4th of July weekend back in the 70s camping and that was a huge find for us. Coyotes and all. Also hope you make a bundle on the video as I counted at least 21 ads.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LifeWithKernelLee]

Great adventure

[@skulijakobsson5116]

Much Enjoyment 👍😎