After years in development, the Northern California BDR has finally been released. The CABDR-North represents the organization’s thirteenth route for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel, with free GPS tracks, travel resources, a printed waterproof map and an expedition film to accompany its debut. Moreover, the non-profit organization says the route offers riders an opportunity to traverse the finest off-pavement backcountry tracks from Mexico to Canada on a BDR.

The 940-mile Nor Cal BDR promises an incredible experience for all skill levels. The main route has been developed with beginner riders in mind but if you want to turn the level of difficulty up several notches, its optional advanced sections will deviate from the main route for miles and offer some of the longest, sustained technical terrain on any BDR.

Starting in Mammoth Lakes, CA atop Minaret Vista, the route traverses the Great Sierra Nevada Range’s conifer forests, mountain meadows, and gentle slopes, concluding in the high desert of the Modoc Plateau just north of Alturas, CA at the Oregon border. Riders enjoy blissful forested two-tracks, tackle rugged canyon and mountain roads, and ascend peaks to fire lookouts with unparalleled, 360-degree views. 

Highlights of the route include quaint towns nestled in the High Sierra’s folds, with their historic inns dating back to the 1880s. Beyond the thrill of the twisty roads and scenic vistas, riders can delve into California history, discover relics of mining towns, and witness geological wonders. 

With a 70/30 dirt to pavement ratio, off-road fans will have plenty of tracks to take on but the pavement sections shine too with the best peg scraping twisties in the state. And in case you were wondering, the route has virtually no sand, unless you want to challenge your skills on the many optional advanced sections.

Nor Cal BDR Documentary Film & Tour

The documentary film, directed by Sterling Noren, premiered February 17th in Sacramento, California. If you missed it, don’t worry. The film tour continues through May with numerous motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country hosting screenings of the BDR organization’s newest film. Check the Film Tour page for a schedule of upcoming CABDR-North premieres and join your fellow adventure enthusiasts for an exciting evening of adventure motorcycle film entertainment.

Upcoming film tour stops:

• 2/21 – Long Beach, CA at Long Beach BMW Motorcycles
• 2/21 – Salem, VA  at Frontline Eurosports
• 2/22 – Metuchen, NJ at Cross Country Cycle
• 2/22 – Louisville, TN at BMW Motorcycles of Alcoa
• 2/23 – Fairbanks, AK at Trail’s End BMW Motorcycles
• 2/23 – Roseville, CA at A&S Powersports
• 2/23 – Livermore, CA at BMW of Tri-Valley
• 2/23 – Chesterfield, MO at Gateway BMW Ducati Motorcycles
• 2/23 – Hasbrouck Heights, NJ at BMW of Hasbrouck Heights 
• 2/23 – Middletown, OH at BMW Motorcycles of Greater Cincinnati
• 2/23 – Eugene, OR at BMW motorcycles of Eugene
• 2/23 – Austin, TX at RideNow Austin
• 2/24 – Orange, CA at Irv Seaver BMW
• 2/24 – Grand Rapids, MI at BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids
• 2/24 – Tyrone, PA at Kissell Motorsports/BMW Motorcycles of Tyrone
• 2/24 – North Versailles, PA at Mosites Motorsports
• 2/24 – Greer (Spartanburg), SC at D2 Powersports
• 2/24 – San Antonio, TX at BMW Motorcycles of San Antonio
• 2/24 – Waukesha, WI at Triumph Waukesha
• 2/24 – Montrose, CO at Vamoose Gear Powersports Accessories
• 2/24 – Sisters, OR at Sisters Moto 
• 2/24 – Port Clinton, PA at Hermy’s BMW & Triumph
• 2/24 – Concord, CA at SoSo Cycles of Concord 
• 2/24 – Tacoma, WA at SoSo Cycles of Tacoma 
• 2/28 – Sandy, UT at Eurosports Utah (BMW of Salt Lake City)
• 3/2 – Sand Diego, CA at San Diego BMW Motorcycles
• 3/2 – Riverside, CA at BMW Motorcycles of Riverside
• 3/2 – Lakewood, CO at Foothills Motorcycles
• 3/2 –  Seattle, WA at The Museum of Flight (Hosted by BDR)
• 3/2 –  Ferndale, WA at BMW Motorcycles of Ferndale
• 3/3 – Middletown, VA at DC Dirt Camp
• 3/8 – Grand Junction, CO at Teddy Morse’s Grand Junction Powersports
• 3/8 – Sherwood, OR at Ironman 4×4
• 3/9 – Camp Hill, PA at Warhorse Camp Hill
• 3/9 – Portland, OR at MotoCorsa Ducati
• 3/9 – Marietta, GA at Wooly’s Cycle of Atlanta
• 3/9 – Fort Collins, CO at Coco Powersports
• 3/14 – Cleveland, OH at Sill’s Motor Sales
• 3/15 – Ottawa, IL at Starved Rock Harley Davidson/KTM
• 3/15 – Albuquerque, NM at Sandia BMW Motorrad
• 3/16 – Worcester, MA at Wagner BMW Motorcycles of Worcester
• 3/16 – Tigard, OR at BMW Motorcycles of Portland
• 3/16 – Seattle, WA at BMW Motorcycles of Seattle
• 3/16 – Oklahoma City, OK at EuroTek OKC
• 3/17 – Kansas City, MO at Blip Roasters
• 3/23 – Walla Walla, WA at Tom’s Cycle
• 3/30 – San Jose, CA at San Jose BMW
• 4/4 – Ormond Beach, FL at Daytona Beach Motos
• 4/4 – Wilmington, OH at Clinton County Motorsports
• 4/6 – Fredericksburg, VA at Morton’s BMW Motorcycles
• 4/18 – Youngstown, OH at Appalachian ADV
• 4/20 – Raleigh, NC at Garcia Moto 
• 4/25 – Anchorage, AK at the MotorcycleShop
• 5/2 – Quincy, CA at Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
• 5/17 – Conneaut Lake, PA at Street Track N Trail

Photos by Ely Woody