Here is my advice to you as a 62 yrs old rider that travel solo over 100K miles plus. First, get a Garmin mini (safety) and Garmin Zumo xt (navigation) second get a smaller bike like, Yamaha wr250r (first choice) or Honda crf250l (crf300l), at about 300 lb you will enjoy your ride and don't have to worry about dropping it and not to be able to pick it up. Carry a Air horn to scare animals like Bear or mountain lion, I know there are a lot of those in Oregon and Washington. Be safe
I agree with you about the lighter bike. I'll be 73, next year, when i'm planning to ride from the UK to Capetown. I think I'm going to take a Yamaha XT250 as my bike. The WR250 is, going to be too tall for me, and the CRF250/300 is, also, tall enough to make it difficult for me to get on it when it's got stuff strapped to the seat ( I'm not flexible enough, these days to high kick my leg over a tall bike ) The XT250's seat height is doable for me ( plus it's lighter that the CRF ) I have a Himalayan at the moment, which would be perfect, apart from the weight. I like your idea about the airhorn. Will get a Garmin, too.
@@Jaffa1951 The WR250R is easy to lower with the Yamalink. and a lower seat...and a much better bike. We just did UT BDR and CO BDR sections 1600 miles. in 10 days. I have a 29" inseam.
@@irishpilot2006 Thanks. This is interesting. How much does lowering it with the Yamalink affect the ground clearance? Also, do you know what is the seat height with link fitted? Did you fit the lowering link to yours, along with the lower seat? Unfortunately, the XT225, XT250 and the WR250R are all fairly rare here in the UK, but having another option might help me find a good one.
I dropped a CRF300L when my lower back was hurting. I could not pick it up without a lot of pain. So maybe think about that possibility. I got a Motowinch just for a worst case scenario where back hurts again and I have to pick it up again.
I am 63 years old and ride the BDRs with my sons. They always have to stop and wait for me. My revenge for all the crap they put me through when they were younger! Nice vid…
@@MySeniorMoments He is a lucky man, anyhow I just bumped into your site/ video. You give me hope to ride. I used to go out in the desert when younger. At 63 kind of scary to injure oneself since women spiral down when they break a hip. I drive slow in my truck and love the desert escarpment. Never been to Oregon but if I rode a bike I know I would also be slow. Thanks and be safe MSM
@@beekeepermariadelgado6806 I love riding offroad on my 650. I ride all over the West. At 70 I still race down in Baja. I hope you find satisfaction in your adventures.
What a lovely calm guy, telling things as they are. No macho riding. I am 75 years planning my first international trip next summer. Going from Southern France to Lofoten in Norway where I lived two years, 73 years ago. I appreciate older riders because of their wisdom, common sense, more adapting to the environment than many young riders counting km trying to pass 5 countries in 3 days.
That's just great, keep on riding. My mother did till the end when she passed away age 78. This summer I'll try to go up from Spain to the North Cape, we'll see us on route ✌️
53 hrs old here and started riding this past July. I really have learned a lot, scared myself once or twice but still loving the ride. Thank you for posting.
I am 80 years old and ride an AJP PR7. 1st get a decent GPS (Garmin XT) and zoom in on your routes to see course changes. I notice you are zoomed out (3 or more mile view) most of the time. Zoom in to .5 or .8 miles distance and you will not get confused when multiple roads appear. Even though my bike gets a reliable 200 miles to a tank, I still carry a 1-gallon gas tote on multi-day trips in the outback (Nevada). I empty it into the tank of the bike at 60 miles traveled. Ride with a partner!
I'm leaving the house this morning to tackle section 5 of the UTBDR solo. I'm doing it old-school with no electronics. Thanks for your encouraging video. It gives me hope to attempt Idaho next season.
Native Oregonian here. Can't stress enough to STOP and GET FUEL if it's avaliable. Gas stations are few/far between once you get east of hwy 97, and just because a station had fuel the last time you were there doesn't gaurantee they will have some (or be open) the next time you stop in. You never know (as you experienced) when you might get off route due to an error, detour, or road closure and wish you'd stopped for fuel when you had the opportunity to do so.
True of Oregon, even more true of Nevada. There are stretches out there where it’s more than 200 miles between stations and sometimes when you get there there isn’t gas. I carry extra with me on my Triumph Bonneville, since my best range is about 180 miles.
Im 64 and still a legend in my own mind and I ride a CRF300L, I can pick it up when I go down, I too ride alone and I prefer it that way. A couple of weeks ago a bear jumped out on the trail in front of me and then ran into the bush. My heart was beating when I went past the area he jumped back in and these cheap thrills are one of the big reasons I ride.
I enjoy your channel. I’m 55 and just ordered the 23 890 adventure r. Looking forward to doing similar stuff your doing . Unlike you who came off a street bike, I came out of the dirt bike world and still have a plated KTM 350 that I plan on riding as long as I can. If I can offer some advice. Tire air pressure is everything when riding in areas you may be uncomfortable with. Reduce your tire air pressure as much as possible and you will notice much improved control and traction. Once your past those challenging areas, carry a small air compressor that runs on 12 volt made for motorcycles. I don’t own one so I can’t help with brand recommendation but I’ve gone on rally rides with others who have them. First gear, get as far back on your seat as possible and feather the front brake only when needed is a good technique going down step gravelly roads. The rear brake is good but many who are inexperienced apply too much rear brake and either stall the engine or lock it up and end up sliding sideways. I hope this helps.
I've ridden Colorado twice, Utah once, and Idaho once. My recommendation for your riding is the Idaho BDR. It's a fabulous route with only a couple of places that had a little challenge. The real challenge to Idaho is that it is so long. But, I'm 65, rode with two friends, and never dropped my bike on the Idaho route. It is far and away my favorite BDR so far. One thing I would add to this video would be the advice to simply not worry about workarounds - whether it be fore worry of more technical terrain (especially if you're solo) or simply because you're just a little weary of dirt. I am really enjoying your videos. Stay safe.
I’m 62 riding a lighter bike and rode route 4 last week. Put together a route from the paper maps onto Gaia. Still managed to get lost and enjoyed that part of the adventure because no route is perfect. May I recommend taking an offroad course from someone like Jimmy Lewis? I can’t tell you how much a few offroad classes reduced stress and anxiety in tough sections…especially that Oregon dry powder! Technique makes all the difference. Happy riding.
I'm a 65 female solo rider. I don't do adventure riding not because I don't want to but I'm afraid if I go down now I won't get back up. I still camp but prefer using Bunk a Biker when I can. I ride a 22 year old Kawasaki trike conversion and try to take 3 weeks to travel . The farthest I've gone is from Pa to Texas and the southern states to Florida and back to Pa for about 3000 miles. I agree with absolutely everything you suggested. Maybe in my next life I'll start adventuring at a much younger age. Be safe and enjoy every moment.
@tonyinfinity definitely no dirt or mountain climbing and of course a trike isn't for that kind of riding. My comment was more based on solo riding and if i was younger i definitely would try adventure riding.
