Cycle News Staff | June 9, 2023
The adventure motorcycling non-profit, Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) released its next route, the Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert, Oregon BDR-X during a live YouTube broadcast on June 7 from Mosko Moto headquarters in White Salmon, Washington.
Hosts BDR Executive Director Inna Thorn, Route Co-Architect Nathan Fant, and Mosko Moto CEO Pete Day premieres the short expedition documentary film on June 7 and offered viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the route.
VIDEO | Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert BDR-X | Official Trailer
BDR-X
The Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert BDR-X is the organization’s 15th route and fourth in the BDR-X series of shorter BDR-style loops. Free GPS tracks, travel resources, and a downloadable/ printable map will be available at RideBDR.com/AlvordDesert.
“We created this BDR-X because Steens Mountain has to been seen to be believed. Far different than the Cascades or Rockies, this remote mountain has deep glacier-carved gorges and views down to the vast Alvord Desert that riders get to experience on the second day. It’s an awe-inspiring loop that riders will never forget.” – Bryce Stevens, BDR Co-Founder and Route Architect
Mosko Moto is the presenting sponsor of this route. The luggage and apparel manufacturer is headquartered in White Salmon, WA, and is perfectly situated between the end of the ORBDR and the start of the WABDR. For BDR riders, Mosko offers free camping at the Bates Mototel—about five miles from downtown White Salmon (reserve a site by email). Mosko’s Co-Founder and CEO joined the filming expedition.
“The Alvord is one of my favorite places in the world. The wide open spaces, the absence of noise, clutter, and people. Dark skies and vivid stars. It’s a very special place, and it’s far from everything, which is kind of the point.” – Pete Day, Mosko Moto Co-Founder & CEO
Here is the link to view the broadcast that went live on June 7, 2023:
Steens Mountain and Alvord Desert BDR-X Route and Film Release!
BDR-X
About The Route
Designed to showcase the striking 5,000-foot elevation transition from the Steens Mountain to the Alvord Desert, this remote BDR-X starts and ends in Fields, Oregon (near section 1 of the Oregon BDR). The 246-mile loop can be accomplished in two days and offers a diverse mix of surface terrain, including gravel roads, rocky double-track, overgrown dirt roads, and open desert playa making this BDR-X truly unique. This 2-day loop is accessible after the snow melts and the roads open in June.
About Backcountry Discovery Routes®
Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that creates off-highway routes for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel. The organization’s work includes promoting rider education and safety campaigns, driving economic relief to rural communities, and encouraging responsible motorcycle travel in the backcountry. Through the careful investment of funds and working with land managers and other public benefit organizations, BDR seeks to keep remote roads and public trails open for motorcycling for generations to come.
BDR delivers turn-key trip planning resources to the community including GPS tracks, digital maps, travel information, route condition updates, YouTube videos, Q&As, and other information—all available 24/7 on www.RideBDR.com. The organization relies on the generosity of donors and a team of volunteers and ambassadors who contribute thousands of hours each year to help carry out this mission.
Since 2010, BDR has created routes in Washington, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, the Mid-Atlantic region, Southern California, the North-East region, Wyoming, and now in Oregon.
For more information, visit https://ridebdr.com/
Additional photos from BDR:
