Press Release | January 17, 2025
Triumph announced a new partnership as co-presenting sponsor of the latest South East Discovery Route (SEBDR) that will showcase the Tiger 900 Rally Pro. The SEBDR film will premiere on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Roswell, Georgia. Accompanying the premiere, free GPS tracks, digital maps, FAQs, and travel resources will be released at 3 p.m. EST / 12:00 p.m. PST on March 1 on the BDR website.
Photo Credit: Ely Wood
This is a press release from Triumph…
In a continued effort to support adventure motorcycling around the globe, Triumph announced a new partnership as co-presenting sponsor of the latest South East Discovery Route (SEBDR) that will showcase the Tiger 900 Rally Pro.
The new collaboration underscores a shared commitment to supporting adventure motorcycling while helping BDR create more routes and develop valuable motorcycle travel resources that benefit riders and rural communities alike.
Inna Thorn, BDR Executive Director: “BDR is proud to partner with Triumph Motorcycles America, one of the world’s most iconic and innovative motorcycle brands. With over 120 years of heritage, Triumph represents quality, style, and a passion for adventure. As BDR celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2025, we look forward to collaborating with Triumph to create more routes and protect riding opportunities for future generations.”
Sterling Noren, BDR Documentary Filmmaker: “I rode the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro on the South East BDR while filming the documentary, and it performed exceptionally well. The bike was stable, fun to ride, and carried all my filming gear with ease. Even in tough terrain, it felt balanced and ready for any challenge. It’s definitely BDR-ready and a top contender for one of the most capable and comfortable adventure bikes out there.”
Adam VanderVeen, Marketing Director, Triumph Motorcycles America: “We’re honored to partner with Backcountry Discovery Routes and proud to support their mission of preserving off-road riding opportunities for the adventure motorcycling community. BDR plays a vital role in inspiring and enabling riders to explore some of the most remote and beautiful regions of the country, fostering a stronger connection between riders and the backcountry. At Triumph, we’re committed to engineering motorcycles that can withstand the toughest challenges, and the Tiger 900 Rally Pro is built with exactly this kind of demanding adventure in mind. The Adventure motorcycle category continues to grow, largely because of the efforts from organizations like BDR which curate unforgettable riding experiences, and we’re excited to play a part in the BDR coming to the backyard of our American headquarters in Atlanta with the new BDRSE route.”
Backcountry Discovery Route Info
Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®), the non-profit organization dedicated to preserving off-highway riding opportunities for adventure motorcyclists, has released the trailer for its newest route, the South East Backcountry Discovery Route (SEBDR). The full-length expedition documentary will premiere during the Route Release Party on Saturday, March 1st, at the Aurora Cineplex/The Computer Museum of America in Roswell, GA, and launch a nationwide film tour with over 80 screenings planned at motorcycle dealerships and clubs.
The SEBDR, BDR’s 14th cross-state route, is an epic 1,300-mile journey through the diverse and stunning landscapes of the South East. Starting at the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, the route travels across the Florida panhandle and winds its way through the Appalachian Mountains in Alabama, North Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, before concluding in Damascus, Virginia, where it connects to the Mid-Atlantic BDR. Riders will experience a stunning range of climates and topographies, from dense forest roads and scenic overlooks to picturesque lakes, roaring rivers, and optional challenging sections. Twisty paved roads add to the fun, while the unique charm of southern culture and cuisine provides a memorable backdrop for the journey. The route can be enjoyed for most of the year from early spring to late fall, somewhat unique among the BDR collection.
With the release of the route, free GPS tracks, detailed travel resources, and the official SEBDR Motorcycle Map will be available to help riders plan their own unforgettable SEBDR adventure.
Kirk Lakeman, SEBDR Route Architect & BDR Board Member: “I’m thrilled to share the SEBDR with riders who want to experience the South in a special BDR way. Traveling from the Gulf to Southern Virginia, some of my favorite parts of the route include the white sands of the Florida panhandle, the rolling cotton fields in southern Alabama, the rugged trails of the Talladega and Chattahoochee National Forests, and the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. This fun and flowing route offers a little bit of everything and is accessible to riders with moderate off-pavement experience.”
One of the unique challenges in creating the SEBDR was navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage to communities and roads along the route. During filming, the team was unable to complete the final 300 miles of the proposed route. However, since then, BDR scouts have verified that the majority of the final leg is rideable as originally planned. The recovering local communities will benefit greatly from the economic boost that BDR motorcycle travel will bring, helping to support their rebuilding efforts.
The SEBDR marks a significant milestone for BDR, completing the East Coast Trilogy — three interconnected eastern BDRs that create an epic route from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border.
FILM & ROUTE RELEASE The documentary showcases the BDR team, special guests from, Triumph Motorcycles, Edelweiss Bike Travel, and local BDR scouts as they navigate the unique challenges and scenic landscapes of the all-new route.
The SEBDR film will premiere on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, in Roswell, GA, with representatives from BDR, Triumph, and other industry partners in attendance. Tickets for the film premiere are available now at www.RideBDR.com/SEBDR Accompanying the premiere, free GPS tracks, digital maps, FAQs, and travel resources will be released at 12:00 PM PST on March 1st on the BDR website. The waterproof SEBDR Motorcycle Map will be available for purchase at the BDR Online Store.