Good video! Excellent advice, totally agree with all your suggestions and advice. I too like solo riding for all the reasons you suggested, especially just being more at ease with doing what you want or need to do. One other rider is OK, mostly to share in the fun, and carry some of the needed gear. Larger group rides present larger problems. Thank you!
Bruce - really enjoyed the video. I like the educational points you inserted. Those are very informative for someone interested in undertaking a BDR. As an older rider (71), I found this inspirational and makes me want to get a dirt bike!
Tom, a dirt bike or a dual-sport (street legal dirt bike) is the best way to learn offroad riding. After over thirty years of paved road riding, I got into ADV riding and discovered the joys of getting off the pavement. But it was very difficult to learn unpaved riding skills on these heavy, bulky machines! It wasn't until I picked up a Yamaha WR250R that my skills markedly improved! I was then able to translate those skills better to my latest ADV bike, a Husqvarna Norden 901. Don't let your age good you back!
Standing on your pegs helps to navigate the trickier bits with bumps or down hills. It gives you another set of suspension in your legs so you're not tossed around with the bike and can add your own weight where needed to make it through easier.
I am 68 years old and ride a KTM 790. Thanks for posting such nice videos. You could maybe ride a bit faster on gravel to steady the bike and let it do what it has to do. I leisurely cruise at 45 miles an hour on gravel. Better than too slow.
That is soooo true. The bike may wiggle a bit, just let it wiggle. Unless you are in a corner a little wiggle is nothing to be alarmed about. I have found that when riding my TW200 on single tracks, it is much easier if I go a little faster. It stops all of the wobbling around.
I intend to do something similar to this. I agree with you regarding riding with tour groups and riding at your pace. Like you, I like looking around taking photos and enjoying the trip withou having to worry about keeping up with the group or holding them up. Thank you for the video, it's great to hear that there are likeminded people out there.
Some very good info. I'm 72 years old and have been riding since I was 17, but always cruisers and touring bikes. This year I just now purchased a Suzuki vstrom and plan to try some easier off roading and maybe camping. Thanks
At 5:48 I go up that section often, chain up and air down right there. Lots of snow up there now, so you can't even get to the top. I've cut a tons of trees out of that road over the years. FR 37 to Prospect is a great road too!
Super job ! I'm 73 and have been riding on & off road since I was 10 with a few years of serious AMA Enduro competition many years ago , thinking about downsizing from my Roadburner that I've occasionaly done some mild dirt & gravel roads on , thanks for giving me a "peer" view at what I'm thinking about , be safe.....
I don't have your years of experience but at 73 am contemplating selling my street bike and getting a small adventure type bike......decisions, decisions, lol.
I'll be 62 next month. I bought a G310GS for my 60th birthday and have been loving it. I need to do more moto camping. I go on day rides with friends, and other times solo. I think I'll prefer longer trips and camping while solo. I've always been interested in ultralight camping and that carried over into motorcycle camping, but I did veer slightly away from that when Amazon delivered a 2.4 pound folding camp chair today.
I have ridden the Oregon “BDR” and run into the same issue you did re mapping. Butlers BDR maps are much better. I have use them to ride Idaho and Nevada.
Looks like where I grew up near Grants pass. I also am a slow rider I am there to smell the air and look around and stop when I want to, I am in no rush. Good ride. Good to have a Map for sure, I have a Garmin 700i so it is easy to check where I am at and set a new course if I need to or like you do not feel the need to punish the bike or yourself. You experanced some of the same stuff as the settlers did while heading to Oregon. Changing trail and road conditions, having to turn back because road or trail closers, due to wash out Snow drifts, or running low of water, or maybe the mules had played out so plans had to change. You did well, very well, and I thank you for sharing.
Sir, you are my hero. I am 54 and my wife has started asking when I'm going to stop riding Adventure Motorcycles. I dont plan to! Thanks for being a great example. I ride solo as much as I can, because I really dislike group ride for the same reasons you stated. When I do ride with a group or even lead a ride, I always tell everyone to ride your ride and dont try to keep up with the rider in front of them because bad things happen that way especially off road. Any way - Thanks again.
I LIKE TO HEAR STATEMENTS LIKE YOURS " I DON'T PLAN TO " I'M 70 YEARS OLD LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA AND STILL RIDE, SOLO OR WITH MY BUDDY TOM AND PLAN TO UNTIL I CAN'T KEEP MY BIKE UPRIGHT, IT'S A 2003 BMW 1150 ADVENTURE CALLED " INYATHI " THIS MEANS BUFFALO IN THE ZULU LANGUAGE.
Great to hear Mike! I hit 59 here shortly and have rode motorcycles on pavement my entire adult life. This year I decided it was time to hit the (off) road. I bought a R1250GSA and am taking the Rawhyde course in Southern CA next month to start training. I have been practicing off road over the summer with another bike I have just to get more comfortable but the GSA is a beast. I want some professional input. My goal is to to at least three BDR routes next year and hopefully more like 5 or 6. We will see how it goes.
I watched your entire video! Great advice you’ve given here! I’m going on my first BDR ride with a group of experienced riders from church hopefully in the next month. I wanted to get a bigger ADV bike but, almost all in the group ride Kawasaki KLR’s. Probably a smart move to have similar rides as the rest of the group. I was looking at the Tenere 700 but, it is pricey. I found a 2024 KLR with only 500 miles on it for around $6K.
When I was younger (now 67) used to ride my mountain bike like no tomorrow. Now I've slowed down and "smell the roses". I ride my T. Tiger the same way, hence the name "SloGoin Rider". Congrats on doing the ride the way you want. My last ride I camped at Lake of the Woods and then went around Crater Lake and up to Sunriver from the Sacramento area. If you ever need someone to ride with on one of your camping trips, let me know I'll ride up and would love to join in. We ride at the same pace, slow and steady. Plus, you can never do to many camping trips. I do enjoy your videos. Jim
Good for you, dude! Love that you saw a challenge and took the adventure. Especially love the simple gratitude that comes from rolling into a free lakeside campsite with food and drink. Ride on!
Thank you for sharing this. We are two Kiwi's who hope to do some of this region in 2024. More than happy to have you along for the ride. Steveandsuzzertw 👍🏍️🏍️
Hello, I've seen a number of your videos and enjoy them. I just saw this one on the Oregon BDR and have had a lot of interest in doing it or sections. I am probably a bit older than you (71) and have a Honda Crf300l for the dirt and a Harley Softail Heritage Classic for the road. I know you ride an adventure bike. You mentioned living close to the California end of the Oregon BDRE. I live just outside Adin California. There's lots of great riding in my area and I'm sure in your as well. If you might ever want anyone to go on rides with I would certainly consider. I'm not group type of person and do not drink. I'm a retired public school superintendent and lost my beautiful wife 14 years ago after a four year battle with cancer. Sometimes I get tired of doing everything alone all the time. Again, if you might ever want a riding buddy let me know. Keep on doing stuff
Thanks for sharing your experience on the Oregon BDR, it’s good to see somebody that looks like me, meaning a little bit older, I’m age 64, out there doing this solo, like I’ve been doing up here near Seattle on the local forest service roads. Nice video! You should probably get the Garmin mini two to add a bit of safety to your ride as well, I have one and my family and I feel better for that.
I have found love with riding adventure motorcycles at my 40s, so I am very glad watching you enjoy the same at a more ripe age! Keep enjoying your bike and your adventures!
Thanks so much for your humble and the real deal sharing for the common man. I appreciate so much that real challenges and comments. U r an example . Cheers
This was super cozy and relaxing to watch, thank you! 😍🦋I'm 45, I live in Sweden and I ride a Versys-X 300. I love back roads and gravel, and just getting out to see some beautiful nature (and a little bit of the fun challenge with some rougher sections and trails too).
@@seanmaccionnaith3458 Nope. Saved as much as I could. Made sound investments, and have always lived modestly and within my means. I would say more smart than nuts.
Great videos. I am in Australia and our tracks in some areas are similar to yours. I have been back riding for 5 years and just clocking 63 years old. What I do to get my confidence up is on straight sections and corners with clear visibility I push the pace sometimes to 65 miles an hour. By doing this it makes other sections when idling along seem easier. I enjoy the challenge of safely rubbing off speed and easing the bike through the corner. My ability doesn't stretch to sliding around corners. Enjoy your rides and stay safe.
I’m soon 69 years old. Been riding Harleys for about 25 years, Heritage and a Ultra Classic. Like a lot of us I rode dirt bikes as a kid. I’m planning to sell the Harley and get an ADV bike. Your video inspires me.
I like riding solo bc it allows me to absolutely haul ass. Did the Utah BDR with my dad and warned him when I invited him to go with me that it was going to be a world record run bc I had to get back to work lol. We did it in 3 days 8 hours border to border. Fun trip. Went fast the whole time.
Just found your channel and love the content! I don’t ride “deliberately” like yourself as i have a heavy right wrist on my Ktm 1290 but that’s what’s awesome about adventure riding - you can ride your own style and make it your own adventure! I’m trying to convince my recently retired father (63) that he needs to park the Harley and get an Adv bike!! I’d love to ride with him. Crack on!
I’m like you in that I prefer to ride a little slower than most it seems. I’m more cautious. You never know what is around the corner, tires might lose traction, etc. And I like to take in the scenery. Part of the reason for being out there is to experience the beauty and scenery. When you bust down the road at racing speeds, you miss everything.
Thanks Bruce!! Loved the video. Your style is my style- slow and steady, stop a lot and smell the roses. I’m doing the Idaho BDR next week. Would love to have you as a riding buddy sometime!!
Don’t feel alone and like your the only one who wants to enjoy the trip and don’t care about showing off or to prove something. Some guys in group rides seem to participate in a game or something. I’m with you on the solo rides but I’m fortunate to be part of a very small group that’s been riding for decades and share the same kind of riding, and let’s the one that feels like going slower that day, to ride in front of everybody. Stay safe and enjoy.
I enjoyed the video. I'm new to Offroad riding on my bike but have got out there. My wife has been riding with me, we've had to pick up the bike too. I'm a slow rider too.
You are a pretty awesome guy !!!!! Thank you for a great video !!!!! I ride a 2022 BMW r1250 GSA and love gravel ...... even though I am a rookie, I love to ride by myself and have had 2 crashes ...... one where my wife in the Taco had to come and pull me out of the mud .... LOL ...... can not wait to ride tomorrow !!!! 🙂
Like a lot of these comments, I want to say thanks for sharing your experience. I retire at the end of August 2022. I have a dual sport that I want to use for the next set of adventures; and, you, sir, are an inspiration. Great video, please keep up the fantastic and informative clips.
Hi I very much enjoyed your video the bike and motorcycle gear and more importantly the landscape. I ride by my self all the time as my friends go to fast for me I like to chill out on the bike. I look forward to more God bless
325 miles of dirt is no joke! Congrats to you for your grit and determination…at age 66 I won’t try that on my Super Tenere (too heavy) I ride the blm stuff on my XR 650L . Good job with your ride 👍
Tires and bike make a world of difference. I took a wrong turn a few years ago on my Vulcan 1600 cruiser and ended up on forest roads. Even though it wasn't designed for those roads, I had a blast. At that time I decided I needed an enduro. This year I found a fough but cheap Suzuki 250. I have been able to take a few morning trips to the mountains. It is much more enjoyable not worrying about having to pick up a 700 plus pound bike if it falls. I will turn 65 in a couple of months. I like riding my cruiser but I get more pleasure on my little enduro. I plan on adding a camera soon so I can show my friends and family why I take off every couple of weeks, even if it is only for a few hours.
I too am a lone traveller and the points you have mentioned, i am familiar with, my age 65, do i want technical trails solo, no, but i can, do i want to drop the bike, no, do i like loose sand no, do i like the adventure? yes. Thanks for this.🇨🇦
I'm old, don't care much for group rides, always turns into a competition or speed up, slow down argument. Last one the "leader" wouldn't even stop to see the views, started at 9am and we didn't eat lunch 'til 3:30 then wouldn't even relax for 5 minutes after we ate.
Yeppers, Riding on and off road presents personal challenges and when out there doin it, we count the smiles per mile not our mpg. Have fun everyone, stay safe, seek God's company out in nature. Wish you many many more great rides!
I like your pace. I’m a new rider with a KLR that I want to explore with. I’ll start making videos when I get comfortable riding but safely getting down the road takes all my focus now.
Great video and great tips - thank you!! I really found your video very entertaining and your tips are really helpful! I'm retired and have been thinking about doing a similar type of trip on my motorcycle, and your advice could not have come at a better time! Thank you and warm greetings from South Africa!
Loved the vid and adventure. I am 67 and have done a few such rides. LOL one sandy road bike drop had me thinking i was spending the night, but perseverance and faith got me out. Great work out as well. Sand is NO JOKE. The Adventures have all been worth the effort and learning curves. Thanks again for the vid, you were spot on . Keep it up.
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! I’m intrigued by off road motorcycling and truly appreciated seeing and hearing about the challenges you experienced.
Great honest video! I’m from PNW and I just moved back to the US, I was guiding moto trips in South America. Loved the video and the tips, most people try and plow through the miles and “never” get lost. Hope to run into you some time.
Thanks for the video. I am 62. Started easing into off-road riding about two years ago when I bought a GS 850. Solo seems the way to go. My biggest accomplishment was about two weeks ago when I did part of section 5 and section six of the MA BDR. It was so beneficial. Can’t wait to do it again. I am always thinking how long can I keep doing this and maybe I need a smaller bike. Maybe tomorrow. Thanks for the video.
