Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) have formalized a new partnership aimed at expanding advocacy efforts, promoting responsible recreation, enhancing rider education, and strengthening community engagement across America’s growing adventure and dual-sport motorcycling segment.

The two organizations recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that brings together BDR’s extensive route-development expertise and grassroots adventure-riding network with the AMA’s national advocacy infrastructure and government relations capabilities.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to protecting riding opportunities while fostering greater participation and stewardship among adventure and dual-sport riders nationwide.

For nearly two decades, BDR has built a reputation as a leading force in adventure motorcycle travel, developing route networks that connect riders with remote backcountry destinations through carefully researched and documented routes. Beyond route development, BDR has cultivated a dedicated community through its route resources, GPS tracks, educational materials, film productions, and route-release events.

The AMA, meanwhile, brings decades of experience representing motorcyclists’ interests at the local, state, and federal levels. Through its advocacy efforts, network of clubs and promoters, and broad membership base, the organization has served as a key voice in protecting access to public lands and advancing the interests of riders across all disciplines.

Under the terms of the partnership, BDR will actively support AMA advocacy initiatives and encourage its community members to join the AMA to help strengthen motorcyclists’ collective voice. The organization will also invite AMA participation in BDR route-release celebrations, film premieres, and other community events.

In return, the AMA will support efforts to protect and promote BDR routes through its communication channels while encouraging AMA members to participate in volunteer projects, trail stewardship initiatives, and route-maintenance efforts.

For riders, the partnership is expected to deliver tangible benefits through closer coordination on public-land access issues, expanded educational opportunities focused on safety and responsible recreation, and increased opportunities to become involved in community-led stewardship efforts.

As access to public lands continues to be a critical issue for motorized recreation enthusiasts, the agreement represents a strategic alignment between two organizations with complementary strengths. BDR’s strong grassroots presence within the adventure riding community, combined with the AMA’s established advocacy network and political influence, creates a broader platform for addressing challenges facing dual-sport and adventure motorcyclists.

The partnership also reflects the continued growth and maturation of the adventure motorcycling segment, which increasingly depends not only on route development and rider engagement, but also on coordinated advocacy efforts to preserve access and ensure responsible use of public lands.

By combining resources and encouraging greater participation from their respective communities, BDR and the AMA hope to build a stronger, more unified voice for adventure and dual-sport riders across the country.