Backcountry Discovery Routes is getting ready to release the third in the BDR-X series of shorter BDR-style routes that loop –  the Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert in Oregon.  

The first in the series was the Red Desert in Wyoming, followed by the Pennsylvania Wilds and now the non-profit organization is taking this new concept to Oregon with the confirmed release of the third BDR-X route this June during a live YouTube Broadcast. The one-hour-long live stream will include the debut of “the 20-minute expedition documentary film, the official release of the tracks and route resources, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and the first group expedition on this BDR-X.”

BDR-X Oregon

The upcoming BDR-X route is designed to showcase the striking contrast of the Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert in Oregon. Starting and ending in Fields, Oregon, the 265-mile loop can be accomplished in two days. “It would be hard to find a more diverse mix of surface terrain making this experience truly unique,” explains the BDR.

The loop features a 5,000-foot elevation in the State’s remote Southeast region and will include sandy stretches as well as rocky double-track. Steens Mountain Loop is a long scenic gravel road that ascends to the ridge crest of Steens Mountain at nearly 10,000 feet. The Alvord Desert is a wide open-up-the-throttle desert playa. “Both of these areas are easy riding. It’s the stuff in between that provides the challenge,” says BDR Executive Director, Inna Thorn.

YouTube Live Broadcast

The new BDR-X route will be officially released during a live stream on the BDR YouTube Channel on June 7 at 5:00 pm PST / 8:00 pm EST. The broadcast will be hosted by BDR Executive Director Inna Thorn, Route Co-Architect & BDR Ambassador Nathan Fant, and Mosko Moto Co-Founder & CEO Pete Day, live from the Mosko Moto headquarters in White Salmon, WA.  

As always, once released you will find tracks, maps and resources for free at ridebdr.com.

Photos by Ely Woody