Great fun video!! I’m a Siskiyou county guy and haven’t ventured much into southern or central oregon.. also I bought a V Strom 1000 so I’m mostly on pavement or good gravel.. it makes me miss my KLR 650!! Thanks for sharing this. It’s good to know there’s other riders that like to go slower!!! 💯👍🏽👍🏽
I enjoy your channel. Being 64 it is good to hear about other Seniors riding Solo. I bought a Yamaha XT250 which is a little under 300lbs so I can lift it even though it also lays pretty flat. My Daughter bought me the SPOT GEN4 after I spent a night on the trail here in Central Nevada. Keep up the adventures.
Didn't realize there were that many Solo riders out there. I'm one of them, but I also like riding with one or two others, not a big group. Learned a few things from you and liked your video
Bruce, I just stumbled upon your channel, what a great video! I'll be 60 in March, bought my first Adventure Bike 5 weeks ago and plan on doing the PA Wilds BDR-X here in the east as my first solo BDR moto-camping adventure this spring. Thanks for sharing your adventure, very helpful, reinforcing and inspirational!
Wow. Great travel log! I concur with your perspective as regards solo riding and enjoyed very much your comments. When riding, I am totally occupied with the motorcycle and its environment, and do not need the extra complication of looking out for other people riding with me. Neither do I use the radio or tape player or other Sonic accoutrement, as I am totally saturated with the process of riding the bike. Thank you for the time you took to document this experience.!
You are a man after my own heart. I am 72 years old and pining for just that type "wind down" experience. I envy you. I don't ride or own a bike but have ridden for short stretches( better said; I have a sense and proper balance to lug it off ). bottom line; I could manage the bike. The tenere is the bike I would choose , coincidently . I live in NH. Your travel area is sublime in my opinion. I'll keep watching.
Don't necessarily think that you need something the size of Tenere 700 to do theses trips. There are blogs of riders, one who took over a year to circumnavigate around and across Australia, and another who is circulating the world (RUclips site is "ITCHYBOOTS"), and both these LADIES are riding Honda 300cc bikes (with some appropriate modifications). These Honda 300's are developing a cult status, but I mention them only because some people are intimidated by the thoughts (and weight) of a Tenere or similar. There are several small capacity bikes available which can have their suspension upgraded to suit luggage/fuel capacity and are much less difficult to pick up when there is a fall. As well, if you have been away from riding for a while then a group ride is most likely more beneficial as some of the bigger organised groups conduct rides to suit bike capacity and rider skills levels.
I hear rationalizations for going slow and yet i find those are the reasons to ride more spirited; so you get more time to stop to take pictures, enjoy scenery, make wrong turns, adjust gear, scout out additional trails, etc. But you have to practice dirt riding skills to keep sharp. And that extra skill gives me a larger margin for unexpected obstacles when on the street in traffic. Keep on learning!
Your wonderful attitude and calm storytelling are great! Glad you enjoyed it, but find a partner next time. I'm 65 and won't go alone, even with my quirks...
YOUR RUSTIC APPROACH IS SO CALMING. I WAS SURPRISED YOU LAID DOWN BACKWARDS INTO THE LAKE .SO HOT AND TIRED?I watch Itchy boots 3 times a week she seems to have Divine love protecting her. I think, well I'll see the state of the world today on her channel Her & Dr. Drew.
Regularly topping off the tank has a side benefit. It forces you to take a short break. Taking a break is very hard for me. The kindness of strangers and a free beer is one of the best parts of traveling. Would be great if you were in New England, or I was in PNW, I bet we'd match up pretty well in ability and moral support. Even though I ride a CRF250L, I need help getting it back upright, especially when the handlebars end up lower than the tires in a ditch! Great vid, I'll check out your other stuff. A quick perusal of your channel seems to have some pretty interesting stuff!
Hey there, congrats on going solo on this one. It's not always easy but it is usually memorable when you you do the rides alone. I'm 69 years old and retired a year ago. I'm out east and have done the MABDR as well as the NEBDR alone. That 2nd one was a challenge but doable as I ride Yamaha WR250R and it's very manageable in the rough stuff (especially in Vermont). As with others who commented, I'll never be comfortable in a group ride situation. Just too many different priorities for different people. I rode 3 BDR's out west with my 40 yo old son in 2019, that was ok because we have similar abilities and daily goals. I'm leaving in a week to do the Colorado and Utah BDR's solo. I've got my gear lists down to a science at this point, I just need to stay focused on the trail. ;) Good luck and keep riding your ride.
Enjoyed your Oregon solo BDR video and looked back on an April Ski video that was great! I'm in Massachusetts and 1/3 retired, live within an hour from the NEBDR and do a lot of scouting on and around it for a group of friends I ride with who can't break away that often. On the BDR I often come to sections that just aren't wise to ride solo, so I take a picture and mark the map, then hope a day comes before long when I can ride with a friend or a small group. It sounds like I ride just like you only on a 2022 KLR and I'm fortunate that my friends who ride faster are patient! Great videos, keep them coming. I'm on the other side of our continent, but enjoying the same recreational opportunities we have here in the USA!
Here is my advice to you as a 62 yrs old rider that travel solo over 100K miles plus. First, get a Garmin mini (safety) and Garmin Zumo xt (navigation) second get a smaller bike like, Yamaha wr250r (first choice) or Honda crf250l (crf300l), at about 300 lb you will enjoy your ride and don't have to worry about dropping it and not to be able to pick it up. Carry a Air horn to scare animals like Bear or mountain lion, I know there are a lot of those in Oregon and Washington. Be safe
I agree with you about the lighter bike. I'll be 73, next year, when i'm planning to ride from the UK to Capetown. I think I'm going to take a Yamaha XT250 as my bike. The WR250 is, going to be too tall for me, and the CRF250/300 is, also, tall enough to make it difficult for me to get on it when it's got stuff strapped to the seat ( I'm not flexible enough, these days to high kick my leg over a tall bike ) The XT250's seat height is doable for me ( plus it's lighter that the CRF ) I have a Himalayan at the moment, which would be perfect, apart from the weight.
I like your idea about the airhorn. Will get a Garmin, too.
@@Jaffa1951 The WR250R is easy to lower with the Yamalink. and a lower seat...and a much better bike. We just did UT BDR and CO BDR sections 1600 miles. in 10 days. I have a 29" inseam.
And I am 66...
@@irishpilot2006 Thanks. This is interesting. How much does lowering it with the Yamalink affect the ground clearance? Also, do you know what is the seat height with link fitted? Did you fit the lowering link to yours, along with the lower seat?
Unfortunately, the XT225, XT250 and the WR250R are all fairly rare here in the UK, but having another option might help me find a good one.
I dropped a CRF300L when my lower back was hurting. I could not pick it up without a lot of pain. So maybe think about that possibility. I got a Motowinch just for a worst case scenario where back hurts again and I have to pick it up again.
I am 63 years old and ride the BDRs with my sons. They always have to stop and wait for me. My revenge for all the crap they put me through when they were younger! Nice vid…
That's great you get to ride with your sons.
@@MySeniorMoments He is a lucky man, anyhow I just bumped into your site/ video. You give me hope to ride. I used to go out in the desert when younger. At 63 kind of scary to injure oneself since women spiral down when they break a hip.
