What I Learned While Riding Backcountry Discovery Routes with Lead Instructor Andrew Murray

[@cdan1768]

Excellent advise. I recently did the South Dakota BDRx and one thing that seems obvious but overlooked is the physicality of doing a BDR. As a 63 year old I was glad that I have been exercising regularly. I consider myself an intermediate rider and I was more challenged than I thought I would be. Looking forward to the next one!

[@RIDEAdventures]

True. Your bike might be ready but is your body prepared. Nice work on being 63 and adhering to a regular exercise routine. Really makes a difference. -Garrett

[@Davran2742]

Thanks for Andrew's comment about the weight of the luggage itself, not just the weight of what's in it; I hadn't thought of it that succinctly.

[@RIDEAdventures]

We hope to get Andrew on camera more often, he has a great way of explaining things. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AT2021Rocker]

Great advice! Light, lighter, lightest! Keep the kms/day low ish and enjoy. It’s easy to get tired, then accidents happen.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yeeeeup. Thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback!

[@toddwmac]

Great vid guys. Been ADV riding my 990 in the western US for almost 20 years and you nailed many of the key points. Only quip I would have is on your boot section and dropping a foot. There is never, ever a reason to drop a foot on a 500lb bike. It might make the nervous more comfortable, but It changes nothing with bike dynamics. It only exposes your leg to a break. Period. Learn to keep your feet up an toes in. Your throttle is you friend.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Nice add on advice for people reading. Thanks for note.

[@adventuremulemoto]

Holy cow what a great video! I have done sections of all the western states BDR's and all of SoCal and WY. This advice is GOLD! About packing light: I am 62 now and I still use the phrase my Scoutmaster drilled into our heads as kids: "Ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain."

[@RIDEAdventures]

Well said, and it’s even fun to pack down and make the most out of every item we bring. Have fun out there, and thanks for commenting.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad if the info helps, and if you have as much fun as we do even just gearing-up (gearing down) and finding the setup that works and stays light. Your Scoutmaster was right : )

[@milo3941]

I just finished the Idaho bdr. These are excellent points.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Congrats on the safe finish. Thanks for watching.

[@patfinnegan467]

Outstanding video, thank you gentlemen.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks!

[@FanOWater]

Great pieces of advice! My primary dirt riding buddy and I had to ride in the dark several times until we learned how far we could get in a day. We have also paired our group back to just those of us with similar riding paces and aggressiveness. Everyone being on the same page makes the trips so much easier. Cheers

[@RIDEAdventures]

So easy to underestimate how long these days are, and even easier to let a 10 minute rest break turn into an hour. Thanks for sharing.

[@FluxExplorer]

Great point about the weight of the bags empty. I cannot believe how popular some of these over- Complicated and super expensive soft bags are. They weigh as much or more than some aluminum cases. Marketing geniuses.

[@RIDEAdventures]

lol true

[@MeerkatADV]

After 16 BDR's, I agree. Most importantly, have fun. Even if it's type 2 fun, enjoy it.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Nice work. Hey Meerkat 👋

[@allenhuling598]

Good stuff, guys, thanks for taking the time to record and edit this!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks Allen. We are glad you enjoyed the final result!

[@MetzAndy]

Great advice from a great trainer! I recently had the pleasure of taking the advanced adventure class with Andrew (even after riding off road for most of my life) and left with a ton more confidence. My only addition to these tips is to bone up on the different ways to change a flat. Our class got a crash course during our ride day. Four guys and two bikes just to break the bead was a hoot!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Haha sounds like a the bike was equipped with the Heidenau k60 scout that we use on some of the fleet. Those tires are tough to break the bead. Thanks for the note Andy. -Garrett

[@MetzAndy]

@@RIDEAdventures It was actually the stock rear tire on one of your fleet Tenere 700s. Notorious for being a PIA.

[@annmariebarsanti1906]

I enjoyed all the info in your video! The only add would be carrying an InReach or Satellite communicator! Thanks!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Whoo hoo! That is great. We are glad you found everything useful and thanks for adding some feedback. InReach is a must.

[@XLAdvRider]

Great video. I’d add a few things having a leader is important because there need to be one person making the decisions on even small stuff like where to eat: new knobby tires, waiting at turns; plan the ride the ride the plan.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Well said!

[@texlee84]

Light weight luggage, light weight bikes, hotel/Air BNB over camping to further reduce cargo weight/size, wear same riding pants daily, have just one or two pairs of street clothes for the evening/dinner. More importantly make room for tools, water, comms, etc., the stuff that will keep you moving along and capable of reaching out for help should you need it. If you can share tools and spares amongst the group then you lessen the load for all. Sub 200 mile days are wise in order to keep the fatigue to a minimum but there are particular BDR's and certain sections on many of the BDR's that are easily traversed in a shorter amount of time than suggested or can be combined with other days without giving up much in terms of the overall experience. I've found that particular sections and sometimes even entire days of certain BDR's can be skipped altogether as they are more or less filler miles. Most importantly you need to be on the same page with your riding buddies in terms of expectations in regards to riding schedule, ride difficulty, and simply how you travel, eat, sleep etc. I have found the biggest hurdles of all on these trips are those created by personality differences and rider skillset variance. If there's mental, moral or physical strife amongst the group it'll saturate the entire trip and nothing else will matter. Be sure you are copacetic with one another prior to departing and if not either reconsider traveling together or better yet find some common ground through compromise.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for adding a few helpful tips texlee.

[@fortheloveofknobs]

Some great tips guys!!! Nicely done! Don't forget to ride right! Seems like every time we do a trip we have close calls with two and four wheeled vehicles and being all the way right sometimes can be the difference between a head-on collision and a close call!

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yep, good one, goes along with the point to never trust what is around a blind corner. Slow accordingly. - Thanks for watching.

[@Erik-rp1hi]

I just did GPS Kevin PDR, Pacific Divide Ride, Cascade and Sierra Nevada ranges. Canada to Mexican borders.. Dirt forest roads the main goal. Epic, great routes and places to see. Only big problem.........heat. I hate hot, Should do the ride when cool. Also chose my 701 Husky instead of my KTM790. I'm 65 and expert level and light is right. We had hotels and chase truck. Also bought and installed another Tractionator rally on the rear 2/3 through the 2700 mile ride. No fun and not safe on knobbyless tires. One more thing you must do........... Stay out of the dust. No fun, safer by a lot and motorcycle will like it too. I stayed next to my buddy's, enough they had the whole tack but I was out of the dust. This takes experience but worth it.

[@thegreatoutthere]

GREAT video! 1. I've found that 200 miles is a VERY optimistic daily distance on a BDR or TAT. You typically average only 20 MPH - and that's a 10 hours riding! 2. Don't go overweight. My total, minimalist "MotorBikePacking" gear weighs less than the hard panniers and racks on my first "adventure" bikes! (Costs a lot less, too!) 3. Hash out a few ground rules before the trip. Some people like a 2 hour lunch. Some can't get on the trail in less than 2 hours each morning. Recognize any physical limitations. 4. Dress in layers. I prefer a breathable mesh jacket and separate rain coat. Wear good boots - the only injury I've endured was a smashed toe even with MX boots. 5. Enjoy several shakedown rides. Never leave with anything that is untested. 6. Everyone should have the full route. At least one person needs paper maps! (These can be purchased and carried by several riders.)

[@RIDEAdventures]

Good points as well. Underestimating how long it takes to go 200 miles sometimes, is so easy to do.

[@660adv]

Did 430 miles on the last day of a ride a week ago and it was the most unenjoyable ride I’ve ever done. Still don’t want to get back on the bike.

[@RIDEAdventures]

lol

[@avocares]

11:00 After 2 bad experiences with people getting lost, our rule is you cant go without 2 forms of GPS navigation (stand alone and phone). Some people thought a phone would be enough, but that is not the case. For example the Idaho BDR south section 1 to Jarbidge is really easy to just get bombing on a wide gravel road and blast right past the goat trail that is the turn. We lost both people who did not have standalone GPS in that section. No cell service and took 1/2 day to get everyone rounded up again.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Excellent recap of an easy to fall into situation, and wow, yea, can it turn into a bunch of lost time! Thanks for sharing.

[@Estradinhas_do_ES]

Why not use a cellphone with downloaded maps? All you need is GPS signal.

[@avocares]

@@Estradinhas_do_ES I don't know what the issue was, one eventually got his phone working and another never did. Went the whole trip relying on everyone else. It was frustrating.

[@MrRodwatson]

@@avocares And might I add....relying on a phone, in the heat of day? Bad idea. Phones over heat, dim the screen to the point of being useless, difficult to charge in wet conditions, expensive and fragile. Suck it up and get the dependable yestertech of a standalone GPS. They just work....not great, but they work.

[@AndrewMurray-w9i]

Agreed....I would not rely solely on a phone on a big and remote trip. To begin with I think they are too vulnerable to the environment...rain, a deep water crossing, dust vibration, heat and cold can all render them out of commision. I prefer some kind of dedicated gps unit then keep my phone as a back up, safely tucked in my pocket. Another reason not to rely soley on a phone is if you lose the phone or break it, now you're both lost and unable to call anyone.

[@lawrencearabia9345]

Nice work. A good rehearsal was key for me, packed the bike and camped overnight. Also on the BDR be mindful of your limits, live to ride another day. Keep it up nice job.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Great tip. Especially when soloing.

[@timsilva1944]

Without a center stand, it'll be a pain to fix a flat without logs or rocks to prop up the bike. I removed the adjustable base from an old set of crutches and cut/ground a vee into it so it fits securely under my footpeg mount. Swapped tires and several flats this way. Fits into my tent pole bag along with one long tire lever. Shorter spoons in my tool bag. The Motion Pro Bead Pro levers are good for those stubborn beads.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Nice little hack you figured out over here. I'm taking notes.

[@greatfallskam]

Having done a number of BDR and other big trips, I could related to Andrews tips. Excellent video.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thecorporategypsy]

Very good and helpful

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad to hear that. Thanks for the note

[@Davran2742]

Great points, thanks.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@Davran2742]

@@RIDEAdventures - I'm getting back into riding after a decade off, and the point about small and light is great; I'm looking at a 650cc adv bike at biggest, and am considering a crf 300 rally for lightweight.

[@harleyjetdriver1957]

I wish this video had been out before I did the IDBDR. Even though we (2 of us) followed the majority of your suggestions, this video would have been helpful. I will send this out to our group getting ready to do the Smokey Mt 500.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Cheers Harleyjetdriver. Thanks for the share

[@scottkurth1204]

Great info but missed a key piece of gear... "comms". Riding with communication gear (sena, cardo) is a game changer, even if just for leader and trailer. Once you've experience riding with them you won't ever want to go back. Even the cheap bt-s2's are better than nothing (I have spares of these for buddies).

[@superflycatchermtb]

Great point...the big trips I've done with others we were connected with helmet comms. People ask what's the best helmet comm system: Sena or Cardo?....I say the best brand is the brand the rest of your group has. Connecting across brands gives you very limited range and is hit or miss. Whether you run Cardo or Sena, make sure to get one with Dynamic Mesh which is essentially a steroid version of Bluetooth. The range is still short of what either manufacture claims, but the Cardo Edge and PacTalk Bold both give useful range...but not beyond line of sight.

[@stevemartinez4180]

Good job

[@RIDEAdventures]

We try. Thanks!

[@Estradinhas_do_ES]

Great video! Excellent advice! One question: small or big bike? I guess a single-cylinder 300~500cc bike is the way to go, as speed is generally slow and it is easier to manage.

[@Zerotys_ADV]

Ride the bike that suits your capabilities.

[@RIDEAdventures]

For BDR's, small or big bikes are fine. Each has its pros and cons. Your points on the small bikes are correct. @zerotys_adv has a great point as well. -Garrett

[@mitchwiebell2785]

Great vid - thank you! What advice, other than “don’t do it”, would you give to someone considering doing a BDR solo? For some of the reasons you mentioned early in your vid, my biggest concern of a group ride is rider compatibility. I’m what I’d consider a “prudent” rider. Though my experience riding with others is relatively limited seems like it’d be very, very difficult to find like-minded riders. I pray I’m wrong. I know what you’re probably thinking - a prudent rider wouldn’t go alone. Hence the conundrum. Thank you in advance for your reply.

[@Zerotys_ADV]

You can certainly do these routes solo. Lots of people do. Just know what you’re capable of and what you’re not. Being prudent is very wise. Carry an in reach or similar. Let people know your route plans. Just be smart about what you’re doing. 🤘🏾

[@RIDEAdventures]

Another great response with solid advice bud! Cheers -Garrett

[@RIDEAdventures]

Lots of people RIDE these solo. Like @zerotys_ADV says just make sure you have all your plan b's in order like an in reach or similar. -Garrett

[@mitchwiebell2785]

@@Zerotys_ADV thank you very much for your reply!

[@mitchwiebell2785]

Thank you very much for weighing in!

[@thomasreynolds1530]

Would you recommend a crf300 rally for bdr? How does it fair versus the t7?

[@RIDEAdventures]

Yes absolutely. CRF300L Rally is great for BDR's. As for differences, it's pretty easy to see. - 100 lbs difference. - Both ride great offroad. - T7 has an advantage on high-speed highways which for BDR's isn't very common. I enjoy the T7 more in the twisties and on the pavement. - Good range on both as far as mileage. - T7 sucks to pick up a bit more off-road than the CRF. - T7 can carry more however, the CRF forces you to be a little more careful on what you pack. - The MSRP of the CRF300L rally is pretty nice as well. - Overall I'd say the CRF300L Rally is a good choice if you plan to ride mainly offroad or BDR's. - Tenere 700 would be the best choice if you want more of an all-terrain ripper. -Garrett

[@tainis1996]

Are you doing a video on the packing and the most have items on a trip?

[@RIDEAdventures]

Oooo we hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the Idea. Passing this on to Andrew. -Garrett

[@arikpeterson6260]

How tall is Eric? I’m 6-5, and want light bike. Like a crf 300, but that fits decent.

[@RIDEAdventures]

None of them will probably fit you best, but you’re definitely going to be wanting to take advantage of the tallest bikes with the most ground clearance, suspension, travel, etc. GSA instead of Regular GS, for example.

[@chasinglightandtrails]

Sound advice, but the background music is just not necessary.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Good point. Wish we caught that before releasing. I'll make sure we either turn it way down or get rid of it altogether. Thanks for the feedback. -Garrett

[@billz410]

BDR routes are best enjoyed on at least a BMW 1250 and $3,000.00 worth of Kim gear.

[@RIDEAdventures]

$4000 worth of Klim gear is optimal but $3000 meh you might have a good time. 😂

[@clvrswine]

BDRs have so little highway riding that the bikes featured here are the real issue. No need to "save weight" when you are on the appropriate bike in the first place. A dual sport is what you should be on, not a 593 lb. GS. Your BMW has a place (maybe if you are riding to the start of a BDR from home). Otherwise, heavy "ADV" bikes are wildly unnecessary and create more problems for riders than they solve.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Hmmm I don't completely agree. Mid sized ADV bikes I would say are still great BDR bikes. But you have a point about heavy bikes on primarily offroad routes and the extra problems that come with that.

[@AndrewMurray-w9i]

No doubt bigger bikes come with different and additional problems off road. I think theres two different ways to look at it. You can look at the terrain and say whats the best bike for that. Or you can take the bike that you have and love to ride and say where can i go with this based on your skills etc. For me, i love the GS and other big bikes, so challenging myself on off road terrain on that bike is what i enjoy. But no doubt my CRF450L would take me through the tricky sections faster. But then again the Idaho BDR started with 450 highway miles and finished with 600 HW miles so the GS was nice to have.

Good point. For most of us having any bike at all is a luxury, so do the best you can with what you have and have that adventure!

[@The333]

Great post.

[@RIDEAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@BERZERKERSV4]

The reality is 90% of these “BDRs” could be traveled in a 1990 Honda Accord… the vast majority are improved road with a occasional 3”puddle to test these posers in their Klim/6D gear… I laugh when I see these mopes… wanna a true BDR and gain some respect… try the Amazon jungle for starts…

[@RIDEAdventures]

Ahh, but it’s the other 10% that makes us love these routes and enjoy ADV bikes. That get us to these remote spots.

[@snowypit]

Ha! Just one section of NorCal BDR by Bridgeport had rocks that will stop your Accord and attitude...