The NorCal BDR: Section 1

[@AT2021Rocker]

Sorry you had issues on IDBDR, I found it very big bike friendly and newish rider friendly. Keeping your buddies first time goals in mind is critical. If making it fun for the new rider frustrates you then they or you shouldn’t ride together. Some of my favourite memories are the reactions of the guys who hadn’t done much off-road!

[@RuggedButFancy]

Overall we found the IDBDR to be very big bike friendly. The ORBDR not so much. Something must have come across wrong in the video. I don’t get frustrated by new riders. I wouldn’t be an instructor / high school teacher if I got frustrated by people learning. I love watching people grow and develop new skills. If I get frustrated by anything, it’s by unmet expectations of what the trail is advertised as and what we end up riding. I never want to take someone beyond what they feel comfortable with.

[@ronnglover1332]

I watched again and enjoyed the drone shots 😊

[@ronnglover1332]

🎉most enjoyable. I like dirt routes. Nice helmet and soft bags.❤ I like tourtec 😊can't wait to see the next one.

[@RuggedButFancy]

Thanks! More to come.

[@steveperez5383]

thanks for sharing ....im on a smaller and lighter bike but older so knowing you guys can do this, feels like this can be a good option for me.

[@RuggedButFancy]

Glad you liked it. This first section, no problem, especially if you keep to the main route like we did. There are a couple sections coming up in later videos that are a little tricky but overall it’s a pretty friendly route.

[@FrostedTips1]

Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more drone shots!

[@RuggedButFancy]

🤣 you and almost everyone else!

[@kvl505]

It looks like Lee's Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris is located far away in Redding. Thank you for the video..

[@RuggedButFancy]

You’re welcome! That sounds right. Pete said he had great support from them.

[@bradsanders6954]

Cool vid! I dont even see the point of wrestling fully loaded big bikes, other than marketing says its the way to go. Ive got an 890R, I would ride my 690 on any BDR. Thats just me.

[@RuggedButFancy]

Thanks! I only have the 1190r so it’s my do it all bike. There are some days I’d prefer a smaller lighter bike but for the most part I love it and can hold my own with it. If I were only doing BDRs I’d probably pick up a 500.

[@marshall60m4]

790R/890r is no problem and so much more enjoyable on the road then a single. Finished this BDR a couple of weeks ago. Did all the advanced/expert sections and it was just enough of a challenge to still be fun. Ended up doing a little more then 2000 miles from my house and back. Guess it's all what your used to, I did utah and Idaho bdr on my 1200GS. Lol.

[@RuggedButFancy]

That’s for sure. I hope I was clear that we are average riders with some being new to off road. I’ve no doubt some will ride this and all the advanced sections on a big GS and have an absolutely blast. That said, I’ve done quite a bit on my 1190 and I really love it. I don’t see it as that much different than an 890 otherwise I’d likely be on one. I haven’t felt the need to get a single either and to your point, the twins are so much more comfortable getting there. Would I be more confident with a 500 for example? Sure! Who wouldn’t? Is it necessary? Nah.

[@NMS.SuperDuper]

Why did you replace the Arai XD-4? 😮

[@RuggedButFancy]

I still have the XD4. Touratech Canada sent me this one to try out on the trip to see how I like it. I have the previous aventuro and used it before my XD-4 and this is a huge upgrade for sure. I may do a side by side comparison of all three one day, but I will say having a pin lock visor again has been amazing.

[@NMS.SuperDuper]

@@RuggedButFancy That would be a great video. Thanks.

[@GaryWalker-we4vh]

If you believe that reincarnation is possible.. perhaps you've lived in more than one century...?

[@RuggedButFancy]

Haha good point. I’ve been told I have an old soul. Maybe that’s why!