I drive slow in my truck and love the desert escarpment. Never been to Oregon but if I rode a bike I know I would also be slow.
Thanks and be safe MSM
@@beekeepermariadelgado6806 I love riding offroad on my 650. I ride all over the West. At 70 I still race down in Baja. I hope you find satisfaction in your adventures.
Waiting for my son to grow up, so I can get to ride with him. Hope he likes riding with me.
What a lovely calm guy, telling things as they are. No macho riding. I am 75 years planning my first international trip next summer. Going from Southern France to Lofoten in Norway where I lived two years, 73 years ago. I appreciate older riders because of their wisdom, common sense, more adapting to the environment than many young riders counting km trying to pass 5 countries in 3 days.
That's just great, keep on riding. My mother did till the end when she passed away age 78. This summer I'll try to go up from Spain to the North Cape, we'll see us on route ✌️
How did the trip go?
Great video, thank you. I'm 64 and just started riding again and having a great time...thank you for sharing.
Exactly same here
@@williammahaffy4642 Don't ever stop !!!
53 hrs old here and started riding this past July. I really have learned a lot, scared myself once or twice but still loving the ride. Thank you for posting.
I am 80 years old and ride an AJP PR7. 1st get a decent GPS (Garmin XT) and zoom in on your routes to see course changes. I notice you are zoomed out (3 or more mile view) most of the time. Zoom in to .5 or .8 miles distance and you will not get confused when multiple roads appear. Even though my bike gets a reliable 200 miles to a tank, I still carry a 1-gallon gas tote on multi-day trips in the outback (Nevada). I empty it into the tank of the bike at 60 miles traveled. Ride with a partner!
I'm leaving the house this morning to tackle section 5 of the UTBDR solo. I'm doing it old-school with no electronics. Thanks for your encouraging video. It gives me hope to attempt Idaho next season.
Native Oregonian here. Can't stress enough to STOP and GET FUEL if it's avaliable. Gas stations are few/far between once you get east of hwy 97, and just because a station had fuel the last time you were there doesn't gaurantee they will have some (or be open) the next time you stop in. You never know (as you experienced) when you might get off route due to an error, detour, or road closure and wish you'd stopped for fuel when you had the opportunity to do so.
True of Oregon, even more true of Nevada. There are stretches out there where it’s more than 200 miles between stations and sometimes when you get there there isn’t gas. I carry extra with me on my Triumph Bonneville, since my best range is about 180 miles.
This is great advice to keep top of mind
Im 64 and still a legend in my own mind and I ride a CRF300L, I can pick it up when I go down, I too ride alone and I prefer it that way. A couple of weeks ago a bear jumped out on the trail in front of me and then ran into the bush. My heart was beating when I went past the area he jumped back in and these cheap thrills are one of the big reasons I ride.
I enjoy your channel. I’m 55 and just ordered the 23 890 adventure r. Looking forward to doing similar stuff your doing .
Unlike you who came off a street bike, I came out of the dirt bike world and still have a plated KTM 350 that I plan on riding as long as I can.
If I can offer some advice. Tire air pressure is everything when riding in areas you may be uncomfortable with. Reduce your tire air pressure as much as possible and you will notice much improved control and traction. Once your past those challenging areas, carry a small air compressor that runs on 12 volt made for motorcycles. I don’t own one so I can’t help with brand recommendation but I’ve gone on rally rides with others who have them.
First gear, get as far back on your seat as possible and feather the front brake only when needed is a good technique going down step gravelly roads. The rear brake is good but many who are inexperienced apply too much rear brake and either stall the engine or lock it up and end up sliding sideways.
I hope this helps.
“I like to look around more”. Finally a riding partner 😄
I've ridden Colorado twice, Utah once, and Idaho once. My recommendation for your riding is the Idaho BDR. It's a fabulous route with only a couple of places that had a little challenge. The real challenge to Idaho is that it is so long. But, I'm 65, rode with two friends, and never dropped my bike on the Idaho route. It is far and away my favorite BDR so far. One thing I would add to this video would be the advice to simply not worry about workarounds - whether it be fore worry of more technical terrain (especially if you're solo) or simply because you're just a little weary of dirt.
I am really enjoying your videos. Stay safe.
Thanks for the tips
I’m 62 riding a lighter bike and rode route 4 last week. Put together a route from the paper maps onto Gaia. Still managed to get lost and enjoyed that part of the adventure because no route is perfect. May I recommend taking an offroad course from someone like Jimmy Lewis? I can’t tell you how much a few offroad classes reduced stress and anxiety in tough sections…especially that Oregon dry powder! Technique makes all the difference. Happy riding.
I'm a 65 female solo rider. I don't do adventure riding not because I don't want to but I'm afraid if I go down now I won't get back up. I still camp but prefer using Bunk a Biker when I can. I ride a 22 year old Kawasaki trike conversion and try to take 3 weeks to travel . The farthest I've gone is from Pa to Texas and the southern states to Florida and back to Pa for about 3000 miles. I agree with absolutely everything you suggested. Maybe in my next life I'll start adventuring at a much younger age. Be safe and enjoy every moment.
I don't think a trike would be a good choice on an adventure ride.
@tonyinfinity definitely no dirt or mountain climbing and of course a trike isn't for that kind of riding. My comment was more based on solo riding and if i was younger i definitely would try adventure riding.
Good video! Excellent advice, totally agree with all your suggestions and advice. I too like solo riding for all the reasons you suggested, especially just being more at ease with doing what you want or need to do. One other rider is OK, mostly to share in the fun, and carry some of the needed gear. Larger group rides present larger problems. Thank you!
Bruce - really enjoyed the video. I like the educational points you inserted. Those are very informative for someone interested in undertaking a BDR. As an older rider (71), I found this inspirational and makes me want to get a dirt bike!
Tom, a dirt bike or a dual-sport (street legal dirt bike) is the best way to learn offroad riding. After over thirty years of paved road riding, I got into ADV riding and discovered the joys of getting off the pavement. But it was very difficult to learn unpaved riding skills on these heavy, bulky machines! It wasn't until I picked up a Yamaha WR250R that my skills markedly improved! I was then able to translate those skills better to my latest ADV bike, a Husqvarna Norden 901. Don't let your age good you back!
@@hungwasson1399 Thanks Hung. I really appreciate your comment and encouragement!
Enjoyed your video- great lessons learned. I’m 71 and my son and I are planning to ride part of the wabdr sometime in August
Standing on your pegs helps to navigate the trickier bits with bumps or down hills. It gives you another set of suspension in your legs so you're not tossed around with the bike and can add your own weight where needed to make it through easier.
Bless you sir. This is what I plan on when the time soon comes. In my 60s and love riding for this reason.
I am 68 years old and ride a KTM 790. Thanks for posting such nice videos. You could maybe ride a bit faster on gravel to steady the bike and let it do what it has to do. I leisurely cruise at 45 miles an hour on gravel. Better than too slow.
That is soooo true. The bike may wiggle a bit, just let it wiggle. Unless you are in a corner a little wiggle is nothing to be alarmed about. I have found that when riding my TW200 on single tracks, it is much easier if I go a little faster. It stops all of the wobbling around.
I intend to do something similar to this. I agree with you regarding riding with tour groups and riding at your pace. Like you, I like looking around taking photos and enjoying the trip withou having to worry about keeping up with the group or holding them up. Thank you for the video, it's great to hear that there are likeminded people out there.
Some very good info. I'm 72 years old and have been riding since I was 17, but always cruisers and touring bikes. This year I just now purchased a Suzuki vstrom and plan to try some easier off roading and maybe camping. Thanks
At 5:48 I go up that section often, chain up and air down right there. Lots of snow up there now, so you can't even get to the top. I've cut a tons of trees out of that road over the years. FR 37 to Prospect is a great road too!
Super job ! I'm 73 and have been riding on & off road since I was 10 with a few years of serious AMA Enduro competition many years ago , thinking about downsizing from my Roadburner that I've occasionaly done some mild dirt & gravel roads on , thanks for giving me a "peer" view at what I'm thinking about , be safe.....
I don't have your years of experience but at 73 am contemplating selling my street bike and getting a small adventure type bike......decisions, decisions, lol.
I'll be 62 next month. I bought a G310GS for my 60th birthday and have been loving it. I need to do more moto camping. I go on day rides with friends, and other times solo. I think I'll prefer longer trips and camping while solo. I've always been interested in ultralight camping and that carried over into motorcycle camping, but I did veer slightly away from that when Amazon delivered a 2.4 pound folding camp chair today.
@@neilmeiskey5482 Take it slow and easy Brother , get all the education you can ! But , if you're still riding at 73 , you already know that...
I have ridden the Oregon “BDR” and run into the same issue you did re mapping. Butlers BDR maps are much better. I have use them to ride Idaho and Nevada.
No doubt having a proper set of tires would boost your confidence when riding on dirt/gravel. Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed it.
Man, usually the stock tire's that come on new bike's stink, I changed the tire's on my new KLR, rather quickly !
Looks like where I grew up near Grants pass. I also am a slow rider I am there to smell the air and look around and stop when I want to, I am in no rush. Good ride. Good to have a Map for sure, I have a Garmin 700i so it is easy to check where I am at and set a new course if I need to or like you do not feel the need to punish the bike or yourself. You experanced some of the same stuff as the settlers did while heading to Oregon. Changing trail and road conditions, having to turn back because road or trail closers, due to wash out Snow drifts, or running low of water, or maybe the mules had played out so plans had to change. You did well, very well, and I thank you for sharing.
Funny, a fan base for old wise men has been born! thanks for the vids, i hit the subscribe
Sir, you are my hero. I am 54 and my wife has started asking when I'm going to stop riding Adventure Motorcycles. I dont plan to! Thanks for being a great example. I ride solo as much as I can, because I really dislike group ride for the same reasons you stated. When I do ride with a group or even lead a ride, I always tell everyone to ride your ride and dont try to keep up with the rider in front of them because bad things happen that way especially off road. Any way - Thanks again.
I LIKE TO HEAR STATEMENTS LIKE YOURS " I DON'T PLAN TO " I'M 70 YEARS OLD LIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA AND STILL RIDE,
SOLO OR WITH MY BUDDY TOM AND PLAN TO UNTIL I CAN'T KEEP MY BIKE UPRIGHT, IT'S A 2003 BMW 1150 ADVENTURE CALLED " INYATHI " THIS MEANS BUFFALO IN THE ZULU LANGUAGE.
I’m 61 and just getting started with it. Give ‘em hell.
Great to hear Mike! I hit 59 here shortly and have rode motorcycles on pavement my entire adult life. This year I decided it was time to hit the (off) road. I bought a R1250GSA and am taking the Rawhyde course in Southern CA next month to start training. I have been practicing off road over the summer with another bike I have just to get more comfortable but the GSA is a beast. I want some professional input. My goal is to to at least three BDR routes next year and hopefully more like 5 or 6. We will see how it goes.
I’m 61 also and want to try it with a street bike
Great attitude, and you did an outstanding job documenting. Just enough on bike video to visualize, and perfect editing cuts to make your points.
I watched your entire video! Great advice you’ve given here! I’m going on my first BDR ride with a group of experienced riders from church hopefully in the next month. I wanted to get a bigger ADV bike but, almost all in the group ride Kawasaki KLR’s. Probably a smart move to have similar rides as the rest of the group. I was looking at the Tenere 700 but, it is pricey. I found a 2024 KLR with only 500 miles on it for around $6K.
When I was younger (now 67) used to ride my mountain bike like no tomorrow. Now I've slowed down and "smell the roses". I ride my T. Tiger the same way, hence the name "SloGoin Rider". Congrats on doing the ride the way you want. My last ride I camped at Lake of the Woods and then went around Crater Lake and up to Sunriver from the Sacramento area. If you ever need someone to ride with on one of your camping trips, let me know I'll ride up and would love to join in. We ride at the same pace, slow and steady. Plus, you can never do to many camping trips. I do enjoy your videos. Jim
Good for you, dude! Love that you saw a challenge and took the adventure. Especially love the simple gratitude that comes from rolling into a free lakeside campsite with food and drink. Ride on!
Yep I am the same kind of rider ! Good on you for talking about this!
Your voice is soothing. Going steady,going safe, all right!. Thanks and wish to watch more.
I applaud your mature and kind responses to comments!
Thank you for sharing this. We are two Kiwi's who hope to do some of this region in 2024.
More than happy to have you along for the ride.
Steveandsuzzertw 👍🏍️🏍️
I am an older (64) solo adventure rider and have your same riding style and philosophy. Great video!
Hello, I've seen a number of your videos and enjoy them. I just saw this one on the Oregon BDR and have had a lot of interest in doing it or sections. I am probably a bit older than you (71) and have a Honda Crf300l for the dirt and a Harley Softail Heritage Classic for the road. I know you ride an adventure bike. You mentioned living close to the California end of the Oregon BDRE. I live just outside Adin California. There's lots of great riding in my area and I'm sure in your as well. If you might ever want anyone to go on rides with I would certainly consider. I'm not group type of person and do not drink. I'm a retired public school superintendent and lost my beautiful wife 14 years ago after a four year battle with cancer. Sometimes I get tired of doing everything alone all the time. Again, if you might ever want a riding buddy let me know. Keep on doing stuff
I really enjoyed the video. I too like to take my time and enjoy the scenery.
Lesson number 1. If you are going off-road get a light bike, I had an African twin that could not pick up by myself. Great video! 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing your experience on the Oregon BDR, it’s good to see somebody that looks like me, meaning a little bit older, I’m age 64, out there doing this solo, like I’ve been doing up here near Seattle on the local forest service roads. Nice video! You should probably get the Garmin mini two to add a bit of safety to your ride as well, I have one and my family and I feel better for that.
Thanks. I travel with a Garmin inReach Explorer plus in my front jacket.
I'm 61, live up around Arlington if you ever want to ride. I'm new to trails.
yeah i swear by my garmin zumo xt . i usually download the bdr maps before i even go on a excursion
Good job!!! Impressive! Thanks for the great video.
I have found love with riding adventure motorcycles at my 40s, so I am very glad watching you enjoy the same at a more ripe age! Keep enjoying your bike and your adventures!
Good for you taking off on an adventure. You’ve got lots to remember. You did it!
Thanks so much for your humble and the real deal sharing for the common man. I appreciate so much that real challenges and comments. U r an example . Cheers
This was super cozy and relaxing to watch, thank you! 😍🦋I'm 45, I live in Sweden and I ride a Versys-X 300. I love back roads and gravel, and just getting out to see some beautiful nature (and a little bit of the fun challenge with some rougher sections and trails too).
I'm retiring in a couple of weeks at 51 years old. Looking forward to finding a hobby and I think I found it.
Retiring at 51? Are you NUT'S?
@@seanmaccionnaith3458 Nope. Saved as much as I could. Made sound investments, and have always lived modestly and within my means. I would say more smart than nuts.
Great videos. I am in Australia and our tracks in some areas are similar to yours. I have been back riding for 5 years and just clocking 63 years old. What I do to get my confidence up is on straight sections and corners with clear visibility I push the pace sometimes to 65 miles an hour. By doing this it makes other sections when idling along seem easier. I enjoy the challenge of safely rubbing off speed and easing the bike through the corner. My ability doesn't stretch to sliding around corners. Enjoy your rides and stay safe.
Bravo Zulu, mate. Well done. Do what you enjoy doing. Your approach means you get a chance to smell the coffee.
I’m soon 69 years old.
Been riding Harleys for about 25 years, Heritage and a Ultra Classic.
Like a lot of us I rode dirt bikes as a kid.
I’m planning to sell the Harley and get an ADV bike.
Your video inspires me.
I like riding solo bc it allows me to absolutely haul ass. Did the Utah BDR with my dad and warned him when I invited him to go with me that it was going to be a world record run bc I had to get back to work lol. We did it in 3 days 8 hours border to border. Fun trip. Went fast the whole time.
Just found your channel and love the content! I don’t ride “deliberately” like yourself as i have a heavy right wrist on my Ktm 1290 but that’s what’s awesome about adventure riding - you can ride your own style and make it your own adventure! I’m trying to convince my recently retired father (63) that he needs to park the Harley and get an Adv bike!! I’d love to ride with him. Crack on!
I’m like you in that I prefer to ride a little slower than most it seems. I’m more cautious. You never know what is around the corner, tires might lose traction, etc. And I like to take in the scenery. Part of the reason for being out there is to experience the beauty and scenery. When you bust down the road at racing speeds, you miss everything.
Thanks Bruce!! Loved the video. Your style is my style- slow and steady, stop a lot and smell the roses. I’m doing the Idaho BDR next week. Would love to have you as a riding buddy sometime!!
Don’t feel alone and like your the only one who wants to enjoy the trip and don’t care about showing off or to prove something. Some guys in group rides seem to participate in a game or something. I’m with you on the solo rides but I’m fortunate to be part of a very small group that’s been riding for decades and share the same kind of riding, and let’s the one that feels like going slower that day, to ride in front of everybody. Stay safe and enjoy.
I enjoyed the video. I'm new to Offroad riding on my bike but have got out there. My wife has been riding with me, we've had to pick up the bike too. I'm a slow rider too.
You are a pretty awesome guy !!!!! Thank you for a great video !!!!! I ride a 2022 BMW r1250 GSA and love gravel ...... even though I am a rookie, I love to ride by myself and have had 2 crashes ...... one where my wife in the Taco had to come and pull me out of the mud .... LOL ...... can not wait to ride tomorrow !!!! 🙂
yes completly agree , go at your pace and look around, that is the purpuse of riding so you can enjoy👍👍that is why i solo to!
Like a lot of these comments, I want to say thanks for sharing your experience. I retire at the end of August 2022. I have a dual sport that I want to use for the next set of adventures; and, you, sir, are an inspiration. Great video, please keep up the fantastic and informative clips.
Hi I very much enjoyed your video the bike and motorcycle gear and more importantly the landscape. I ride by my self all the time as my friends go to fast for me I like to chill out on the bike. I look forward to more God bless
325 miles of dirt is no joke! Congrats to you for your grit and determination…at age 66 I won’t try that on my Super Tenere (too heavy) I ride the blm stuff on my XR 650L . Good job with your ride 👍
Tires and bike make a world of difference. I took a wrong turn a few years ago on my Vulcan 1600 cruiser and ended up on forest roads. Even though it wasn't designed for those roads, I had a blast. At that time I decided I needed an enduro. This year I found a fough but cheap Suzuki 250. I have been able to take a few morning trips to the mountains. It is much more enjoyable not worrying about having to pick up a 700 plus pound bike if it falls. I will turn 65 in a couple of months. I like riding my cruiser but I get more pleasure on my little enduro. I plan on adding a camera soon so I can show my friends and family why I take off every couple of weeks, even if it is only for a few hours.
I too am a lone traveller and the points you have mentioned, i am familiar with, my age 65, do i want technical trails solo, no, but i can, do i want to drop the bike, no, do i like loose sand no, do i like the adventure? yes.
Thanks for this.🇨🇦
At an older age I personally feel when heading into remote areas it's always wise to not go alone good video I enjoyed watching it
I'm old, don't care much for group rides, always turns into a competition or speed up, slow down argument. Last one the "leader" wouldn't even stop to see the views, started at 9am and we didn't eat lunch 'til 3:30 then wouldn't even relax for 5 minutes after we ate.
Yeppers, Riding on and off road presents personal challenges and when out there doin it, we count the smiles per mile not our mpg.
Have fun everyone, stay safe, seek God's company out in nature. Wish you many many more great rides!
I like your pace. I’m a new rider with a KLR that I want to explore with. I’ll start making videos when I get comfortable riding but safely getting down the road takes all my focus now.
Thanks for sharing about slow enjoyable riding. Same here...I tot I was a bad rider who couldn't keep.up.with the pack etc
Great video and great tips - thank you!! I really found your video very entertaining and your tips are really helpful! I'm retired and have been thinking about doing a similar type of trip on my motorcycle, and your advice could not have come at a better time! Thank you and warm greetings from South Africa!
Loved the vid and adventure. I am 67 and have done a few such rides. LOL one sandy road bike drop had me thinking i was spending the night, but perseverance and faith got me out. Great work out as well. Sand is NO JOKE. The Adventures have all been worth the effort and learning curves. Thanks again for the vid, you were spot on . Keep it up.
Your video was well thought out, great quality and editing. Most of all, thanks for sharing your BDR experience. Nicely done sir!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us!
I’m intrigued by off road motorcycling and truly appreciated seeing and hearing about the challenges you experienced.
Going to be doing this at the end of the month (it's June 2023 now). Glad I found this video. I'll be riding a Tiger 900 Rally Pro.
