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Backroad Motorcycle Adventures - anyone done it?

Never here, but they have a damn full schedule.

Look forward to hearing some actual experience with them.
 
Never seen or heard of them here either and Idk but 1K to ride the Nor Cal BDR w support vehicle (including snacks), lead and sweep seems a bit steep but…. each to their own.
Training courses probably better value but nothing beats doing and watching others successfully making it through.

I can see paying for a more challenging route but honestly one shouldn’t need a support vehicle to ride it (any BdR).

Maybe Baja but….wtvr, support em!

Always a risk of buyer’s remorse but do one and report back:)
 
I'll save you a shit-ton of money:

Butler Maps - Explore New Adventures

Our maps are custom-crafted to help you find true adventure. Join us in becoming the adventure hero by living a life that transcends the human experience.
butlermaps.com

Half of the fun is planning your own ride and then discovering what's good and what isn't. Don't pay someone else to do that for you. You won't get the same satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. Instead of participating in adventure, you'll be a bystander.
 
stratslingr77 said:
I'll save you a shit-ton of money:

Butler Maps - Explore New Adventures

Our maps are custom-crafted to help you find true adventure. Join us in becoming the adventure hero by living a life that transcends the human experience.
butlermaps.com

Half of the fun is planning your own ride and then discovering what's good and what isn't. Don't pay someone else to do that for you. You won't get the same satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. Instead of participating in adventure, you'll be a bystander.
Click to expand...

I have zero dirt experience, and no buddies who ride,.... sooooo doing a BDR solo with absolutely no experience doesn't seem like a great idea with or without Butler maps.

A basic introduction to dirt, adventure riding, and/or a guided trip might be a better plan for someone like myself.

Perhaps I am overcomplicating things, but from the videos I've seen on Youtube, doing a BDR on my own sounds like a terrible idea.
 
$275 for a one day training sounds expensive, but it's only like 1.5 sushi dinners for some people. It could be really helpful depending on how much one on one instruction you get.

I've done the Doc Wong rides a few times and they are almost free. Super helpful for noobs to the dirt too, but not a lot of one on one instruction.

The thing with trainings like these is that you have to get lots of practice after the initial training or you forget. Confidence with anything takes a lot of time in the saddle.

I say if you can afford it then go for it, and let us know how it is.
 
Cabrito said:
$275 for a one day training sounds expensive, but it's only like 1.5 sushi dinners for some people. It could be really helpful depending on how much one on one instruction you get.

I've done the Doc Wong rides a few times and they are almost free. Super helpful for noobs to the dirt too, but not a lot of one on one instruction.

The thing with trainings like these is that you have to get lots of practice after the initial training or you forget. Confidence with anything takes a lot of time in the saddle.

I say if you can afford it then go for it, and let us know how it is.
Click to expand...

Other than Doc Wong's workshops, Not sure you can find any motorcycle training for less than $275 a day.

If you know of any,... please share.
 
Joe_13 said:
Other than Doc Wong's workshops, Not sure you can find any motorcycle training for less than $275 a day.

If you know of any,... please share.
Click to expand...

Agree, and even the Garrahan Off-Road Training for intro to Dirt is $375 if you don't have your own bike and gear. And like I said - It's not that expensive in the grand scheme of things compared to a few tanks of gas in your vehicle.

Come to StonyBarf and there will probably be some ADV types that would ride some of the easy dirt roads with you (me for one). Lot's of good folks who would share tips and general offroad knowledge.

StonyBARF 20 May 8 through May 11, 2025

StonyBARF 20 is now officially May 8 through May 11 Bring firewood! Lots. Stage 5 CJ fire expected. Reservation number is 0779008713-1 All other details are similar to the 19 other StonyBARFs. I will not get there until Friday so you guys can let yourselves in on Thursday. Entrance...
bayarearidersforum.com

It's always a good time when the big ADV bikes come out to StonyBarf
 
Joe_13 said:
I have zero dirt experience, and no buddies who ride,.... sooooo doing a BDR solo with absolutely no experience doesn't seem like a great idea with or without Butler maps.

A basic introduction to dirt, adventure riding, and/or a guided trip might be a better plan for someone like myself.

Perhaps I am overcomplicating things, but from the videos I've seen on Youtube, doing a BDR on my own sounds like a terrible idea.
Click to expand...

I agree as long as the $$$$ is tolerable. It can be nice to have professional support as a newb.
I am no ADV guy though. Missed that fun looking boat by a few years due to having so much fun on asphalt.
 
my intro to dual sport was the Sheetiron 300 easy splits. I was a total clownshow, but there were 500 other guys there to help me pick my bike up, or help me change a flat or give me a tip when necessary. :facepalm :laughing
 
Last edited:
stratslingr77 said:
I'll save you a shit-ton of money:

Butler Maps - Explore New Adventures

Our maps are custom-crafted to help you find true adventure. Join us in becoming the adventure hero by living a life that transcends the human experience.
butlermaps.com

Half of the fun is planning your own ride and then discovering what's good and what isn't. Don't pay someone else to do that for you. You won't get the same satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. Instead of participating in adventure, you'll be a bystander.
Click to expand...

Agree 100%. Of all the bitchin' rides we've done over the decades, I planned almost all of them with nothing but a map and a healthy sense of curiosity. Supremely rewarding, and we've seen a ton of interesting stuff along the way.
 
Joe_13 said:
I have zero dirt experience, and no buddies who ride,.... sooooo doing a BDR solo with absolutely no experience doesn't seem like a great idea with or without Butler maps.

A basic introduction to dirt, adventure riding, and/or a guided trip might be a better plan for someone like myself.

Perhaps I am overcomplicating things, but from the videos I've seen on Youtube, doing a BDR on my own sounds like a terrible idea.
Click to expand...

You make some very good points. I don't blame you for not wanting to do a BDR by yourself, especially on a big ADV bike with no dirt experience. I second SFMCJohn's advice to show up to a BARF gathering and ride with some of BARF'ers. Tons of collective experience, lots of patience, and always willing to share wisdom and advice. They'll even help you pick up your bike! I'm glad you're putting forth the effort to make this happen, Joe. There's a whole new exciting world waiting for you, and I'm betting you'll find plenty of riding buddies to experience it with. Good luck!
 
Joe, listen to her. I thought I was the stuff on an old Funduro. She set me straight. Even the old XR250 was too much bike. Definitely put May 8th on your calendar, I’ll let you play with one of my bikes. Talk to Fluffy or SFMC John and learn what and how to pack.
 
WFO said:
Go to Clear Creek with a dirt bike and you will learn how to ride.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but don't go out to Clear Creek with no dirt experience on a big ADV bike. Conditions on the dirt roads can be dicey in some sections.

From some years ago on a Doc Wong ride.


 
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