Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) has announced the launch of its latest project, the Lost Coast BDR-X, a 500-mile figure-eight loop through Northern California’s rugged coastline and inland ridges. In preparation for its debut, BDR has dropped a video trailer to offer a sneak peek of the upcoming film scheduled for release, along with the full route, at the premiere in San Francisco on December 13, 2025. 

Beginning in Fort Bragg, the route follows hidden dirt tracks along the Pacific, winds through ancient redwood forests, and climbs into the King Range and Sinkyone Wilderness, where forest, ridge, river, and sea meet.The all-new BDR-X promises to deliver a mix of coastal dirt tracks, twisting mountain pavement, and the quiet small town charm the Northern California coast is famous for.

For those new to the BDR, the non-profit was founded in 2010 to create and preserve off-pavement riding opportunities for the adventure motorcycling community. Over the years, BDR has mapped more than twenty cross-state and loop routes, each designed to highlight remote landscapes while supporting small-town economies. The BDR-X format, introduced more recently, offers loop-style routes that begin and end at the same location, simplifying logistics for riders.

According to BDR the Lost Coast BDR-X is designed to be accessible to a wide range of skill levels, with moderate technical sections balanced by scenic pavement stretches, and a figure-eight loop that makes planning flexible. Riders can expect dramatic ocean vistas, redwood groves, and ridge roads that showcase California’s famously untamed coastline. The route is estimated to take about four days to complete, with ample access to lodging, dining, and fuel along the way. The best riding season runs from late May through October, when coastal fog and inland heat are most manageable.

Jocelin Snow, ADV rider and BDR Board Member who designed the route, describes the Lost Coast as “remote, raw, and absolutely breathtaking,” adding that the new BDR-X “brings riders closer to the wild coastal spirit while also supporting the small towns that make this region so special.” The accompanying BDR-X route film follows three women riders exploring the route alongside Snow, highlighting camaraderie and the unique challenges of coastal ADV travel.

The launch event for the official release of the route and film will be held at Scuderia West Motorcycle Dealership in San Francisco on December 13, running from noon to 6:00 PM. The program includes vendor demos, food trucks, gear specials, and presentations from Continental Tires, Alpinestars, and Backroad Motorcycle Adventures. At 5:00 PM Pacific, Snow and BDR Executive Director Inna Thorn will host a live broadcast on the BDR YouTube channel, debuting the full Lost Coast BDR-X film and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the route’s creation.

Free GPS tracks, printed maps, and travel resources will be available on the BDR website starting December 13. For seasoned ADV riders, the Lost Coast BDR-X offers a rare opportunity to experience California’s last undeveloped stretch of coastline in a structured, well-supported format. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it adds a compelling new chapter to the growing library of BDR routes.

To help fund these projects, BDR also runs annual sweepstakes, with prizes including fully outfitted adventure motorcycles such as the 2025 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro “Founder’s Edition” currently up for grabs. These giveaways not only raise money for route development but also give adventure riders an opportunity to invest in the organization’s mission. Support the BDR by following the link here to get registered for the giveaway!

Photos by Olivier de Vaulx