I am solo, slow and deliberate. I take a camera with me and enjoy taking photos, so I stop a lot. I love it.
Great honest video! I’m from PNW and I just moved back to the US, I was guiding moto trips in South America. Loved the video and the tips, most people try and plow through the miles and “never” get lost. Hope to run into you some time.
I am 64 going on 65, you just inspired me to bite the bullet and my trip to Wales next week.
Thank you
PS: My ride is a Zero DSR Blackforest
Thanks for the video. I am 62. Started easing into off-road riding about two years ago when I bought a GS 850. Solo seems the way to go. My biggest accomplishment was about two weeks ago when I did part of section 5 and section six of the MA BDR. It was so beneficial. Can’t wait to do it again. I am always thinking how long can I keep doing this and maybe I need a smaller bike. Maybe tomorrow. Thanks for the video.
Great fun video!! I’m a Siskiyou county guy and haven’t ventured much into southern or central oregon..
also I bought a V Strom 1000 so I’m mostly on pavement or good gravel.. it makes me miss my KLR 650!!
Thanks for sharing this. It’s good to know there’s other riders that like to go slower!!! 💯👍🏽👍🏽
Thanks Bruce. Great job. Good info. Very impressive. God bless. Happy trails.
I enjoy your channel. Being 64 it is good to hear about other Seniors riding Solo. I bought a Yamaha XT250 which is a little under 300lbs so I can lift it even though it also lays pretty flat. My Daughter bought me the SPOT GEN4 after I spent a night on the trail here in Central Nevada. Keep up the adventures.
I like the xt250. Low seat height and lightweight. Good choice, and cudos to daughter for the Spot device.
Nice recap! Dealing with the unplanned and unexpected is part of the adventure!
Didn't realize there were that many Solo riders out there. I'm one of them, but I also like riding with one or two others, not a big group. Learned a few things from you and liked your video
nice video , I agree ,those tires are very dangerous for gravel or soft terrain , keep the good rides on !
Bruce, I just stumbled upon your channel, what a great video! I'll be 60 in March, bought my first Adventure Bike 5 weeks ago and plan on doing the PA Wilds BDR-X here in the east as my first solo BDR moto-camping adventure this spring. Thanks for sharing your adventure, very helpful, reinforcing and inspirational!
Wow. Great travel log!
I concur with your perspective as regards solo riding and enjoyed very much your
comments.
When riding, I am totally occupied with the motorcycle and its environment, and do not need the extra complication of looking out for other people riding with me. Neither do I use the radio or tape player or other Sonic accoutrement, as I am totally saturated with the process of riding the bike.
Thank you for the time you took to document this experience.!
You are a man after my own heart. I am 72 years old and pining for just that type "wind down" experience. I envy you. I don't ride or own a bike but have ridden for short stretches( better said; I have a sense and proper balance to lug it off ). bottom line; I could manage the bike. The tenere is the bike I would choose , coincidently . I live in NH. Your travel area is sublime in my opinion. I'll keep watching.
Don't necessarily think that you need something the size of Tenere 700 to do theses trips. There are blogs of riders, one who took over a year to circumnavigate around and across Australia, and another who is circulating the world (RUclips site is "ITCHYBOOTS"), and both these LADIES are riding Honda 300cc bikes (with some appropriate modifications). These Honda 300's are developing a cult status, but I mention them only because some people are intimidated by the thoughts (and weight) of a Tenere or similar. There are several small capacity bikes available which can have their suspension upgraded to suit luggage/fuel capacity and are much less difficult to pick up when there is a fall. As well, if you have been away from riding for a while then a group ride is most likely more beneficial as some of the bigger organised groups conduct rides to suit bike capacity and rider skills levels.
I hear rationalizations for going slow and yet i find those are the reasons to ride more spirited; so you get more time to stop to take pictures, enjoy scenery, make wrong turns, adjust gear, scout out additional trails, etc. But you have to practice dirt riding skills to keep sharp. And that extra skill gives me a larger margin for unexpected obstacles when on the street in traffic. Keep on learning!
Good point!
What a great final lesson. Much like life, things can turn on a dime. Enjoyable video.
Your wonderful attitude and calm storytelling are great! Glad you enjoyed it, but find a partner next time. I'm 65 and won't go alone, even with my quirks...
Looked liked a good time, glad you made thru without a lot of problems
Refreshingly honest trip report and sharing of knowledge. Thank you! Really enjoyed it.
Great video, you're soooo right. Keep always your own pace for safety, well being and enjoy the ride without hurry or stress. ✌️
Good on you for getting out there and doing it. I just picked up a Tenere 700 myself a few weeks ago, love it!
YOUR RUSTIC APPROACH IS SO CALMING. I WAS SURPRISED YOU LAID DOWN BACKWARDS INTO THE LAKE .SO HOT AND TIRED?I watch Itchy boots 3 times a week she seems to have Divine love protecting her. I think,
well I'll see the state of the world today on her channel Her & Dr. Drew.
Very useful and helpful video. Good to see a more normal solo adventure record. Thanks
Nice vid and valuable tips, mate. Congrats
Regularly topping off the tank has a side benefit. It forces you to take a short break. Taking a break is very hard for me.
The kindness of strangers and a free beer is one of the best parts of traveling.
Would be great if you were in New England, or I was in PNW, I bet we'd match up pretty well in ability and moral support.
Even though I ride a CRF250L, I need help getting it back upright, especially when the handlebars end up lower than the tires in a ditch!
Great vid, I'll check out your other stuff.
A quick perusal of your channel seems to have some pretty interesting stuff!
Hey there, congrats on going solo on this one. It's not always easy but it is usually memorable when you you do the rides alone.
I'm 69 years old and retired a year ago. I'm out east and have done the MABDR as well as the NEBDR alone. That 2nd one was a challenge but doable as I ride Yamaha WR250R and it's very manageable in the rough stuff (especially in Vermont).
As with others who commented, I'll never be comfortable in a group ride situation. Just too many different priorities for different people. I rode 3 BDR's out west with my 40 yo old son in 2019, that was ok because we have similar abilities and daily goals.
I'm leaving in a week to do the Colorado and Utah BDR's solo. I've got my gear lists down to a science at this point, I just need to stay focused on the trail. ;)
Good luck and keep riding your ride.
With your experience I’d love to see your gear list! Do you have a channel on here?
Enjoyed your Oregon solo BDR video and looked back on an April Ski video that was great! I'm in Massachusetts and 1/3 retired, live within an hour from the NEBDR and do a lot of scouting on and around it for a group of friends I ride with who can't break away that often. On the BDR I often come to sections that just aren't wise to ride solo, so I take a picture and mark the map, then hope a day comes before long when I can ride with a friend or a small group. It sounds like I ride just like you only on a 2022 KLR and I'm fortunate that my friends who ride faster are patient! Great videos, keep them coming. I'm on the other side of our continent, but enjoying the same recreational opportunities we have here in the USA!
Greatings from Portugal, love the vídeo, very genuine wishing, all the best
Thank you very much!